Working Under the Influence

Working Under the Influence places the caster in a state of absolute, magically sustained focus. The spell requires a prepared workspace with its material components available throughout the casting.

When casting the spell, the caster chooses one project and establishes a plan for completing it. Time spent working directly on that project counts as twice as much time for determining research, learning, crafting, or other long-term progress. This benefit does not increase Intelligence and provides no general bonus outside the chosen project.

Absolute Focus

While affected, the caster can perform the work required by the established plan, use their tools, and attend to simple needs within the workspace. They cannot meaningfully discuss unrelated matters, travel, begin another project, or improvise when the plan encounters an unforeseen problem. If progress requires a new decision, they continue following the existing plan when possible; otherwise, they wait until the spell ends.

The caster is incapable of responding meaningfully to danger. They cannot attack, cast a spell unrelated to the project, dodge, parry, use a reaction, or make combat decisions, and they automatically lose Reflex contests caused by combat. They can still make Fortitude and Will Saves, and passive protections such as armor and existing barriers continue to function. Being attacked or taking damage does not end the spell.

The caster cannot dismiss Working Under the Influence. It ends when its duration expires or when it is removed by Dispel Magic.

Origin

The wizard Thomas Grillot created this spell so that he could complete serious magical research without sacrificing his preferred comforts and extracurricular activities.