When a priest casts this spell, it has a chance to neutralize or negate the magic it comes in contact with as follows:
First, it has a chance to remove spells and spell-like effects (including device effects and innate abilities) from creatures or objects. Second, it may disrupt the casting or use of these in the area of effect at the instant the dispel is cast. Third, it may destroy magical potions (which are treated as rank 12 for purposes of this spell).
The cleric has a base 50% chance to dispel a clerical spell of his own rank. His chance to successfully dispel a clerical spell is modified by 5% per rank of difference between the cleric, and the rank of the spell being dispelled. Thus a rank 7 caster attempting to dispel a rank 9 clerical spell has only a 40% chance of success.
The cleric's chance of success if reduced by 25% if attempting to dispel a magical spell cast by a mage. Thus, a rank 7 caster attempting to dispel a rank 9 mage spell has only a 15% chance of success.
In any case, 01 to 05 always indicates a successful dispel while a 96 to 100 always indicates failure.
A dispel magic can affect only a specially enchanted item (such as a magical scroll, ring, wand, rod, staff, miscellaneous item, weapon, shield, or armor) if it is cast directly upon the item. This renders the item non operational for 1d4 rounds. An item possessed or carried by a creature has the creature's saving throw against this effect; otherwise, it is automatically rendered non operational. An inter dimensional interface (such as a bag of holding) rendered non operational is temporarily closed. Note that an item's physical properties are unchanged: A non operational magical sword is still a sword.
The cleric can choose to target a 30 foot cube or a single item.
Artifacts and relics are not subject to this spell, but some of their spell-like effects may be, at the DM's option.
Note that this spell, if successful, will release charmed and similarly beguiled creatures. Certain spells or effects cannot be dispelled; these are listed in the spell descriptions.
Summary of Dispel Effects
Source of Effect Resists As Result of Dispel
Caster None Dispel automatic
Other caster/ Rank of Effect negated
innate ability other caster
Wand Rank 6 Effect negated
Staff Rank 8 Effect negated
Potion Rank 12 Potion destroyed
Other magical item Rank 12 (minimum) *
Artifact DM discretion DM discretion
* Effect negated; if cast directly on item, item becomes nonoperational for 1d4 rounds. |