Abjuration of the Maidens

Cost: 40m + 1lhl
Target: Area (Essence) miles in diameter

Creation's sky holds 25 constellations of special import: five sets of five, each set in the domain of one of the Maidens of Fate. The sorcerer takes five hours to mark each constellation's sigil in an enormous circle upon the Earth, one with a diameter that stretches a number of miles equal to his Essence. The sorcerer then may call upon the power of all Five Maidens to defend that place. A small, central circle holds the Unspoken Word, a glyph every thinking creature understands but none may speak.

Once this spell has been invoked, the 25 great signs—above and below—begin to glow, though the constellations' gleam is seen only within the spell's area. The caster cuts her hand and pours her blood upon the central sign. Strands of her blood become light as they fall from her fingers, as matching radiance shoots into the sky from the 25 signs and surrounds the warded area's boundary with an iridescent flare.

For five days, neither Charms nor sorcery may pass the circle's boundary. Powers that create an area of effect may be used outside it even if their area would normally extend into the protected space, but the magic fails at the barrier and within. Hearthstones and their effects, the magical materials and the abilities of spirits with a higher Essence than the sorcerer are all unaffected by Abjuration of the Maidens, but no Essence wielder may use any other magic within its bounds. Only a sorcerer whose Essence surpasses the caster's may destroy this spell with Adamant Countermagic, and that only while standing upon the central rune. The spell may be renewed for another five days at any time, for the same Essence cost.