Awaken

Transmutation
Level: Drd 5
Components: V, S, DF, XP
Casting Time: 24 hours
Range: Touch
Target: Animal or tree touched
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Will negates
Spell Resistance: Yes
Description

Other Information
Your base Will save at minimum caster level is +6. Additionally, you need at least a 15 Wisdom score to be able to cast 5th level spells, which is an extra +2 (minimum).

Pros:
  • No material component.
  • Permanent.

    Cons:
  • XP cost.
  • Extremely long casting time.
  • Fails if you don't make the Will save requirement.

    Tricks/Combos:
  • Get some buff spells on you to help your Will save, since the save DC can be quite high depending on the strength of the creature being affected. Even little spells like Resistance will help.
  • Technically since Awaken is a touch spell, you could cast the spell and then hold the charge and use it on something later on. You could be really nasty with this spell and turn the Archwizard's giant dinosaur pet into your new friend.
  • Maximize spell / Empower spell: Yes,those attributes that are 3d6 are variable scores, and hence can be maximized & empowered. That tree you just awoke? It's now got 27 intelligence. Have fun.

    Overall:
    Awaken can be a lot of fun simply because it allows you to create intelligent beings. Remember that they have human sentience and intelligence - you can't just Awaken an oak tree and order it to guard your keep while you're out. Although you cannot upgrade an animal companion, familiar, or special mount using this spell, it does allow you to gain a new friend or party member. Depending on how you roleplay it (and depending on what the DM thinks), you could almost gain a cohort if you treat the awakened creature well. The XP cost prevents you from going overboard; you could awaken a hundred squirrels to create a squirrel city, but it would cost you a ton of experience.

    Recommended for Druids?
    Situational. Obviously not a spell you want to cast every day, but you might want to cast it once to get yourself an ally.

    Recommended as a scroll?
    No. This isn't a spell you want to cast on the fly. You want preparation and a little foresight - don't awaken a giant, fearsome roc if you have nothing around to cement your friendship with. You don't want to pay 250 XP only to have the now-awakened creature run off.
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