Spellbook
Styptic
By Ramon Arjona

Several decades ago, a young cleric named Siashton Mith decided to devote his life to the study of divine healing. So dedicated was he to his chosen field that his grasp of healing magic soon surpassed that of his teachers, and he established his own hospital.

In the course of his work, Siashton developed a number of unique healing spells. Many of these spells were intended to help inexperienced clerics temporarily stave off the worst effects of illness or injury in their patients until more powerful aid became available.

One of the most useful spells he developed during this period was styptic, a spell that would stop bleeding from a serious wound, even one resulting from a wounding effect.

Many young clerics in outlying areas were able to save the lives of peasant farmers injured in the fields using this spell. But it was especially beneficial for adventuring clerics, who could use it to stop bleeding from wounding effects.

Styptic
Conjuration (Healing)
Level: Clr 0
Components: S, M
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Target: Creature touched
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Will negates (harmless)
Spell Resistance: Yes (harmless)

The target of this spell immediately stops bleeding from any wounds it has suffered from slashing or piercing weapons or wounding effects. The spell also immediately stabilizes a creature that is dying as a result of such injuries. Styptic has no effect on injuries resulting from other types of damage, or on conditions that do not deal hit point damage.

Material Component: A specially carved stick with a wax tip.

About the Author

Ramon Arjona is a software developer with Wizards of the Coast. His poetry has appeared in the Absinthe Literary Review and the Hawaii Review. His short stories have appeared in Strange Horizons.