Spell Index

Barrier

A powerful, invisible magical barrier

Abjuration
Action: Standard
Components: V,S,M (a small stone)
Duration: rounds/level
Spell Lists: Alchemy,Arcane,Divine,Nature,Psychic
Levels: 1,3,5,7,9,10
Target: close creature

The Barrier spell conjures a sphere of force that shields the target from various forms of harm. This magical protection defends against sound, heat, physical attacks, and most targeted spells. However, it does not guard against mental attacks or magic that bypasses projectiles. One unique aspect of the Barrier spell is its faster casting time, granting the caster a Reflex Bonus specifically for this spell.

There are two main ways to cast the Barrier:

1. Skin-Close Barrier: This variant adheres directly to a single creature, forming a protective layer around them. It synergizes well with physical shields but only shields the creature it envelops. A skin-close barrier reduces damage before armor calculations, making it a popular choice for personal defense.

2. Radius Barrier: This type forms a protective zone around a point, absorbing damage from all directions before defenses like shields or armor are considered. It also protects against area effects such as falling debris or fireballs, making it ideal for defending multiple allies.

The Barrier spell can be enhanced through special Barrier feats, such as Long Barrier or Under Barrier, which offer modifications in exchange for tradeoffs in durability or spell slot costs. Additionally, multiple barriers can be stacked like layers of armor, but doing so increases the difficulty of casting. The maximum number of layers a caster can maintain equals 1 per 10 points of Intelligence.

The spell can also be scaled up using the Overcast feat, increasing its effectiveness as the caster's level increases. The table below details the scaling of the Barrier:

Barrier Scaling