This page is about the priest version of the spell. For the wizard version, see Symbol, Death (wizard).
This 7th level spell is available to the Cleric class and introduced for Baldur's Gate II and the Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition.
Description[]
| “ | Symbol, Death Symbol, Death is a powerful enchantment that allows the priest to inscribe a symbol on the ground or any other surface. The symbol will remain there until someone comes too close, at which point it will explode, causing all those within the area of effect to make a Saving Throw vs. Death or die. Creatures with more than 60 current Hit Points are immune to this effect. |
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Gameplay[]
The caster selects a point on the map to which the spell will launch toward using the targeting cursor.
Upon designating the point, and completing the spell casting, a projectile speeds to the spot, and forms a small pinkish colored glowing disc symbol, that appears to hover there.
Despite the spell describing some kind of inscription on the ground or other source, that doesn't occur, and the spell actually places a glyph on the area map.
The symbol remains at that spot until it is triggered by any creature that is near enough to it, about 8 feet is close enough.
When triggered, the symbol bursts in a pinkish colored 12-feet radius, and all within that area are exposed to the spell, including the caster.
The spell applies an instant death effect, using a special variant of Kill target that can affect a creature with 1-59 current hit points only.
If a creature has 60 or more hit points a text will display reading "Unaffected by effects from Symbol. Death".
If the creature is in the eligible hit point range, then they are allowed a Saving throw versus Death to avoid being instantly killed.
This spell can potentially be blocked by Magic resistance and completely negated by Spell Immunity: Conjuration.
The Cloak of Mirroring will block it as well, because this spell is of the "offensive damage" type.
Notes[]
The spell description is slightly off - a creature with 60 Hit points or more is unaffected by this spell, rather than "with more than 60".
One would think this spell would be viewed as a "hostile" one. However, all the "symbol" spells are not flagged as such, and do not trigger a reaction from the creature whether affected or not, nor any other creatures in the vicinity. Killing a neutral or innocent creature will have the usual negative effects on reputation.
Trivia[]
All of the "Symbol" spells used in the BG video game are based upon the 8th-level Wizard spell Symbol, or the Priest version which is a 7th-level spell.
The priest casting this spell inscribes a glowing symbol in the air upon any surface, according to his desire. Any creature looking at the completed symbol within 60 feet must roll a successful saving throw vs. spell or suffer the effect. The symbol glows for one turn for each experience level of the caster.
The PnP spell version allows the priest to choose from three different symbol types, including: Hopelessness, Pain, or Persuasion - a symbol of Death isn't one of the PnP ruleset symbol choices afforded to priests, that symbol is just for wizards.
See the external links for further reading
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 saving throw and description. See below:
Symbol of Death
Level: 7
School: Conjuration
Sphere: Combat
Range: Long
Duration: Special
Casting Time: 1 round
Area of Effect: 20’ radius
Saving Throw: Death negates
Symbol of Death is a powerful enchantment that allows the caster to inscribe a symbol on the ground or any other surface. The symbol will remain there until a hostile creature comes within 15 feet of the glyph, at which point it is triggered and explodes, causing all enemies within a 20-foot radius to make a saving throw vs. death at -4 or die. Creatures with more than 60 current hit points are immune to this effect.