- For The Wizard Spell, see Dispel Magic (Wizard Spell).
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 12th level for purposes of this spell).
Each effect or potion in the spell's area is checked to determine if it is dispelled. The caster can always dispel his own magic; otherwise, the chance depends on the difference in level between the magical effect and the caster. The base chance of successfully dispelling is 11 or higher on 1d20. If the caster is of higher level than the creator of the effect to be dispelled, the difference is subtracted from this base number needed. If the caster is of lower level, the difference is added to the base. A die roll of 20 always succeeds and a die roll of 1 always fails. Thus, if a caster is 10 levels higher than the magic he is trying to dispel, only a roll of 1 prevents the effect from being dispelled.
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 nonoperational 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 nonoperational. An interdimensional interface (such as a bag of holding) rendered nonoperational is temporarily closed. Note that an item's physical properties are unchanged: A nonoperational magical sword is still a sword.
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.
Notes: Common for clerics and druids (PHB).
| Source of Effect |
Resists As | Result of Dispel |
|---|---|---|
| Caster | None | Dispel automatic |
| Other caster/ innate ability | Level/HD of other caster | Effect negated |
| Wand | 6th level | Effect negated |
| Staff | 8th level | Effect negated |
| Potion | 12th level | Potion destroyed |
| Other magical item | 12th, unless special | —* |
| Artifact | DM discretion | DM discretion |
- * Effect negated; if cast directly on item, item becomes nonoperational for 1d4 rounds.
High-Level Campaigns Book Addition[]
Dispel Magic: A dispel magic spell cast directly upon an unattended magical item automatically renders the item inoperable for 1d4 rounds. If dispel magic is cast upon an item that is in the possession of another creature, the item is unaffected by the dispelling attempt if the creature makes a successful saving throw versus spell. If the creature fails its saving throw, the item is rendered inert for 1d4 rounds.
Temporary effects from potions can be dispelled, see the section on potions for details.
Permanent spells must be individually targeted to be dispelled, requiring a separate dispel magic for each permanent effect. Unlike a magical item, a permanent spell is destroyed, not temporarily rendered nonoperational, by a successful dispel magic. A creature or item never gains a saving throw to avoid a dispelling attempt against its permanent effects, but the dispel magic is not automatically successful either. The caster of the dispel magic must still be of higher level than the caster of the permanency spell, and he must still make a successful dispelling roll. More detailed information is found at the permanency spell description.
Casting dispel magic on a creature or object does not radiate an area of effect. Thus, spells such as stoneskin, minor globe of invulnerability, and barkskin could not be dispelled as the result of trying to negate the magic of a wand of lightning.
Spells and potions whose basic durations are permanent cannot be dispelled. A cure light wounds spell or potion of extra-healing, cannot be dispelled after their healing properties have occurred. A potion of heroism could be negated while its effects were in operation, however.
A successful dispel magic versus a 10th-level spell temporarily negates the spell’s effect for 1d4 rounds. It has no effect against a permanent 10th-level spell cast on a creature.