Property Descriptions

Each of the following malefi c properties is possessed by at least one of the elder evils described later in this book.

Anathematic Secrecy

This malefi c property shrouds an elder evil from discovery by divination spells of a divine origin. Benefi t: Any divine spell of the divination school automatically fails when used to ascertain information about an elder evil. Divination spells that are also arcane function normally if they are cast by a nondivine spellcaster. This ability is always active. An affected creature is entitled to a new Will save each round to break free from the rage. If it succeeds, its alignment reverts to normal, but the creature might suffer other consequences of the frenzy, such as violating a code of conduct.

Divine Enervation

An elder evil that has this property can destroy the link between a deity and its mortal followers.

Benefi t: All divine spellcasters lose the ability to regain spells so long as they remain within the area of this malefi c property. This interdiction does not interfere with spellcasting. This ability is always active.

Dark Visiting

An elder evil that has this property projects terrifying nightmares into the dreams of the gods’ servants. Benefi t: Each living divine spellcaster who sleeps within the area of this malefic property must succeed on a Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 elder evil’s HD + elder evil’s Cha modifi er) or be plagued with maddening dreams. Upon awakening, the caster takes 1d4+1 points of Wisdom damage and is fatigued for the remainder of the day. In addition, the caster does not benefi t from the rest required to regain spells or spell slots, psionic power points, and the like. An affected spellcaster whose Wisdom is reduced to half normal or lower by this effect is affected as if by an insanity spell (PH 244) while within the area of this malefi c property. This ability is always active. Divine Scourge

An elder evil that has this property can punish deities’ servants with a powerful surge of profane energy. Benefi t: Once per day,as a swift action, the elder evil can unleash a deadly pulse throughout the area of this malefic property. All divine spellcasters and extraplanar creatures within the area become sickened for 1d4 hours. In addition, each affected creature must succeed on a Fortitude save (DC 10 + 1/2 elder evil’s Hit Dice + elder evil’s Con or Cha modifi er, whichever is higher) or take 1 point of vile damage per Hit Die of the elder evil.

Impervious to the Divine

Discord and Woe

The presence of an elder evil that has this property incites violence and suffering. Benefi t: Each round as a standard action, an elder evil can force a single living creature it can see that is within the area of this malefi c property to make a Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 elder evil’s HD + elder evil’s Cha modifi er). On a failure, the creature’s alignment changes to match that of the elder evil, and the target immediately enters a killing rage. This frenzy functions as a barbarian’s rage ability, except that the affected creature must attack the closest creature each round it remains enraged. The raging creature takes 1 point of vile damage each round until it is killed or it manages to end the effect.

An elder evil that has this property cannot be affected by divine magic of any kind, regardless of the source. Benefi t: The elder evil is immune to all divine spells, whether from a spellcaster or a magic item. It is also immune Ancient evil infests the world to spell-like and supernatural abilities of and daunts the holy extraplanar creatures and deities. This ability is always active. True Death The presence of an elder evil that has this property weakens the souls of living creatures so that they are lost on death. Benefi t: Any creature that dies within the area of this malefi c property is forever dead. Its soul has not passed to the Outer Planes but has died with the body; the creature cannot be raised by any means. In addition, all spells and spell-like effects that have the death descriptor are cast at +4 caster level. This ability is always active.

Illus. by M. Coimbra