Chris Angel is a renowned magician known for his mind-boggling illusions and mastery of the art of magic. With his signature dark and edgy style, he has captured the imaginations of audiences around the world. Born on December 19, 1967, in Hempstead, New York, Chris Angel showed an early interest in magic. At the age of 12, he became the youngest member of the Society of American Magicians, a great accomplishment for such a young magician. This early success set the stage for his future career in magic. Chris Angel's unique approach to magic combines elements of illusion, mentalism, and street magic.
In my campaign, these sorts of spells and others are ubiquitous in any building that has been around more than a century or so.
Actually, beyond that, in my campaign any building that has been inhabited for a century or so tends to spontaneously create or attract one or more household spirits, which adds an additional line of defense - in some cases a quite powerful one depending on the age, stature, and heritage of the building. With magic being rare, I m sure these societies would have a vested interest in keeping magic in a positive public light, meaning they d work with police to suss out a criminal.
Chris Angel's unique approach to magic combines elements of illusion, mentalism, and street magic. He is known for pushing the boundaries of what is possible, leaving spectators and even fellow magicians amazed and mystified. His performances often involve mind-reading, levitation, escapology, and death-defying stunts.
Magical wards of a castle
In the world of D&D, non-magical protections only are not enough to protect people and secrets in an important building such as castle or house of parliament. Intruders and spies may use magical spells and items such as invisibility, scrying, teleporting, etc.
Assuming that is a castle or similar facility of a small city, what kind of magical warding should be typically used?
In such a city, several L7-L10 mages and L7-L12 Clerics would be living. And higher leveled ones may be hired for some special occasions.
Some I can think of are,
Permanenced Alarm spells in some important corridors and off-limit areas.
Hallow or Unhallow (depends on the alignment of the power center) with Invisibility Purge on the entire building.
Modenkainen's Private Sanctum on the council-chamber and/or some meeting rooms (Either Permanenced or used for a certain meeting).
Celebrim
Legend
In the world of D&D, non-magical protections only are not enough to protect people and secrets in an important building such as castle or house of parliament. Intruders and spies may use magical spells and items such as invisibility, scrying, teleporting, etc.
Assuming that is a castle or similar facility of a small city, what kind of magical warding should be typically used?
You are correct.
Defenses against magical activity will be layered. The exact details depend on what you want to use in your campaign.
Non-magical Defenses:
Dogs - Creatures with the scent ability will 'watch' major entrances and be trained to respond to odors with no apparent source.
'Airlocks' - Corridors will regularly be broken by pairs of guarded doors.
Curtains - Curtains either of beads or cloth, sometimes with attached bells, cannot be easily traversed without setting them off. This allows a guard to observe an approaching invisible creature.
Lead Paneled Walls - In most versions of D&D, lead blocks attempts to scry through it. Important meeting rooms will have panels of lead and lead nails affixed to the walls underneath the visible wood or leather paneling.
Blood Mortared Concrete/Bricks - In some versions of D&D, blood or other potent living or once living ingredients block ethereal travel. If this is the case, important areas will be constructed with this defense. Of course, as a DM you are free to invent building materials with magical properties - exotic woods, exotic magical stones, imports from the outer planes gifted to rulers by extraplanar beings, etc.
Standard Magical Defenses
Alarms - Windows or other access points not meant for entry will have permanent alarm spells. These are not likely to be put in corridors, as corridors are meant to be traversed.
Magic Mouths - Magic mouths can give audible alarms when certain conditions are meet, such as shouting, "Foes! Foes in the North Corridor!" whenever someone passes an area with a drawn blade.
Glyph of Protection - Important access points can be secured with passwords which must be used, or powerful spells can be triggered.
Permanent Circles of Protection - Beds, thrones, and other places where a ruler is likely to spend a large amount of time defenseless or exposed will have inscribed circles of protection permanently enchanted around them, to prevent possession, enchantment, or attack by summoned or conjured creatures.
Permanent Dimension Locks - Likewise, bedchambers, garderobes, wardrobes, staterooms and so forth are likely to be enchanted so that you can't teleport in or out of them.
Also, the ones you thought of.
Improved Magical Defenses
Sticking to the SRD, doors and rooms can be enchanted as custom magical items with virtually any effect desired. This however is expensive. I prefer that my societies will develop cheaper alternatives in the form of permanent spells with lower costs in GP/XP. Some ideas:
Improved Magic Mouth: Permanent with a cost in line with continual flame or similar spells, and can be enhanced to include one standard sensory spell, such as 'detect undead' or 'detect invisible creatures' or 'detect illusions' or 'detect shapechangers'. These are used at important choke points such as gate houses, entrances to great halls, and entrances to the rulers chambers.
Improved Arcane Lock: As Arcane Lock but can be given a programmable bypass (opens if you say a password, if you wear or carry a certain device, etc.). There are likely to be panic rooms or safe rooms for the family that only open to those carrying a household crest or similar device.
Ward of Strength: Permanent and increases an objects hardness and hit points. Doors, window glass, and even whole walls are likely to be so treated in the ruler's inner sanctum. The exterior gates are also likely to be so treated.
Anti-Magic Screen: Provides a small transparent, insubstantial surface through which spells cannot be successfully targeted. Useful for placing over windows or arrow loops.
Ward Against Magic: Permanent and provides spell resistance to an object.
Ward Against Fire: Permanent and gives an object or area fire resistance and improved saving throws versus fire based attacks. Particularly common in libraries or studies or anywhere valuable inflammable items are kept.
In my campaign, these sorts of spells and others are ubiquitous in any building that has been around more than a century or so.
Actually, beyond that, in my campaign any building that has been inhabited for a century or so tends to spontaneously create or attract one or more household spirits, which adds an additional line of defense - in some cases a quite powerful one depending on the age, stature, and heritage of the building. To say nothing of the brownie that lives in the attic, a really powerful house hold spirit can use spells like bless, protection from evil, sanctuary and heroism to actively protect whomever it sees as the legitimate owner of the house, as well as actively use spells like hold portal or animate object on itself and if necessary even manifest and verbally warn its owners. So even a humble wooden cottage, if it has been continually occupied and maintained and loved by the same family of peasant farmers for 4 centuries, can become something of a fortress.
Non-magical Defenses:
Dogs - Creatures with the scent ability will 'watch' major entrances and be trained to respond to odors with no apparent source.
'Airlocks' - Corridors will regularly be broken by pairs of guarded doors.
Curtains - Curtains either of beads or cloth, sometimes with attached bells, cannot be easily traversed without setting them off. This allows a guard to observe an approaching invisible creature.
Lead Paneled Walls - In most versions of D&D, lead blocks attempts to scry through it. Important meeting rooms will have panels of lead and lead nails affixed to the walls underneath the visible wood or leather paneling.
Blood Mortared Concrete/Bricks - In some versions of D&D, blood or other potent living or once living ingredients block ethereal travel. If this is the case, important areas will be constructed with this defense. Of course, as a DM you are free to invent building materials with magical properties - exotic woods, exotic magical stones, imports from the outer planes gifted to rulers by extraplanar beings, etc.
One of his most famous illusions is the "Levitation" trick, where he appears to float in mid-air. This illusion has captivated audiences for years and is a testament to his skill and showmanship. Another notable trick is his "Walking on Water" illusion, where he seemingly defies gravity by walking across a swimming pool. In addition to his live performances, Chris Angel has also found success in television. He starred in the hit TV series "Mindfreak," which aired from 2005 to 2010. The show showcased his various illusions and stunts, bringing his brand of magic to a wider audience. Beyond his magic performances, Chris Angel is also known for his philanthropy. He has used his fame and success to support various charitable causes, including helping children with cancer and raising awareness for animal rights. Overall, Chris Angel's magic is captivating and often leaves audiences questioning what they have just witnessed. His ability to blend illusion and reality is what sets him apart and continues to make him one of the most respected and sought-after magicians in the world. Whether performing on stage or on television, Chris Angel's magic continues to inspire and amaze audiences everywhere..
Reviews for "The Art of Illusion: Analyzing Chris Angel's Visual Spectacles"
1. Jane - 2 stars - I recently attended a show by Chris Anrhzny Magic, and I have to say, I was not impressed. The tricks he performed were predictable and lacked any wow factor. Additionally, his delivery and stage presence were quite lackluster. I expected to be amazed and intrigued, but unfortunately, I left the show feeling underwhelmed. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time or money on this magician.
2. Mark - 1 star - Chris Anrhzny Magic was a huge disappointment. The tricks he performed were nothing special and seemed like they could be easily replicated by anyone with a basic understanding of magic. The show lacked any excitement or suspense, and it felt like a complete waste of time. I would not recommend attending one of his shows. Save your money and go see a more skilled and captivating magician instead.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for Chris Anrhzny Magic, but unfortunately, the show fell flat for me. The tricks he performed were average at best and didn't bring anything new or innovative to the table. The pacing of the show was also off, with moments of awkward silence and a lack of engagement with the audience. Overall, I found the performance to be underwhelming and not worth attending. I would advise looking for a different magician who can truly captivate and amaze their audience.
4. Michael - 1 star - I was thoroughly disappointed by Chris Anrhzny Magic. The tricks performed were basic and lacking in creativity. It felt like watching a beginner's magic tutorial rather than a professional magician's show. The lack of showmanship and charisma from Chris further added to the dullness of the performance. I would not recommend wasting your time or money on his shows. There are much better magicians out there who can truly leave you in awe.