Snow Beast

[Shadowbranch1]

Snow Beast

Transmutation

Level: Drd 1, Rgr 1, Sor/Wiz 1

Components: V, S, M

Casting Time: 1 round

Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)

Target or Effects or Area: One Mount

Duration: 2 hours/level (D)

Saving Throw: None

Spell Resistance: No

This spell conforms in all aspects as the “Mount” spell. The mount is in all aspects equal to a light horse. However the creature is not summoned rather than made from the surrounding ice and snow. The creature has the same amount as HP as double the casters, and has no attacks. The creatures base AC is 15, and it takes double damage from fire or heat based attacks. The creature retains a normal movement rate across all types of snow and ice, and is completely sure-footed. At the completion of the spell duration the creature reverts to its base materials.

Material Component: A bit of hair from a mountain pony

[Skurvy]

For me, I dont see any reason to take this spell rather than the standard Mount spell. It slightly increases the AC for a light horse (15 rather than 13), has far less hit points (the mount would only have 3 hit points at the earliest level a Wizard could cast this spell, as opposed to an average of 19 for a light horse), and has an added vulnerability to fire/heat damage.

I think this spell has a good idea behind it, but the crunch needs to be reworked in order to justify the higher level.

Skurvy

PS: All light horse stats taken from the 3.5e Monster Manual

[Shadowbranch1]

The level has been reduced. The only true advantage of this spell versus a regular mount spell is that the creature created here has the ability to move at its full movenment rate through ice and snow, whereas a normal creature would be slowed substantially.