Atonement

Abjuration
Level: Clr 5, Drd 5
Components: V, S, M, F, DF, XP
Casting Time: 1 hour
Range: Touch
Target: Living creature touched
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: Yes
Description

Other Information
Does not require XP if atoning for an accidental or magically-compulsed misdeed. Subject must be truly repentent and honestly wish to set right his misdeeds.

Pros:
  • If used on an honestly repentent character who did not intentionally commit their misdeed, it costs no XP.

    Cons:
  • Long casting time.
  • Can have an XP cost.

    Tricks/Combos:
  • The obvious tricks that come to mind go against the nature of the spell; see below.
  • A cautious Paladin will make sure to have access to a Cleric or Druid that can cast Atonement. Accidental misdeeds, evil compulsions, or just plain poor choices - Paladins have many ways to lose their divine abilities.

    Overall:
    Initially, many players see this as a "get out of jail free" card that will let them commit all sorts of heinous acts, and then correct it with this spell. Well, this simply isn't the case. Even without the hefty XP cost, the spell clearly states that the subject MUST BE TRULY REPENTENT, and any character trying to exploit this spell may receive an unpleasant surprise when nothing happens.

    When used properly, though, this spell is a very nice one to have available. Capable of reversing magical alignment changes, restoration of Paladin abilities, restoring of divine spellcasting if the caster has angered his god, etc., it fixes some very severe conditions. Also, there are numerous magical effects or curses that can cause a player to do acts against their will, often requiring an Atonement spell afterwards to make up for their actions.

    Recommended for Clerics?
    Situational. This is a reaction spell, one that you memorize only when the need arises.

    Recommended for Druids?
    Situational. This is a reaction spell, one that you memorize only when the need arises.

    Recommended as a scroll?
    There isn't really much point. If someone else needs an Atonement, memorize it. If you need the Atonement yourself, your spellcasting abilities have been suppressed anyways so you won't be able to cast it. You'll need to find someone else who can cast it anyways.
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