Astrums Intellect Fortress
Ah, Intellect Fortress. This spell was born from a need to protect the mind from intrusive forces. I had witnessed too many friends and colleagues fall victim to psychic attacks, and I knew I had to do something to help.
I spent many long hours researching and experimenting with different spells and incantations, trying to find the perfect combination of words and gestures that would create a shield strong enough to withstand even the most powerful psychic assault.
Finally, after weeks of trial and error, I found it. The perfect spell to create a fortress around the mind, shielding it from harm and giving the caster an advantage in resisting psychic attacks.
I named it Intellect Fortress, and it quickly became one of my most sought-after spells. People came from all over to learn it, and I was happy to teach them, knowing that I was giving them the tools they needed to protect themselves.
Over time, I continued to refine and improve the spell, finding new ways to make it even more powerful and effective. And to this day, I am proud to say that Intellect Fortress remains one of the most reliable and effective spells for protecting the mind from psychic harm.
~Astrum, High Scribe of Hexorth, School of the Arcane
For the complete text of Intellect Fortress, see D&D Beyond, or Tasha's Cauldron of Everything.
Manifestation¶
There is a subtle visual effect that accompanies the manipulation of Aether during the casting of Intellect Fortress. As the caster speaks the incantation, a faint glow emanates from their fingertips, spreading outwards in a pulsing wave that envelops the target creature. The glow is a soft blue, with wisps of silver that shimmer like starlight. As the spell takes effect, the glow intensifies briefly before fading away, leaving the target with a subtle aura of protection. The effect is subtle enough that it is often missed by those who are not actively observing the spell being cast.
Discovery¶
Astrum created Intellect Fortress as a simpler and more accessible version of Mind Blank. Mind Blank is a powerful 8th level spell that provides complete protection from psychic damage and protects against scrying and mind-reading.
Astrum recognized that there was a need for a similar spell that could be cast quickly and by lesser mages. By creating Intellect Fortress, she made it possible for a much larger proportion of wizards and other spellcasters to quickly protect themselves or others from psychic damage and mental intrusion.
Gestures & Ritual The magical incantation for Intellect Fortress is "Mentem claustrum!" When spoken with intention and clarity, this incantation channels the caster's magical energy into a shield that protects the mind from psychic harm and intrusion. The Aether is then manipulated through this shield to create the protective effect of the spell.
Related Discipline Hexorth, School of the Arcane
Related School Abjuration
Effect Duration Concentration, up to 1 hour
Effect Casting Time 1 Action
Range 30 Feet
Level 3rd