Magic Resistance

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Magic Resistance.jpg

Magic resistance is an innate defense mechanism that grants a chance for a spell to completely fail when directed at a creature. The degree of resistance is expressed as a percentage, which reflects its effectiveness against an 11th level spellcaster. When a spell is cast against the creature, a d100 is rolled; if this number is less than the creature's magic resistance, the spell has no effect whatsoever.

However, if a creature's magic resistance fails, in every aspect the spell works as normal. Therefore, the resistant creature would be entitled to a saving throw, if it applied, like any other defender.

Effectiveness

As a general rule, magic resistance becomes 5% less effective against each level of the caster above 11th, and 5% more effective against each level of caster below 11th.

For example, suppose a creature that has a 25% magic resistance. An 10th level caster suffer a 5% penalty, being one level lower than 11th, increasing the creature's resistance to 30%. Alternately, a 13th level caster would gain 10% on the creature, lowering it's resistance to 15%.

Naturally, the creature could use its magic resistance to overcome magically-conjured barriers, such as those created by wall of fire, hold portal or forbiddance. When confronted with such a barrier, the creature makes a roll; if successful, then it's able to pass through the barrier, though in no way is the barrier affected as regards other creatures.

Limitations

Magic resistance provides no defense against spells that summon natural adversaries, such as monster summoning or insect plague.

With respect to magic items such as scrolls, wands, rods and staves, these enhance the effective level of the use by six experience levels. Thus, a 6th level caster using a wand would be considered 12th level, reducing the defender's magic resistance by an additional 30%.

Creatures with Magic Resistance

Monsters known to possess magic resistance include:


See Natural Immunities