Atonement (spell)

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Atonement gives a magical redemption and forgiveness for acts performed by the recipient including breaking an oath, acting in poor faith against members of the recipient's religion, abandoning the recipient's faith or partaking in evil acts. When these actions bring forth dire supernatural consequences, the character must seek out a caster of sufficient level to receive and transmit the character's repentance to the gods.

Atonement
Range touch
Duration permanent
Area of Effect 1 creature
Casting Time 3 rounds
Saving Throw none
Level cleric (5th)

The spell requires the would-be recipient to be truly repentent and forsake his or her sins. If there is any suggestion that the character is making a pretense of remorse and does not intend to mend their ways, the spell will fail.

It's understood that the caster must believe this repentence as well as the gods, else they will refuse to cast the spell. Therefore, some act of remorse is usually necessary when receiving atonement from a stranger. Naturally the recipient must be of the caster's religion also.

One atonement is cast, the recipient's ability to use spells or receive the benefits of a cleric or paladin will be restored — as the loss of both are common consequences for these religious classes when such characters turn from their deities.

For others, it will bring about the end of curses and of the enmity of both good and evil forces posed against the character; former enemies will bear witness to the atonement in their hearts and will no longer take up arms. Very often, atonement is a means of ending war, as when it is cast upon a royal person or great religious leader, it will compel the combatants on both sides to end their passion for battle and make peace.