Blinding Light

Blinding Light attempts to briefly restrict a small group of nearby targets. An opponent successfully hit takes a penalty to its next attack and cannot use an ability that relies on sight. This is a precisely defined, brief change to its options rather than complete disablement. In a story, it can create a needed moment for the party to change its approach.

The area-attack rule requires one roll to be compared separately with each target's defense. There is no guarantee that every chosen opponent will be affected. Use is limited and the duration short, so it matters whether the targets actually need sight for their dangerous ability. The spell itself adds neither permanent blindness nor the loss of an entire turn.

Exact effect: One MATK roll is compared with each target's MDEF. A target successfully hit takes −2 to its next attack and cannot use an ability that relies on sight. Bonus: +1 to MATK. Target: at most 3 targets close together. Duration: 1 round. Restrictions: once per combat; the area-attack rule applies. Using it requires at least Intelligence 8 and Level 2, the appropriate casting ability, and knowledge of this spell. Meeting the numerical requirements alone does not grant knowledge of the spell.