Antipathy

Enchantment (Compulsion) [Mind-Affecting]
Level: Drd 9, Sor/Wiz 8
Components: V, S, M/DF
Casting Time: 1 hour
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Target: One location (up to a 10-ft. cube/level) or one object
Duration: 2 hours/level (D)
Saving Throw: Will partial
Spell Resistance: Yes
Description

Other Information
Minimum duration for this spell is 30 hours. Has essentially the same effect as Dragonlance's legendary Shoikan Grove.

Pros:
  • Very long duration.
  • Can affect either a small area or a specific object.
  • A successful saving throw still reduces a creature's Dexterity by 4 points.

    Cons:
  • Long casting time.
  • Can only affect intelligent creatures.
  • Must be specifically targeted against a certain creature type or certain alignment.

    Tricks/Combos:
  • If you can sneak into a creature's lair and cast the spell before the creature returns, you can force it from its home.
  • Good for securing important items, though you have to be specific when naming the warded creature or alignment types.

    Overall:
    I don't fully understand this spell, or more importantly, why it is 8th/9th level. The repelling effect is not very well described, but it doesn't say that affected monsters flee in panic, or cower in fear, or anything that would be truly effective in battle. Additionally, the specific requirements are very strict, and you basically need extensive scouting to use efficiently. If you're in an area mostly populated with a single race, then you don't have to worry about the requirement, and it could be used to create a safe area that enemies can't enter. The long duration helps here. But any smart race won't be stopped there - they'll send in summoned monsters, use ranged attacks, etc.

    Overall it's a horrible use of an 8th/9th level spell. It's not bad, but it doesn't really DO anything, and it's definitely not worth that high a slot.

    Recommended for Druids?
    No.

    Recommended for Sorcerers?
    No.

    Recommended for Wizards as an initial spell choice?
    No.

    Recommended as a scroll?
    If you know exactly what creature or creatures you are going up against, it's not completely useless. But it's still not worth it. Invest in some proper Arrows of Slaying instead, if you're being really specific.
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