Arcane Mark

Universal
Level: Sor/Wiz 0
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: 0 ft.
Effect: One personal rune or mark, all of which must fit within 1 sq. ft.
Duration: Permanent
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No
Description

Other Information
This spell is basically the magic version of a permanent magic marker. Detect Magic makes an Arcane Mark glow, while See Invisibility, True Seeing, a gem of seeing, or a robe of eyes allows the user to see an invisible Arcane Mark.

Pros:
  • Permanent.
  • Can be visible or invisible.
  • Can be placed on any substance.
  • Cannot be dispelled, can only be dismissed or removed with an Erase spell.

    Cons:
  • Limit of six characters.

    Tricks/Combos:
  • If you're creative with your "personal rune" then you essentially have a graffiti tag that you can play around with.
  • If your DM allows Arcane Mark to inscribe more than just your personal rune, this spell can be a fun way to punish someone you don't like; just put a big mark across their forehead labeling them the derogatory title of your choice.
  • Good way to mark a trail or path.
  • Invisible marks on your property is useful in organized legal environments, since you can prove an item does actually belong to you, much to the chagrin of a thief.
  • A mark can be placed on any substance. This include regular surfaces like stone or wood, or more imaginative places such as water, fabrics, etc.

    Overall:
    Personally, I think a 0th level permanent, undispellable mark that can be visible or invisible and placed on any surface is quite powerful. Good for marking trails, identifying your property, or just some good old fashioned vandalizing.

    Recommended for Sorcerers?
    No. Though this spell can be handy, there are other 0th level spells that are just more generally usefu. Read Magic, Detect Magic, Mage Hand, Light, Ghost Sound, Message...I would take most of these before Arcane Mark. Mischievous Sorcerers may greatly appreciate the silly uses for the spell, though.

    Recommended for Wizards as an initial spell choice?
    Automatic.

    Recommended as a scroll?
    No. If you really are going to use it frequently, just get a wand (cheap) or a similar item.
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