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| Spell Information | |
| Spell level : | Innate level: 9, Cleric: 9, Sorcerer/Wizard: 9 |
|---|---|
| School : | Necromancy |
| Descriptor(s) : | Negative |
| Components : | Verbal and Somatic |
| Range : | Short |
| Target/Area : | Single |
| Duration : | Permanent |
| Save : | None |
| Spell resistance : | Yes |
Description
The target creature permanently loses 2d4 character levels. There is no saving throw.
Bug Notes
The description neglects to mention that the spell requires a ranged touch attack against the target. The description also incorrectly lists the spell as having a saving throw.
Gameplay Notes
2d4 levels averages to 5. This means that you can easily swipe an entire level of spells or a major amount of base attack bonus and saves from a target immediately. This ray CAN roll a critical hit as well, resulting in a whopping 4d4 level loss.
The main use is to knock down saves of a target so other spells can more easily affect them, although affected things include health and the base attack bonus, and known spells of the target too. Its a compliment spell, and cannot be used to defeat an enemy alone. People underestimate the effects of negative levels, but they are the main way you can lower the saves of classes like monks, as well as other specifically high saved opponents, such as fighters with high fortitude, or wizards with high will saves.
It is less effective at creatures of a lower level, or in larger groups. Since it only affects a single target, although effective, it cannot be used well against a larger amount of targets.
If the effective level drain is higher than the target's class levels, the target dies instantly.
It also is useless against undead and construct enemies who are immune to negative levels by default.