- This page is about the priest version of the spell. For the wizard version, see Finger of Death (wizard).
Finger of Death snuffs out the life force of the target creature.
Description[]
“ | The Finger of Death spell snuffs out the victim's life force. The caster points his finger at the victim after the incantation is complete and, unless the victim saves vs. Spell with a -2 penalty, he dies. A creature successfully making the Saving Throw still receives 2d8 points of damage + 1 per level of the caster. | ” |
Gameplay[]
This spell is launched by the caster and sends a projectile toward a valid target.
When the projectile reaches the target, it initiates a series of effects on the subject creature.
The target is exposed to the Slay effect. A Saving throw vs. spell is needed, with a -2 penalty to avoid the instant death effect. If the saving throw is failed, a lighting effect, and color fade is displayed over the targeted creature. A sound effect is audible as well. Death of a creature will usually display the "rising ghost" animation over the slayed target.
If the target creature negates the slay effect with a saving throw, then Magical damage is applied to the creature.
The divine nature of the spell applies 2d8+1 damage at the spell's lowest level. However, at cleric casting level 15 the damage inflicted rises to 2d8+15. an additional point of damage is added at caster levels 16, 17, 18, 19 and caps out at level 20 for 2d8+20 damage.
This spell can be blocked by Magic resistance, and spell protections that deflect a 7 Power level.
Some enemies are innately immune to the slay effect which the spell uses.
Party members can be protected from instant death effects by, among other things, Death Ward, Avoid Death and Favored of the Spirits.
Clerics can also cast Shield of the Archons, and mages can use Spell Turning, Spell Trap or Spell Immunity: Necromancy for protection. The Potion of Magic Shielding also works since it ensures the saving throw will always succeed.
Lastly, Improved Invisibility protects against being targeted by this spell.
Mod content[]
- This section is about unofficial content that is only available via fan-made mods.
Spell Revisions mod has changed this divine spell, revising its saving throw, effects, and description. See below:
Finger of Death
Finger of Death
Level: 7
School: Necromancy
Sphere: War
Range: Long
Duration: Permanent
Casting Time: 5
Area of Effect: 1 creature
Saving Throw: Death partial
The Finger of Death spell snuffs out the victim’s life force. The caster points his finger at the victim after the incantation is complete and death occurs, unless a save vs. death at -2 is made. A creature successfully saving still receives 6d8 points of damage.
External links[]
- Finger of death on the Forgotten Realms Wiki, a wiki for the Dungeons & Dragons campaign setting Forgotten Realms.