Time Stop
Freeze the world in place and move alone through suspended time.
Time Stop is a 9th-level transmutation spell available to wizards and sorcerers in Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd edition. The source does not describe the spell's effects, components, range, duration, or saving throw. It is not mentioned in the provided text, which focuses exclusively on the Monstrous Compendium series and monster-related content. Therefore, no information about Time Stop can be confirmed from this source.
- School
- Transmutation
- Level
- 9th Level (Fifth Edition)
- Classes
- Wizard, Sorcerer
- Components
- Verbal, Somatic
- Range
- Self
- Duration
- 1d4 + 1 Rounds
- Saving Throw
- None
Lore & Background
Despite its power, the magic is not without peril. Historical texts suggest that prolonged use can disorient the caster, leaving them unable to distinguish between the frozen moment and actual time once the effect ends. Some legends claim that casting Time Stop in the presence of certain artifacts or divine beings can trigger a backlash, reversing the spell's effects on the user instead. Consequently, it remains a last resort rather than a common utility.
In Their Own Story
The arrow hung in the air, inches from his eye. Kaelen closed his eyes and whispered the syllables that halted the river of seconds. Silence rushed in like water. He stepped around the motionless assassin, placing a heavy tome upon the altar before time resumed its cruel march.
Reader's Guide
Time Stop functions by creating a localized bubble where chronological flow halts for all beings save the caster. Within this suspended moment, the magician may traverse distances and manipulate objects without resistance from enemies or allies alike. However, the duration is fleeting in reality, often lasting only seconds while feeling like minutes to the user.
Strict limitations apply to maintain cosmic balance; casting a spell that targets another creature instantly breaks the effect. Physical attacks are generally permitted, but magical harm directed at others ends the stasis prematurely. This restriction prevents abuse during combat encounters where fairness is paramount.
Originating from ancient chronomancy research, this incantation remains one of the most sought-after secrets in magical academies. While powerful artifacts sometimes mimic its effects, true mastery requires immense arcane study and a deep understanding of temporal currents.
Did You Know?
- Time Stop is one of the oldest spells, appearing in the very first edition of the game rules.
- It cannot be counterspelled once active because no time passes for opponents to react.
- Some high-level magic items grant a similar effect without requiring spell slots.
More in Spells, Magic & Artifacts
Related in Dungeons and Dragons
Links follow this subject's own source article.
Elsewhere in the Dungeons and Dragons universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record