Difference between revisions of "Dispel Malevolence (spell)"
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| + | [[File:Dispel Malevolence (spell).jpg|right|525px|thumb]] | ||
| + | '''Dispel Malevolence''' is a spell with the power to unmake creatures that are inherently malevolent, erasing them from existence or crippling their ability to cause harm. The spell targets entities whose very nature is defined by their destructive intent, including [[Beast|beasts]], [[Demon|demons]], [[Devil|devils]], [[Efreeti|efreeti]], [[Imp|imps]], [[Quasit|quasits]], [[Undead|undead]] and constructed [[Golem|golems]], as well as other supernatural manifestations that exist purely to wreak suffering upon the mortal world. | ||
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{{Spelltable | {{Spelltable | ||
| name = Dispel Malevolence | | name = Dispel Malevolence | ||
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| duration = permanent | | duration = permanent | ||
| area of effect = 1 creature | | area of effect = 1 creature | ||
| − | | casting time = 1 round | + | | casting time = 1 [[Combat Round|round]] |
| − | | save = negates | + | | save = negates; see below |
| level = [[Cleric 5th Level Spells|cleric (5th)]] | | level = [[Cleric 5th Level Spells|cleric (5th)]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
| + | __TOC__ | ||
| + | Malevolence, for the purpose of this spell, is understood as an innate, driving urge to cause grievous harm, particularly in combat. These creatures are not merely violent but actively and unnaturally disposed toward destruction, cruelty and slaughter. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Though many of these beings are characterised by their evil nature, the spell's effect is not restricted to those defined by morality. Some creatures lack any sense of morality at all yet still exist solely to kill or torment others. Beasts that kill only for sustenance or to defend themselves, such as [[Snakes|snakes]] or [[Arachnid|spiders]], are unaffected, as are beings of magical origin that do not bear the same violent intent — such as [[Hippogriff|hippogriffs]], [[Ki-rin|ki-rin]] and [[Unicorn|unicorns]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Importantly, the spell does not affect humanoids, no matter how vile, sadistic or brutal they may be. Even the most despicable warlords, murderers or torturers are beyond the spell's reach, as their malevolence stems from their actions rather than their intrinsic nature. Only creatures whose very existence is a manifestation of unnatural malice — often those that originate from [[Planes of Existence|other planes]] — can be destroyed or weakened by the spell. | ||
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| + | == Limitation == | ||
| + | Creatures whose total [[Hit Dice|hit dice]] or [[Experience Level|level]] is less than half that of the caster are instantly destroyed without a [[Saving Throws|saving throw]]. More powerful beings, those whose strength matches or exceeds this threshold, are allowed a saving throw to resist outright destruction. However, even those who successfully resist the spell do not escape its effects entirely. Any such being within 60 ft. of the caster suffers a penalty of -½ [[Roll to Hit|to hit]] per level of the caster, significantly reducing its ability to strike with accuracy. | ||
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| + | : '''For example,''' a 9th-level caster attempts to dispel a [[Balrog|balrog]], which manages to succeed on its saving throw. Though it avoids destruction, it remains -4½ to hit when within 12 [[Combat Hex|combat hexes]] (60 ft.) of the caster. As fractions are ignored, this penalty is treated as -4 to hit. | ||
| − | + | The effect is immediate and lasts for the duration of combat or until the creature leaves the caster's immediate presence. Against weaker entities, dispel malevolence is an absolute purging force, while against greater threats, it serves as a means of suppression, weakening their effectiveness and forcing them to engage under considerable disadvantage. | |
| − | |||
| − | + | See [[Abjure (spell)]] | |
| − | + | [[Category: Clerical Spells]][[Category: Reviewed]] | |
| − | |||
| − | [[Category: | ||
Latest revision as of 16:04, 11 March 2025
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Dispel Malevolence is a spell with the power to unmake creatures that are inherently malevolent, erasing them from existence or crippling their ability to cause harm. The spell targets entities whose very nature is defined by their destructive intent, including beasts, demons, devils, efreeti, imps, quasits, undead and constructed golems, as well as other supernatural manifestations that exist purely to wreak suffering upon the mortal world.
| Range | touch |
| Duration | permanent |
| Area of Effect | 1 creature |
| Casting Time | 1 round |
| Saving Throw | negates; see below |
| Level | cleric (5th) |
Contents
Malevolence, for the purpose of this spell, is understood as an innate, driving urge to cause grievous harm, particularly in combat. These creatures are not merely violent but actively and unnaturally disposed toward destruction, cruelty and slaughter.
Though many of these beings are characterised by their evil nature, the spell's effect is not restricted to those defined by morality. Some creatures lack any sense of morality at all yet still exist solely to kill or torment others. Beasts that kill only for sustenance or to defend themselves, such as snakes or spiders, are unaffected, as are beings of magical origin that do not bear the same violent intent — such as hippogriffs, ki-rin and unicorns.
Importantly, the spell does not affect humanoids, no matter how vile, sadistic or brutal they may be. Even the most despicable warlords, murderers or torturers are beyond the spell's reach, as their malevolence stems from their actions rather than their intrinsic nature. Only creatures whose very existence is a manifestation of unnatural malice — often those that originate from other planes — can be destroyed or weakened by the spell.
Limitation
Creatures whose total hit dice or level is less than half that of the caster are instantly destroyed without a saving throw. More powerful beings, those whose strength matches or exceeds this threshold, are allowed a saving throw to resist outright destruction. However, even those who successfully resist the spell do not escape its effects entirely. Any such being within 60 ft. of the caster suffers a penalty of -½ to hit per level of the caster, significantly reducing its ability to strike with accuracy.
- For example, a 9th-level caster attempts to dispel a balrog, which manages to succeed on its saving throw. Though it avoids destruction, it remains -4½ to hit when within 12 combat hexes (60 ft.) of the caster. As fractions are ignored, this penalty is treated as -4 to hit.
The effect is immediate and lasts for the duration of combat or until the creature leaves the caster's immediate presence. Against weaker entities, dispel malevolence is an absolute purging force, while against greater threats, it serves as a means of suppression, weakening their effectiveness and forcing them to engage under considerable disadvantage.
See Abjure (spell)
