Level
3rd
Casting Time
1 Action
Range/Area
Touch
Components
V, S
Duration
Concentration
1 Minute
School
Necromancy
Attack/Save
WIS Save
Damage/Effect
Debuff
You touch a creature, which must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or become cursed for the duration. Until the curse ends, the target suffers one of the following effects of your choice:
- Choose one ability. The target has Disadvantage on ability checks and saving throws made with that ability.
- The target has Disadvantage on attack rolls against you.
- In combat, the target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw at the start of each of its turns or be forced to take the Dodge action on that turn.
- If you deal damage to the target with an attack roll or a spell, the target takes an extra 1d8 Necrotic damage.
Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. If you cast this spell using a level 4 spell slot, you can maintain Concentration on it for up to 10 minutes. If you use a level 5+ spell slot, the spell doesn’t require Concentration, and the duration becomes 8 hours (level 5–6 slot) or 24 hours (level 7–8 slot). If you use a level 9 spell slot, the spell lasts until dispelled.
Wow an unwarranted nerf from being able to make custom curses and letting a target dodge rather than just be stunned. This spell wasn't even that great.
The spell was very strong before, and while I liked the old option for creativity, it fits with their design philosophy of removing "mother may I" mechanics that rely on the DM. They did a similar thing with Command. Both spells were already reasonably strong and the "creativity" aspect was almost exclusively used to abuse the natural language of the spell. This was much less of an issue with bestow curse, but 4 options is still fine.
I will miss being able to curse some terrible noble with chronic flatulence, though. Something to discuss with your DM beforehand, I suppose. I think most DMs would allow something creative story-wise with this spell. But for combat, these 4 options are a good limit.
Agreed, the spell was quite strong before and remains so, the Dodge instead of do nothing nerf is significant, but not terrible.
How is this not on the warlock spell list? It seems super thematic for them.
The old Sign of Ill Omen Invocation wasn't reprinted so thats still technically an option you can port forward.