Similar to the second level cleric hold person (q.v.), this spell immobilizes creatures, within range, as designated by the magic-user. If three or four persons are attacked, their saving throws are normal; but if two are attacked, their saving throws are made at -1; and if only one creature is attacked, the saving throw versus the hold person spell is made at -3 on the die. Partial negation of a hold person spell, such as would be possible by a ring of spell turning, causes the spell to function as a slow spell (q.v.) unless the saving throw is successful. Creatures affected by the spell are: brownies, dryads, dwarves, elves, gnolls, gnomes, goblins, half-elves, halflings, half-orcs, hobgoblins, humans, kobolds, lizard men, nixies, orcs, pixies, sprites, and troglodytes.