Almaricky's Sharpened Blade

Almaricky's Sharpened Blade (Alteration)

Level: 2                    Components: V, S, M

Range: 0                   Casting Time: 2 segments

Duration: Special      Saving Throw: None

Area of Effect: 1 Weapon

Explanation/Description: 

This spell causes a blade to become exceptionally sharp, for a time. When cast by a multi-classed or dual classed thief, the spell grants the user the ability to consider his total levels, not just those of the thief class, when calculating the multiplier for a successful backstab. For example, a level 2 Fighter/level 2 Magic-User/level 2 Thief would normally do double damage for a successful backstab; but, with this spell, the effective level for the thief becomes 6 (2 thief levels plus 2 fighter levels plus 2 magic user levels) and would grant the caster the ability to do triple damage on a successful back stab. No other bonuses or penalties are altered by the use of this spell and at no time may the maximum possible thief backstab multiplier of quintuple damage be exceeded. 

PHB p. 27

The material component for this spell is a special oil (minimum cost 100gp per flask), a drop of which must be applied to the weapon to be used when making the backstab attack. Thereafter the magic is imbued in the weapon even if the oil is somehow removed; however, the spell dissipates when the weapon is next used for any attack, regardless of whether that attack is a backstab or a normal attack; or, after 1 hour per caster level has elapsed; or, if the weapon is completely coated with an entire flask of oil and immediately sheathed when the spell is cast, after 6 hours per level. In this later case the normal duration begins to apply the first time the weapon is unsheathed.

So, what did it cost?

Dungeon Masters Guide Page 115, Spell Research                                       Sharpened Blade

For this spell the Minas Mandalf University Library was used for reference. 

Duration of research: 2 Week base (minimum 3)

Chance of Success: 10 base +16 (Int) +5 (level) -4 (spell level *2) = 28%

Note that according to the above formula, adjusting the chance of success upwards is VERY expensive. Almaricky isn't made of Gold Machos

This Spell was researched in Downtime between adventures in December 2022

Results

Base cost 400gp per week.

Weekly variable of 200 to 800gp for additional materials.

Duration of research: 2 Week base (with a minimum of 3) 

Almaricky was successful on week 4, with a total expenditure of 3400gp. Because she used its Library to offset research costs, this spell is now available for learning by any Good Aligned character at the Minas Mandalf University.