This level 8 wizard spell is available in Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn, Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition and Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal.
| “ | Symbol, Stun Symbol, Stun is a powerful enchantment that allows the wizard to inscribe a symbol on the ground or any other surface. The symbol will remain there until someone comes to close, at which point it will explode, causing all those within the area to make a Save vs. Spell at a -4 penalty or be stunned for 2 rounds + 1 round for every 3 levels of the caster. |
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Gameplay[]
The caster selects a point on the map to which the spell will launch toward using the targeting cursor.
Upon designating the point, and completing the spell casting, a projectile speeds to the spot, and forms a small pinkish colored glowing disc symbol, that appears to hover there.
Despite the spell describing some kind of inscription on the ground or other source, that doesn't occur, and the spell actually places a glyph on the area map.
The symbol remains at that spot until it is triggered by any creature that is near enough to it, about 8 feet is close enough.
When triggered, the symbol bursts in a pinkish colored 12-feet radius, and all within that area are exposed to the spell, including the caster.
All creatures in the spell's triggered area of effect are exposed to a Stun status effect. A Saving throw versus Spell with a -4 penalty will negate this.
Creatures who miss their saving throw and who are affected by the stun will have a graphic color fade play over the sprite, a text message will display "Stunned" and a sound effect will audible.
A party character affected by this spell will show an icon (No. 55) labelled "Stun" on their portrait while the spell effects are active.
This spell can potentially be blocked by Magic resistance and completely negated by Spell Immunity: Conjuration.
It can be cured by Free Action (spell) and other methods and is subject to Dispel Magic effects. See the status effect link for more.
Notes[]
One would think this spell would be viewed as a "hostile" one. However, all the "symbol" spells are not flagged as such, and do not trigger a reaction from the creature whether affected or not, nor any other creatures in the vicinity.
Use of all the symbol spells is common in the game from hostile arcane spell casters with the ability to use 8th level spells. Expect to be faced with these in battle.
Where to obtain its scroll[]
Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn[]
Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal[]
Trivia[]
All of the "Symbol" spells used in the BG video game are based upon the 8th-level Wizard spell Symbol, or the Priest version which is a 7th-level spell. In the AD&D 2nd Edition ruleset, there are several symbols that can be selected and produced by the caster (choose from up to 9 types of symbols). Additionally, there are rules given in the Player's Handbook, and additional clarification and rules from the Wizard's Spell Compendium references. The BG game's version of this spell is basically broken down into individual symbols, and several symbols are omitted from the game. And as is usual, the symbols behave differently between the Pen and Paper vs. the video games. For further reading see the external link.
Gallery[]
Mod content[]
This section is about unofficial content that is only available via fan-made mods.
Spell Revisions mod has replaced the arcane spell Symbol, Stun with the spell described below:
Symbol of Stunning
Level: 8
School: Conjuration
Range: Long
Duration: Special
Casting Time: 1 round
Area of Effect: 20’ radius
Saving Throw: Spell negates
Symbol of Stunning is a powerful enchantment that allows the caster to inscribe a symbol on the ground or any other surface. The symbol will remain there until a hostile creature comes within 15 feet of the glyph, at which point it is triggered and explodes, causing all enemies within a 20-foot radius to make a saving throw vs. spell at -4 or be stunned for 4 rounds.
External Links[]
- Symbol, Stun (wizard) on the Icewind Dale Wiki, a wiki for the first Icewind Dale game.
- Advanced D&D 2nd Edition Wiki - Symbol (Wizard Spell)