Sheer fear
Sheer fear is the phenomenon that may occur when a character encounters a higher level undead creature. The severity of the induced fear is primarily dependent on the level difference between the character and the undead creature in question. Characters between ten and fifteen levels lower than a particular creature will experience a lesser sheer fear, causing a decrease in defensive strength while characters more than fifteen levels below a creature will experience greater sheer fear, which can cause one to drop to one's knees, stunned and incapable of moving even if unstunned.
Protection
The following spells help prevent sheer fear from taking hold:
- Bravery (211): Gives 3 phantom ranks against fear based attacks
- Heroism (215): Gives 3 phantom ranks against fear based attacks
- Self Control (613)
- Song of Valor (1010)
- Dauntless (1606): Gives 3 phantom ranks against fear based attacks
In addition, the symbol of courage known to members of the Order of Voln also provides some additional protection against sheer fear.
In addition, are also lichbane talisman which can be produced by clerics through alchemy, which provide varying degrees of protection from fear based attacks and Voln armor, which can provide some protection as well.
Examples
- Lesser sheer fear (first person):
>Overcome by the waves of evil emanating from the necrotic snake, your arms fall slack at your side and you find yourself unable to move.
>You regain control of your senses!
notes: Level 34 character versus necrotic snake. Effect of fear lasted six seconds.
- Greater sheer fear (first person):
>You drop to your knees in utter despair! Overcome by the foul stench of pure evil emanating from the Citadel herald, your arms fall slack at your sides and feel your limbs slipping away as an utter and complete fear seizes a suffocating control of your mind and body!
>You moan pitifully as you hold your head in your hands, unable to do anything but whimper with fear!
>Selema gestures at you.
You are no longer stunned.
>You struggle against your fear!
FS: 180 - FD: 75 + FvP: 28 + d100(L): 70 = 203
Warding failed!
You gibber in fear!
>Selema gestures at you.
You are no longer stunned.
>frown
You don't seem to be able to move to do that.
>You struggle against your fear!
FS: 180 - FD: 75 + FvP: 28 + d100(L): 72 = 205
Warding failed!
You are racked by convulsive shivers!
>You struggle against your fear!
FS: 180 - FD: 75 + FvP: 28 + d100(L): 36 = 169
Warding failed!
You gibber in fear!
>You struggle against your fear!
FS: 180 - FD: 75 + FvP: 28 + d100(L): 33 = 166
Warding failed!
Your eyes grow wider as the crushing terror increases, every bad dream and fear materializing vividly in your mind's eye!
>You struggle against your fear!
FS: 180 - FD: 75 + FvP: 28 + d100(L): -13 = 120
Warding failed!
The crushing fear continues, and you remain huddled in a spastic, jittering heap!
>You struggle against your fear!
FS: 180 - FD: 75 + FvP: 28 + d100(L): 84 = 217
Warding failed!
You moan pitifully as you hold your head in your hands, unable to do anything but whimper with fear!
>You struggle against your fear!
FS: 180 - FD: 75 + FvP: 28 + d100(L): 18 = 151
Warding failed!
You moan pitifully as you hold your head in your hands, unable to do anything but whimper with fear!
>You struggle against your fear!
FS: 180 - FD: 75 + FvP: 28 + d100(L): -64 = 69
Warded off!
You slowly regain control of your senses, wiping the tears from your eyes and the drool from your mouth.
notes: Level 25 character versus Putrefied Citadel herald. Effect of sheer fear lasted approximately two minutes.