| Author |
 Topic  |
|
mastermustard
Seeker
USA
78 Posts |
 Posted - 05 May 2018 : 12:03:13
|
I'm looking for Wizard spells potent enough be used to destroy or at least life-wipe a planet the size of Earth.
Spells amped by metamagic feats count here. I know Mystra banned a number of spells like Cataract of Fire that I imagine could be metamagic'd to fulfill that purpose.
I've also heard tales of Wizards like The Sojourner destroying planets. What spells did they use?
|
|
|
Storyteller Hero
Learned Scribe
USA
329 Posts |
|
|
TBeholder
Great Reader
2428 Posts |
Posted - 06 May 2018 : 00:35:26
|
quote:
Originally posted by mastermustard
I'm looking for Wizard spells potent enough be used to destroy or at least life-wipe a planet the size of Earth.
Oh, that sort of thing is not used in anything *D&D.
There's such a spell in FATAL, however. Obviously, because it needs one. |
People never wonder How the world goes round -Helloween
And even I make no pretense Of having more than common sense -R.W.Wood
It's not good, Eric. It's a gazebo. -Ed Whitchurch |
 |
|
|
Balmar Foghaven
Learned Scribe
Canada
124 Posts |
Posted - 06 May 2018 : 06:32:51
|
Depends on edition, but if you're talking about 3.5, there's a few devastating epic spells that could end civilizations, maybe worlds. I'm not entirely sure if all epic spells fall under Mystra's ban as they don't exactly use a spell slot since they don't really have a level, just a spellcraft "to cast" DC.
But a few I can think of include Tolodine's Killing Wind (lvl 10, banned), any old High Magic rituals (i.e. the first Sundering), Rain of Fire, Pestilence (repeated castings can wipe out a nation), Vengeful Gaze of God (lol, this spell is ridiculous if only single-target), and Verdigris Tsunami. |
"Despair not, for in the end all things shall work out for the best - in at least one timeline." |
|
|
|
Balmar Foghaven
Learned Scribe
Canada
124 Posts |
Posted - 06 May 2018 : 06:43:00
|
| However on the wiki homebrew page, people have used the Epic Spell seeds to create truly ridiculous things like spells which tear open a rift to the fire plane, creating a "sun" that they can move around at-will (Sunfire Orb); a portal to the plane of infinite ducks; or (my personal favorite) a spell called Ending which summons three adamantine cubes and bestows the spell itself as a spell-like ability on each of them, who immediately are triggered to cast it again. The spell states that it can essentially cover the entire planet up to its atmosphere with tiny adamantine cubes within 24 hours... |
"Despair not, for in the end all things shall work out for the best - in at least one timeline." |
|
|
|
Balmar Foghaven
Learned Scribe
Canada
124 Posts |
Posted - 06 May 2018 : 06:45:32
|
sfdragon,
I believe you are referring to Ioulaum's Longevity - it will deal large amounts of damage to everything in a wide radius around the caster, and transfer all stolen HP back to the caster. |
"Despair not, for in the end all things shall work out for the best - in at least one timeline." |
|
|
|
LordofBones
Master of Realmslore
1536 Posts |
Posted - 06 May 2018 : 16:54:38
|
| Within the rules? Epic spell shenanigans at epic level, locate city bomb and wight apocalypse otherwise. |
|
|
|
Storyteller Hero
Learned Scribe
USA
329 Posts |
Posted - 06 May 2018 : 22:09:27
|
quote:
Originally posted by Balmar Foghaven
Depends on edition, but if you're talking about 3.5, there's a few devastating epic spells that could end civilizations, maybe worlds. I'm not entirely sure if all epic spells fall under Mystra's ban as they don't exactly use a spell slot since they don't really have a level, just a spellcraft "to cast" DC.
Epic magic was a separate school of methods from normal spell casting at 10th level or higher. Unlike normal magic weaving, which was more like free-flowing, unbridled artistic expression, epic magic requires "epic seeds" that have to be combined like a puzzle for specific applications.
If you think of epic magic seeds as a set of keys that can unlock greater levels of power, but also be disabled for specific uses of power (such as Karsus' Avatar), it makes perfect sense why Mystra allowed epic magic to continue existing while banning the more "straight" casting of 10th level and higher spells.
|
My Blog: https://www.facebook.com/Johnnys-Tabletop-RPG-Design-Blog-1697026710539149/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
My DMG Shop: http://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?x=0&y=0&author=Johnny%20Tek
|
|
|
|
Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3741 Posts |
|
|
LordofBones
Master of Realmslore
1536 Posts |
Posted - 07 May 2018 : 02:26:56
|
1. Locate City
2. Snowcasting, making it [cold]
3. Flash Frost, making it deal 2 damage (+1)
4. Energy Admixture, making it [cold][electricity] and making it deal twice as much damage to boot. (+3)
5. Born of Three Thunders, making it [sonic][cold][electricity] and forcing a reflex save to allow...
6. Explosive Spell (+2)
With Arcane Thesis: 3rd-level spell slot
Without: 7th-level spell slot |
|
|
|
sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11829 Posts |
Posted - 08 May 2018 : 16:33:50
|
| create a portal to the plane of infinite ducks??? LOL, that just tickled my funny bone. |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
|
|
|
TBeholder
Great Reader
2428 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2018 : 18:56:12
|
quote:
Originally posted by Balmar Foghaven
But a few I can think of include Tolodine's Killing Wind (lvl 10, banned)
It's merely 100 yd/CL.
Also, it's banned?
Mavin’s Create Volcano (same 10 lvl) may cause much more troubles.
Or just Amorphous Blob (7 lvl spell creating ochre jelly) + Lightning Bolt + Expeditious Retreat.
Which can also be done without magic and with wide variety of nasty oozes and puddings.
quote:
Originally posted by Balmar Foghaven
However on the wiki homebrew page, people have used the Epic Spell seeds to create truly ridiculous things
Who could guess. It's not munchkinism that makes eyes roll, however - it's never thinking stuff through. 
quote:
like spells which tear open a rift to the fire plane, creating a "sun" that they can move around at-will (Sunfire Orb);
"Modest" comparison baseline: 9-level Maelstrom (from Arabian Adventures), which does create a large (ship-slurping) elemental vortex.
Stationary and for 1d10 rounds. It's cast on a pre-existing and much greater body of element in question.
Also, even door-sized portals are prone to cause invasions of elemental critters.
quote:
a portal to the plane of infinite ducks;
Why not at least plane of infinite geese? Even if it did exist, there are nastier planes, portals to which were opened (repeatedly).
quote:
(my personal favorite) a spell called Ending which summons three adamantine cubes and bestows the spell itself as a spell-like ability on each of them, who immediately are triggered to cast it again. The spell states that it can essentially cover the entire planet up to its atmosphere with tiny adamantine cubes within 24 hours...
A fork-bomb? "Modest" canon baseline: 8-level Sammaster's Spellcaster, which makes one specially prepared object emit spells up to 3rd level.
That was designed by one of the greatest ever masters of metamagic tricks on Toril, so...
The larger problem, however, is - summons from where?
Surely there are many, many powerful creatures who would do their best to find a practically unlimited source of adamantine (or even adamant in any form).
Plane of Minerals is constantly looted despite natives defending it, and tapped by spells.
This one would attract drow wizards from half the Multiverse, rather than dwarves of dubious luck.
Conversely, creating it won't fly - IIRC it's among the worst duration- and output- reducing products.
Thus even if fork creation was possible, there won't be a whole lot of it by the time enough of matter is created to affect the flow of protomatter from nearby Ethereal.
On the other eyestalk, setting up a fun-sized "ether distillery" on Prime may be dangerous in itself.
It could at least have strange effects on force magic, and at worst wrap the world in Grey layer like Athas.
Or rupture dreamscapes with nightmarish things swept into the ether stream and then dropped on Prime.
Speaking of which, creation of arbitrary monsters by casting an illusion on Ethereal until it "comes to life" then Plane Shift it to Prime.
Of course, it's a bit self-defeating: Phantasmal Killer may create another Fær, the hard part is retaining life and wits in its presence long enough to cast another spell.
quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
create a portal to the plane of infinite ducks??? LOL, that just tickled my funny bone.
Well, it almost fits the bill.  |
People never wonder How the world goes round -Helloween
And even I make no pretense Of having more than common sense -R.W.Wood
It's not good, Eric. It's a gazebo. -Ed Whitchurch |
|
|
|
Balmar Foghaven
Learned Scribe
Canada
124 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2018 : 19:02:35
|
quote:
Originally posted by TBeholder
quote:
Originally posted by Balmar Foghaven
But a few I can think of include Tolodine's Killing Wind (lvl 10, banned)
It's merely 100 yd/CL.
Also, it's banned?
Banned by Mystra, I meant. The OP wanted spells that escaped Mystra's ban, from what I understood. |
"Despair not, for in the end all things shall work out for the best - in at least one timeline." |
|
|
|
Balmar Foghaven
Learned Scribe
Canada
124 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2018 : 19:12:34
|
quote:
quote:
a portal to the plane of infinite ducks;
Why not at least plane of infinite geese? Even if it did exist, there are nastier planes, portals to which were opened (repeatedly).
Fair enough, and I do admit that as there are infinite demons in the Abyss, one would simply need to cast gate and allow them to pass through to wreak havoc.
...though the thought of being drowned in a swarm of endless poultry makes me happy. One might say that their goose was cooked.
|
"Despair not, for in the end all things shall work out for the best - in at least one timeline." |
|
|
|
TBeholder
Great Reader
2428 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2018 : 21:34:09
|
quote:
Originally posted by Balmar Foghaven
Banned by Mystra, I meant. The OP wanted spells that escaped Mystra's ban, from what I understood.
I mean, what's the source?
Also, this matters only in Realmspace either way. Elsewhere, casting Tolodine's Killing Wind or Proctiv’s Seal Crystal Sphere (11 level) is purely a matter of ability.
quote:
Originally posted by Balmar Foghaven
Fair enough, and I do admit that as there are infinite demons in the Abyss, one would simply need to cast gate and allow them to pass through to wreak havoc.
...though the thought of being drowned in a swarm of endless poultry makes me happy. One might say that their goose was cooked.
Do you want descriptions of the latter acting not unlike the former, or do you want to keep that glad feeling?
The thought of being caught in a cloud of these birds without good armor and good headphones doesn't make me happy.
http://icwdm.org/Images/birds/birds-geese/canadagooseattackSM.jpg
https://imgur.com/5llvMo9
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2327212/Terrorised-protective-mother-goose-Students-forced-run-cover-birds-looking-eggs.html
https://hooktube.com/watch?v=I0SELboSbEc
https://hooktube.com/watch?v=Geg7KyXE_-I
https://hooktube.com/watch?v=wyc580u5elc
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/goose-attack-leaves-ottawa-cyclist-shaken-and-scarred-1.2686751
https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/healthandsafety/dog-loses-eye-after-goose-attack-in-south-bend/article_28bf1f17-c4ec-5017-bc36-88f4be6fc230.html
Swans can be nasty. The Canadian geese are smaller, but they are crazy critters who attack anything that moves - including cats, dogs, gorillas, eagles and whole herds of cattle or groups of soldiers. And people complained about commoners and housecats?  |
People never wonder How the world goes round -Helloween
And even I make no pretense Of having more than common sense -R.W.Wood
It's not good, Eric. It's a gazebo. -Ed Whitchurch |
|
|
|
Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2018 : 22:36:21
|
quote:
Originally posted by TBeholder
quote:
Originally posted by Balmar Foghaven
Banned by Mystra, I meant. The OP wanted spells that escaped Mystra's ban, from what I understood.
I mean, what's the source?
Also, this matters only in Realmspace either way. Elsewhere, casting Tolodine's Killing Wind or Proctiv’s Seal Crystal Sphere (11 level) is purely a matter of ability.
Actually, given that those were FR-specific spells and that I'm not aware of anything allowing spells higher than 9th level anywhere else in the D&DVerse, I'd be inclined to say that no one is casting those spells outside of Realmspace without the explicit approval of the local powers of magic. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
|
|
|
LordofBones
Master of Realmslore
1536 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2018 : 05:43:28
|
| I don't think the other powers of magic care overmuch. Offhand, Boccob, Hecate, Wee Jas, Mellifleur and Thoth wouldn't care overmuch (Hecate, notably, lets Circe have a lot of leeway); Mathonwy is a paranoid prick so he'd keep a tight lid on things; Isis would prefer it to be beneficial, Set would prefer it to be destructive or unleashed against the slaves of Apophis, Odin would prefer things that could tip the scales in favor of the Aesir during Ragnarok; the Vedic pantheon...ahahaha epic magic is the kind of crap Indian heroes and villains throw at each other, nevermind the pantheon itself; the Scarred Lands pantheon are probably chill with wizardly epic magic, whereas sorcerers are in a lot of trouble; the Moon deities of Krynn already impose ridiculous sanctions on arcane casters, so epic magic is out; Eberron's too low on the power scale (except the overlords); the Celestial Bureaucracy and Takama no Hara are probably ambivalent. |
|
|
|
Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2018 : 10:21:04
|
No, here's what I'm saying: that those were Realms-specific spells and nowhere else in D&D has spells higher than 9th level -- this indicates to me that only in the Realms were spells higher than 9th level even possible. There was, in short, an exception to the normal rules of magic, meaning such things were only possible in the Realms.
So the spells wouldn't be possible elsewhere, without divine intervention, because the normal rules of magic prevent it.
Granted, this is based purely on assumption, but since the Realms was not alone in having ancient magical empires and no one else had spells like that, then logic would indicate there must be a very compelling reason for that. And we already know that magic is different in the Realms, because of the Weave -- which further backs up the idea that the rules of magic were different in Realmspace, compared to elsewhere. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
Edited by - Wooly Rupert on 10 May 2018 10:48:51 |
|
|
|
LordofBones
Master of Realmslore
1536 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2018 : 11:25:20
|
Mordenkainen actually has Epic Spellcasting.
I mean, specific named spells are probably not going to show up, but 'Mordenkainen's Force Lightning' and 'Mordenkainen's Mancave' might just be the Oeridian equivalents. |
|
|
|
Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2018 : 13:03:39
|
quote:
Originally posted by LordofBones
Mordenkainen actually has Epic Spellcasting.
I mean, specific named spells are probably not going to show up, but 'Mordenkainen's Force Lightning' and 'Mordenkainen's Mancave' might just be the Oeridian equivalents.
Epic spells and 10th and 11th level spells are different beasts. There are similarities, but the level 10/11 spells were handled more like regular spells, while the epic ones had a lot more special requirements. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
|
|
|
Balmar Foghaven
Learned Scribe
Canada
124 Posts |
|
|
TBeholder
Great Reader
2428 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2018 : 22:06:33
|
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by TBeholder
I mean, what's the source?
Also, this matters only in Realmspace either way. Elsewhere, casting Tolodine's Killing Wind or Proctiv’s Seal Crystal Sphere (11 level) is purely a matter of ability.
Actually, given that those were FR-specific spells and that I'm not aware of anything allowing spells higher than 9th level anywhere else in the D&DVerse,
There were 10-level "true dweomers" (Greyhawk). And psionic enchantments (Dark Sun) - these have requirement of the caster being a living artefact, but extra requirements aren't unique either, this just places them on par with High Magic, rather than mere "higher level".
And, yes, High Magic - which was supposedly brought to Toril from elsewhere and is supported by quite multi-spheric Elven gods. The incidents with EIN destroying planets suggest related methods, too.
quote:
I'd be inclined to say that no one is casting those spells outside of Realmspace
I included Proctiv’s Seal/Breach Crystal Sphere specifically to help possible sufferers alleviate nerf-clutching spasms...
It's right in the name. But just to be sure, "(Any sphere sealed by this spell before the fall of Netheril was closed and cannot be entered except through the use of teleport spells)."
Likewise, Valdick’s Spheresail specifically mentions differences in the effect "outside a crystal sphere".
quote:
without the explicit approval of the local powers of magic.
Yet with the powers of magic on Toril it ran in exactly the opposite way: when they didn't care, 12 level was possible.
Then due to damage to the Weave limit to 10 level had to be set, then due to further damage/overload of the Weave, down to "9 level, 10 level with approval only".
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
So the spells wouldn't be possible elsewhere, without divine intervention, because the normal rules of magic prevent it.
Granted, this is based purely on assumption, but since the Realms was not alone in having ancient magical empires and no one else had spells like that, then logic would indicate there must be a very compelling reason for that. And we already know that magic is different in the Realms, because of the Weave -- which further backs up the idea that the rules of magic were different in Realmspace, compared to elsewhere.
I don't know what you call logic here, but the above is an example of "absence of evidence used as evidence of absence".
We know almost nothing about all those "ancient magical empires". We know much about Netheril.
It had unusual amount of high-level arcane spellcasters (which is a prerequisite in itself) who didn't all sit at home, but rather both planewalked and used spelljamming.
Also, these were very much PC option, and there were no special notes about differences outside Realmspace. Which makes "it works the same way" default rule in this context, no?
quote:
Originally posted by Balmar Foghaven
Oh I'm well aware of the "fowl" temperament of such birds... LOL what I meant by making me happy was the thought of my poor group's PCs opening such a portal. Oh I can hear the screams 
If you really want to drive them mad, why not just make it a demiplane set up as a breeding farm for critters. May be even duckbunnies - perhaps somewhere there was a fad for such pets, or they were used to keep the vermin in check.
Either forgotten, or with the owners being cranky and more inclined to scream and shake staves at the cattle rustlers intruders than cooperate. 
It's all awfully cute (once the PCs are not buried under the quacking wave), but creates a threat of "rabbits vs. Australia" sort and everyone blames whom? You only need a handful of the critters to escape in the confusion... |
People never wonder How the world goes round -Helloween
And even I make no pretense Of having more than common sense -R.W.Wood
It's not good, Eric. It's a gazebo. -Ed Whitchurch |
|
|
|
Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2018 : 22:37:59
|
quote:
Originally posted by TBeholder
There were 10-level "true dweomers" (Greyhawk). And psionic enchantments (Dark Sun) - these have requirement of the caster being a living artefact, but extra requirements aren't unique either, this just places them on par with High Magic, rather than mere "higher level".
And none of those things are the same as the 10th and 11th level spells of the Realms. The 10th and 11th level spells were only different from spells of lesser level in that they were more powerful -- they still only required a single caster to memorize a spell, gather his components, and cast it.
quote:
Originally posted by TBeholder
And, yes, High Magic - which was supposedly brought to Toril from elsewhere and is supported by quite multi-spheric Elven gods. The incidents with EIN destroying planets suggest related methods, too.
High magic comes from the Seldarine, is limited to elves, and usually requires both elaborate preparations and multiple casters. This is not the same as a single guy memorizing a spell and tossing it out, off the top of his head.
quote:
Originally posted by TBeholder
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
So the spells wouldn't be possible elsewhere, without divine intervention, because the normal rules of magic prevent it.
Granted, this is based purely on assumption, but since the Realms was not alone in having ancient magical empires and no one else had spells like that, then logic would indicate there must be a very compelling reason for that. And we already know that magic is different in the Realms, because of the Weave -- which further backs up the idea that the rules of magic were different in Realmspace, compared to elsewhere.
I don't know what you call logic here, but the above is an example of "absence of evidence used as evidence of absence".
We know almost nothing about all those "ancient magical empires". We know much about Netheril.
It had unusual amount of high-level arcane spellcasters (which is a prerequisite in itself) who didn't all sit at home, but rather both planewalked and used spelljamming.
Also, these were very much PC option, and there were no special notes about differences outside Realmspace. Which makes "it works the same way" default rule in this context, no?
No, I'm looking at all the existing evidence and seeing that it points to the same thing. In one supplement for one setting, we have spells of higher than 9th level, and they were an exception for that setting. Nothing else for any other setting even implies that it's possible to exceed 9th level spells, and the core material also backs that up. Anything more powerful than a 9th level spell was different in almost every way from a standard spell, and was not treated as a standard, leveled spell.
So yes, when all of the available material says "this is this way," then I will very much take the absence of anything saying otherwise to mean that it's a hard and fast rule.
If you want to convince me otherwise, show me where these single-caster, non-ritual, non-FR 10th and 11th level spells are. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
Edited by - Wooly Rupert on 11 May 2018 00:55:26 |
|
|
|
sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11829 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2018 : 23:39:12
|
quote:
Originally posted by TBeholder
If you really want to drive them mad, why not just make it a demiplane set up as a breeding farm for critters. May be even duckbunnies - perhaps somewhere there was a fad for such pets, or they were used to keep the vermin in check.
The Dread Domain of Lord Peter Cottontail.... filled with chickbunnies and duckbunnies... and now we know the secret of why every spring he crosses planes and hides his nefarious children (which he has boiled to death and decorated in bright colors). |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
|
|
|
LordofBones
Master of Realmslore
1536 Posts |
Posted - 11 May 2018 : 03:53:55
|
Locate City Bomb still tops the list. Add Fell Drain to it and arcane casters have their own wightpocalypse.
Clerics can do the same with greater consumptive field + persistent spell (DMM) + widen spell + fell drain + greater invisibility. |
Edited by - LordofBones on 11 May 2018 03:54:33 |
|
|
|
Thraskir Skimper
Learned Scribe
204 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jun 2018 : 04:06:18
|
I have a plague spell it grows and mutates the longer it is in effect and even if you get cured from an early version of it, it can still affect you as it transforms.
It starts out as a touch based spell, useful in cities, as it progresses the city will start to fall ill. Here the first twist comes in. As these unfortunates are cured of disease the spell starts its mutation. The cured will start to recatch the plague and it will mutate from a touch based to airborne disease. It will further progress and start reinfecting everyone. This where the fun starts. The plague changes from one or more of the disease types. Running randomly through all the main kinds of disease randomly for each person infected getting a different one each time after they are cured. Finally when each disease is cured and the plague looks like it has finally run its course the third phase presents itself. The Plague mutates to a mental form. It becomes a mental illness, the thought that you could catch the plague again allows it to be caught just by thinking that it is catchable. At this point only a full restoration will cure the plague. Those who think they still have it will have it and will transfer it to anyone else they think will also have it. Save vs disease at DC 23. At this point only a restoration will stop your personal plague. Without a restoration the mental aspect will cause a 25% chance of insanity for one week upon which a new roll is made at a cumulative negative one percent, 24% at week 2, 23% at week 3, etc... At week 26 the plague will dissipate. 7th level spell. Starts with a single person. If that person receives a restoration before passing the spell along the plague ends before it begins. Insane persons lose 1 point of intelligence. At 0 intelligence they become babbling idiots. They regain 1 point per day if they make their weekly save.
If the victims don't receive a disease cure they make a save vs death at week 2 DC 10. Fail they die, save they are cured and immune to any other plagues spell effects for one year.
This spell does not work under weather controlling nets. |
Thay Red |
Edited by - Thraskir Skimper on 15 Jun 2018 04:09:09 |
|
|
|
The Masked Mage
Great Reader
USA
2420 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jun 2018 : 20:17:39
|
The most powerful basic spell, obviously, is the 9th level spell wish. If worded properly this spell might create an effect that destroys and entire world. The same is true of MANY of the less basic "ritual" magics like high magic, epic magic, true dweomers - whatever you want to call them.
However, this is all based on the assumption that there are no counter forces at work. The DM is the first, obviously. Mystra comes next - her rules make any such magic less than probable. Still there are rituals enacted with divine aid that might do the trick - the Shadowstorm of Shar for example was designed to accomplish just that. Why did it fail? Because of the counter forces at work, including from some of Shar's own servants. Personally I would have liked Selune to become directly involved in that story to further the Sisters of Light and Darkness story but no dice. Finally, at least when it comes to Faerun, there is Ao - he's the ultimate trump card. Even if there is no rational way that your plan/magic could fail and all other obstacles are overcome: BOOM Ao claps his hands, you and your hubris are expunged and the Realms go on another day. Obviously that should be a DMs last resort but its there. |
|
|
|
LordofBones
Master of Realmslore
1536 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jun 2018 : 03:43:42
|
The problem with wish is that it's essentially a downtime spell, not something one goes out of his way to prepare. In 5e, it's pretty much a plot-armor spell with an array of drawbacks; the funny thing is that the one reason a player would prepare wish (i.e. duplicate any spell from any list) is the one with no drawback at all.
In 3.5e there are better spells. Just look at Locate City Bomb. |
|
|
|
Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jun 2018 : 05:20:26
|
| I think the mere existence of epic spells, and the 10th, 11th, and 12th level spells once known in the Realms shows that wish is not the most powerful spell in existence. It may have the most versatility, but the existence of those other spells proves it had limitations. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
|
|
|
The Masked Mage
Great Reader
USA
2420 Posts |
Posted - 17 Jun 2018 : 02:34:53
|
The primary reason for spells of greater level than 9th and the wish spell is to achieve with greater reliability and fewer drawbacks than a wish spell a single specific powerful effect. There is actually a paragraph to that effect in the description of true dweomers. The primary drawback of a wish spell is that wording a wish correctly so that a DM cannot do something unexpected with the result is not easily done - kind of a damned if you do damned if you don't situation. You CAN achieve almost anything with a wish, but you're not certain to.
The trade offs for most of these are prep. time / the requirement of communal casting / complicated layering of spells (Ed's spell webs for example) / and extravagant spell components. |
|
|
|
The Masked Mage
Great Reader
USA
2420 Posts |
Posted - 17 Jun 2018 : 03:14:06
|
Another group of spells that has not been mentioned are the Netherese mantle and similar mythal spells. The mythal spells have many of the restrictions I mentioned earlier, but the Netherese mantle spell is the only spells I am aware of from any edition that occupies multiple spell slots in the caster's mind.
For an 18th to 30th level caster it occupies one spell slot of 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th level. The description also goes on to mention that the spell has been altered by specific archmages to do other things, so there is really no bounds on what can be accomplished by such magics aside from imagination and DM's will. |
|
|
|
Topic |
|
|
|
What are the most powerful spells?
