Despair
- SchoolEnchantment/Charm
- ComponentsV, S
- Range30 yards
- Area2d4 creatures in a 20 foot x 20 foot square
- Casting time4
- Duration1 round/level
- SaveNegates
Mages of the Bleak Cabal developed this spell to share their point of view with their enemies. When this spell is cast, 2d4 sentient creatures (of Intelligence 3 or better) in the area of effect must make a saving throw versus spell or lapse into a severe depression as they realize the hopelessness and folly of their beliefs. Victims of despair are unable to attack, cast spells, move, or even engage in basic activities such as eating or drinking. Everything just seems pointless. The effects last for one round per level of the caster.
Creatures suffering from despair don't bother to defend themselves, so opponents can automatically strike, disarm, or bind them without resistance. However, when a creature is damaged or bound, it may attempt another saving throw to shake free of the spell effects.
Primes and members of the Free League, perhaps because they're not bound to any particular philosophy, are somewhat resistant to despair and gain a +2 bonus to their saving throws versus this spell.
This spell is generally only available to wizards of the Bleak Cabal, who guard it fairly carefully. However, sometimes information slips out, and so this enchantment can occasionally be found in obscure places by non-Bleakers.
Sources: Dragon Magazine · The Planewalker's Handbook