Power Word: Pain

Table of Contents

This little gem of a spell, found in _Races of the Dragon_, is a level one save-or- die spell. It is virtually guaranteed to eventually kill anything with fewer than 50 hit points in a single casting, and has a good chance of killing anything with less than a hundred HP with repeated castings and a bit of patience. Moreover, a single 1st-level enemy sorcerer is capable of achieving a TPK with this spell. And if players have it, their opponents should have it too.

The spell has to be altered. We could just remove it, but that removes a unique bit of flavor from the game that I, at least, otherwise appreciate. So instead, we'll modify it to bring it more in line with existing spells.

Power Word: Pain
Enchantment (Compulsion) [Mind-Affecting]

Level: Sorcerer/Wizard 4

Components: V

Casting Time: 1 standard action

Range: Close (25 ft + 5 ft/2 levels)

Target: 1 living creature with 100 HP or less

Duration: Varies; see below

Saving Throw: None

Spell Resistance: Yes

You utter a single word of power that causes the target to be wracked by shooting pains all throughout its body. These pains are random, constant, and excruciating, causing interference with any actions that require concentration.

The spell's duration depends on the target's current HP, as follows: While this spell is in effect, targets take a -2 penalty to all actions, attacks, and Reflex saves. Actions that require concentration or precision, such as Disable Device checks, Concentration checks, or Will saves, are instead at a -4 penalty. The target also takes 1d6 nonlethal damage at the start of its turn.