Difference between revisions of "Dispel Malevolence (spell)"

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[[File:Dispel Malevolence.jpg|right|490px|thumb]]
 
{{Spelltable
 
{{Spelltable
 
| name = Dispel Malevolence
 
| name = Dispel Malevolence
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| area of effect = 1 creature
 
| area of effect = 1 creature
 
| casting time = 1 round
 
| casting time = 1 round
| save = negates
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| save = negates; see below
 
| level = [[Cleric 5th Level Spells|cleric (5th)]]
 
| level = [[Cleric 5th Level Spells|cleric (5th)]]
 
}}
 
}}
  
Destroys magical creatures of an inherently malevolent nature, one that may be equated with evil, effectively ‘killing’ them by disrupting their corporeal existence.
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'''Dispel malevolence''' has the power to destroy creatures of an inherently malevolent nature, including [[Beast|beasts]], [[Demon|demons]], [[Devil|devils]], [[Efreeti|efreeti]], [[Imp|imps]], [[Quasit|quasit]], [[Undead|undead]], constructed [[Golem|Golems]] and other manifestations bent on wreaking harm upon the mortal world.  For the purpose of the spell, "malevolent" is defined as intending to cause grievous harm against, or a desire to kill, a combatant; malevolent beings are ill-disposed, spiteful and unnaturally violent.
  
Creatures that may be affected include undead, evil beings of alternate dimensions, elementals, djinn, efreet or things that are conjured or manifestly constructed, such as [[Aerial Servant (spell)|aerial servants]], [[Homonculous|homonculous]], [[Golems (sage study)|golems]] and so on.
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While some of these creatures are malevolent because they are manifestly evil, others are merely creatures bent upon doing harm.  Beasts without malice, such as [[Hippogriff|hippogriffs]], [[Ki-rin|ki-rin]] or [[Unicorn|unicorns]], aren't affected by the spell.
  
The spell has no effect upon mortal creatures or earthly creatures, many of which may be considered magical, such as [[Chimera|chimera]], [[Basilisk|basilisk]], manticores, sphinx, slaad or phase spiders, though these may be considered evil, aggressive, or malevolent. Only those creatures conforming to the characteristics in the previous paragraph are affected.
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The spell has no effect upon humanoids, however dastardly or sadistic they may be — nor does it effect ordinary creatures, such as [[Snakes|snakes]] or [[Arachnid|spiders]], who may act aggressively but do so in defense or in seeking food. Only creatures whose malevolence derives from a magical or mystical origin, often from [[Planes of Existence|other planes]] of existence, can be destroyed by the spell.  
[[Category:Placeholder]]
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Creatures which save against the spell will suffer a -1 penalty ‘to hit’ per two levels of the caster against all who are present and of the caster’s religion. Thus, if a 9th level cleric were to cast the spell, and the creature succeeded in saving, it would yet be -4 to hit the cleric.
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== Limitation ==
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Creatures with less than half the caster's [[Hit Dice|hit dice]] or [[Experience Level|levels]] don't receive a [[Saving Throws|saving throw]] against the spell.  Those greater beings that are allowed a save with nonetheless suffer a penalty of -½ [[Roll to Hit|to hit]] per level of the caster, if within 60 ft. of the caster, once the spell's been [[Spellcasting|discharged]].
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: '''For example,''' a 9th level caster attempts to dispel a [[Balrog|balrog]], which succeeds in its saving throw.  Even so, the balrog afterwards is -to hit due to the caster's level, when within 12 [[Combat Hex|combat hexes]] of the caster; this is treated as -4, as fractions are ignored.
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[[Category: Clerical Spells]][[Category: Don't Review until 2022]]

Latest revision as of 20:45, 30 December 2021

Dispel Malevolence.jpg
Dispel Malevolence
Range touch
Duration permanent
Area of Effect 1 creature
Casting Time 1 round
Saving Throw negates; see below
Level cleric (5th)

Dispel malevolence has the power to destroy creatures of an inherently malevolent nature, including beasts, demons, devils, efreeti, imps, quasit, undead, constructed Golems and other manifestations bent on wreaking harm upon the mortal world. For the purpose of the spell, "malevolent" is defined as intending to cause grievous harm against, or a desire to kill, a combatant; malevolent beings are ill-disposed, spiteful and unnaturally violent.

While some of these creatures are malevolent because they are manifestly evil, others are merely creatures bent upon doing harm. Beasts without malice, such as hippogriffs, ki-rin or unicorns, aren't affected by the spell.

The spell has no effect upon humanoids, however dastardly or sadistic they may be — nor does it effect ordinary creatures, such as snakes or spiders, who may act aggressively but do so in defense or in seeking food. Only creatures whose malevolence derives from a magical or mystical origin, often from other planes of existence, can be destroyed by the spell.

Limitation

Creatures with less than half the caster's hit dice or levels don't receive a saving throw against the spell. Those greater beings that are allowed a save with nonetheless suffer a penalty of -½ to hit per level of the caster, if within 60 ft. of the caster, once the spell's been discharged.

For example, a 9th level caster attempts to dispel a balrog, which succeeds in its saving throw. Even so, the balrog afterwards is -4½ to hit due to the caster's level, when within 12 combat hexes of the caster; this is treated as -4, as fractions are ignored.