Cause Disease (Abjuration)
Reversible [[Cure Disease]]
Sphere: Healing, Necromantic
Level: 3
Range: Touch
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 rd.
Duration: Instantaneous
Area of Effect: Creature touched
Saving Throw: None
The reverse of [[Cure Disease]] spell is Cause Disease. To be effective, the priest must touch the intended victim, and the creature must fail a saving throw vs. spell. The severity of the disease is decided by the priest (debilitating or fatal). The exact details of the disease are decided by the DM ([[Disease or Disorder Table]]), but the following are typical:
* Debilitating: The disease takes effect in 1d6 turns, after which the creature loses 1 point of Strength per hour until his Strength is reduced to 2 or less, at which time the recipient is weak and virtually helpless. If a creature has no Strength rating, it loses 10% of its hit points per Strength loss, down to 10% of its original hit points. If the disease also affects hit points, use the more severe penalty. Recovery requires a period of 1d3 weeks.
* Fatal: This wasting disease is effective immediately. Infected creatures receive no benefit from cure wound spells while the disease is in effect; wounds heal at only 10% of the natural rate; The disease proves fatal within 1d6 months and can be cured only by magical means. Each month the disease progresses, the creature loses 2 points of Charisma, permanently.
The inflicted disease can be cured by the cure disease spell. Lycanthropy cannot be caused.
Notes: Common for clerics and druids (PHB).