Difference between revisions of "Exterminate (cantrip)"

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[[File:Exterminate (cantrip).jpg|right|490px|thumb]]
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[[File:Exterminate (cantrip).jpg|right|525px|thumb]]
'''Exterminate''' enables the destruction of any creature whose "maximum" [[Hit Points|hit points]] (h.p.) is 1. Thus, a creature that's been reduced to 1 h.p. through [[Damage (hit points)|damage]] cannot be affected; but virtually any 1 [[Hit Dice|hit die]] (HD) creature might perchance be vulnerable, including the rare human, demi-human, goblin, kobald and so on whose h.p. roll was bleak.
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'''Exterminate''' is a [[Cantrip|cantrip]] that instantly destroys any creature whose maximum [[Hit Points|hit points]] (h.p.) is 1. The spell has no effect on creatures that have been wounded down to 1 h.p.; rather, it only works on beings that were never capable of having more health to begin with. This includes most vermin, small animals, insects and certain magical pests, as well as the rare human, demi-human, goblin, kobold or other low-end humanoid whose hit die roll was particularly poor at character creation.
  
 
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{{Spelltable
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| casting time = 2 [[Action Points|action points]]
 
| casting time = 2 [[Action Points|action points]]
 
| save = none
 
| save = none
| level = [[Cantrip|cantrip]]
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| level = cantrip
 
}}
 
}}
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The effect is immediate and absolute — no saving throw applies. Affected creatures simply cease to function, whether by an unseen force, a sudden collapse, or a quiet and inexplicable death. Though this spell can be useful for eliminating infestations or nuisances, it has little utility in battle except against the weakest of enemies. However, for those who know how to exploit fate, poor genetics or unlucky rolls of the dice, Exterminate is a tool of quiet efficiency.
  
There's no way for the caster to know, of course, which creature in a group might have only 1 h.p. Moreover, the divination cannot be obtained anachronistically — though learning which is the "weakest" could produce positive results.   
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There is no way for the caster to determine which creature in a group might possess only 1 h.p., nor can such knowledge be obtained through traditional divination methods.  However, identifying the weakest creature among a group through observation or deduction may yield effective results.  Creatures with [[Experience Level|levels]] will always have a [[Hit points per die|minimal]] of at least 2 h.p., as dictated by the mechanics of hit point allocation, making them immune to the cantrip's effect.
  
The cantrip's safest bet is against creatures with a minimal HD, such as grubs, leeches, centipedes, rats, chickens and so on. The death bestowed occurs without a saving throw; the exterminated creature's remains are left where the creature died.
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The most reliable targets for Exterminate are those with minimal HD, such as grubs, leeches, centipedes, rats, chickens and similar small creatures. The death it inflicts is immediate and absolute, occurring without a saving throw. The remains of the exterminated creature stay in place, allowing for retrieval, study or disposal as needed.
  
Exterminated creatures can be brought back to life with [[Raise Dead (spell)|raise dead]] or [[Resurrection (spell)|resurrection]], but not with [[Death's Door (spell)|death's door]].
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Creatures slain by Exterminate can be restored to life with [[Raise Dead (spell)|raise dead]] or [[Resurrection (spell)|resurrection]], but not through [[Death's Door (spell)|death's door]], as the spell does not merely incapacitate but removes all vitality from the creature entirely.
  
[[Category: Cantrips]]
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See [[Useful Cantrips]]
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[[Category: Cantrips]][[Category: Reviewed]]

Latest revision as of 20:59, 4 February 2025

Exterminate (cantrip).jpg

Exterminate is a cantrip that instantly destroys any creature whose maximum hit points (h.p.) is 1. The spell has no effect on creatures that have been wounded down to 1 h.p.; rather, it only works on beings that were never capable of having more health to begin with. This includes most vermin, small animals, insects and certain magical pests, as well as the rare human, demi-human, goblin, kobold or other low-end humanoid whose hit die roll was particularly poor at character creation.

Exterminate
Range 10 ft.
Duration permanent
Area of Effect 1 creature
Casting Time 2 action points
Saving Throw none
Level cantrip

The effect is immediate and absolute — no saving throw applies. Affected creatures simply cease to function, whether by an unseen force, a sudden collapse, or a quiet and inexplicable death. Though this spell can be useful for eliminating infestations or nuisances, it has little utility in battle except against the weakest of enemies. However, for those who know how to exploit fate, poor genetics or unlucky rolls of the dice, Exterminate is a tool of quiet efficiency.

There is no way for the caster to determine which creature in a group might possess only 1 h.p., nor can such knowledge be obtained through traditional divination methods. However, identifying the weakest creature among a group through observation or deduction may yield effective results. Creatures with levels will always have a minimal of at least 2 h.p., as dictated by the mechanics of hit point allocation, making them immune to the cantrip's effect.

The most reliable targets for Exterminate are those with minimal HD, such as grubs, leeches, centipedes, rats, chickens and similar small creatures. The death it inflicts is immediate and absolute, occurring without a saving throw. The remains of the exterminated creature stay in place, allowing for retrieval, study or disposal as needed.

Creatures slain by Exterminate can be restored to life with raise dead or resurrection, but not through death's door, as the spell does not merely incapacitate but removes all vitality from the creature entirely.


See Useful Cantrips