Difference between revisions of "Magic Resistance"

From The Authentic D&D Wiki
Jump to navigationJump to search
 
(One intermediate revision by the same user not shown)
Line 2: Line 2:
 
'''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 [[Spellcasting|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.
 
'''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 [[Spellcasting|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.
 
__TOC__
 
__TOC__
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.
+
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 Throws|saving throw]], if it applied, like any other defender.
  
 
== Effectiveness ==
 
== 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.
+
As a general rule, magic resistance becomes 5% less effective against each [[Experience Level|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%.
 
: 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%.
Line 14: Line 14:
 
Magic resistance provides no defense against spells that summon natural adversaries, such as [[Monster Summoning I (spell)|monster summoning]] or [[Insect Plague (spell)|insect plague]].
 
Magic resistance provides no defense against spells that summon natural adversaries, such as [[Monster Summoning I (spell)|monster summoning]] or [[Insect Plague (spell)|insect plague]].
  
With respect to magic items such as scrolls, wands, rods and staves, these enchance the effective level of the caster by six experience levels;
+
With respect to magic items such as [[Magic Scroll|scrolls]], [[Magic Wand|wands]], [[Magic Rod|rods]] and [[Magic Staff|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%.
 
 
== Miscellaneous Notes ==
 
Magic resistance also affects the potential for monsters to break through magically-formed barriers, such as [[Hold Portal (spell)|hold portal]] or [[Forbiddance (spell)|forbiddance]].  If met with such a barrier, the creature rolls against its resistance (adjusted by the level of the barrier's caster) — success indicates the barrier is dispelled, not only for the resistant creature but for all others.
 
 
 
Magic resistance does not offer protection from spells that create natural foes, such as [[Monster Summoning I (spell)|monster summoning I]] or [[Insect Plague (spell)|insect plague]].
 
 
 
[[Magic Items]], such as [[Spell Scroll|scrolls]], [[Magic Wand|wands]], [[Magic Rod|rods]] and [[Magic Staff|staves]], add +6 to the effective level of the user with respect to magic resistance (but not to the item's power).  Thus, a 6th level mage using a wand would be considered 12th level when using that wand against a creature with magic resistance.
 
  
 
== Creatures with Magic Resistance ==
 
== Creatures with Magic Resistance ==
Line 51: Line 44:
  
  
See [[Natural Abilities]]
+
See [[Natural Immunities]]
 +
 
 +
[[Category: Reviewed]]

Latest revision as of 20:10, 7 November 2023

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