'MANA SHIELD' Syntax: cast 'mana shield' (short syntax: mshi) Spell type: PROTECTIVE This spell surrounds the caster with a shield of pure energy. The shield can help absorb magical damage inflicted by the caster's opponents. The upkeep of this spell is very stressful, however. The caster must put in more mental energy every time a magical attack is directed at him in order to absorb the damage. The efficiency of this upkeep increases as the caster rises in rank. An invoker may replace an existing elemental shield with a mana shield, but not a barrier. They may also use their mystic tendrils while encased in the mana shield to explode it, thus causing the magical remnants to settle on their body and affect it with the SLOW spell. Some spells (including the 'cause wounds' spells and REND LIFE) cannot be mitigated via a mana shield, for they damage the victim's life force directly. Related help files: HELP BARRIER HELP MYSTIC TENDRILS HELP SLOW