Mountain's Fortitude

Mountain's Fortitude gives one willing creature a substantial brief boost to physical defense at the cost of slower movement. It is a spell for a moment when holding position may matter more than advancing quickly. In the story, it can appear as a firm focus on protection, but it still does not permanently transform the body or grant invulnerability.

Its use is rare and limited to once per adventure. Halved movement and the non-stacking defensive effect must be accounted for. Poor timing could complicate a retreat or reaching a destination. The party should therefore know whom it needs to protect during these three rounds and how it will adapt to that creature's slower progress.

Exact effect: The target gains +4 PDEF, but its own movement is halved for the spell's duration. Bonus: +4 PDEF. Target: 1 willing creature within reach. Duration: 3 rounds. Restrictions: once per adventure; does not stack. Using it requires at least Intelligence 11 and Level 7, the appropriate casting ability, and knowledge of this spell. Meeting the numerical requirements alone does not grant knowledge of the spell.