Rain of Nuts

Area 
Causes a rain of nuts to fall within the area, issuing from the nearby trees as if they were suddenly filled with crazed squirrels. The noisy torrent plinks on helmets, stings bare skin, and interferes with missile fire. Any characters in the area take a -1 penalty to any tasks requiring concentration or skill, including combat and spellcasting. There’s an additional visibility penalty of -1 per 8 yards distance, applied to missile attacks and Vision rolls. The caster may elect to exclude any in the area from the effects of the spell, focusing the “ire” of the wood on enemies. 
This spell may only be cast outdoors, in a forest. It won’t work in the dead of winter, or in very sparse woods. Depending on the species of trees, the nuts may turn out to be edible. 
Human mages rarely use this spell (most feel it is beneath their dignity), but sylvan species and nature spirits use it to drive intruders from their woods.

Duration: 1 minute. 
Base cost: 1/10 to cast. Same cost to maintain. For double cost, the caster may double the effect of the spell (-2 skill penalties and visibility -1 per 4 yards), if the GM agrees that the woods are sufficiently dense and wild. 
Prerequisites: Magery 1 and at least six Plant spells including Shape Plant.

Item 
Staff or wand. Usable only by mages.  
Energy cost to create: 500.