Cascading Cell Dissolution

You release a potent wave of necromantic energy that targets the cellular cohesion of all living creatures within the area, causing their cells to progressively lose structure and dissolve into cytoplasm. The spell acts in waves, starting with the smallest organisms and gradually working its way up to the largest creatures in the area. As the spell begins, the air in the affected area ripples with a sickly energy. Small organisms and bacteria seem to vanish, while creatures begin to feel a tingling, invasive sensation in their bodies. In the following rounds, larger creatures are caught in a horrific wave of necromantic power, their cells breaking down, causing their bodies to slowly liquefy. The ground becomes slick with the cytoplasm of dissolved creatures, a grotesque reminder of the spell's devastating effect.

Spell Effects:

Stage 1: Single-Celled Organisms (Round 1)

• Microbial Decimation: In the first round, all single-celled organisms (such as bacteria and viruses) within the area are instantly destroyed. This eliminates any ongoing diseases or infections affecting creatures in the area. All creatures become immune to disease for the duration of the spell.

Stage 2: Invertebrates and Small Creatures (Round 2)

• Targeted Creatures: Invertebrates, insects, and Small or Tiny creatures (CR 1/2 or lower) within the area must make a Constitution saving throw or immediately dissolve into cytoplasm and die.
• Success: On a successful save, the creature takes 4d6 necrotic damage as their cells begin to break down but they avoid full dissolution.

Stage 3: Medium Creatures or Smaller (Round 3)

• Medium creatures or smaller are targeted next. Each creature of size Medium or smaller must make a Constitution saving throw at the start of their turn:
  • Failure: On a failed save, the creature takes 6d8 necrotic damage as their cells lose cohesion. Their movement speed is reduced by half, and they suffer disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks as their body weakens.
  • Success: On a successful save, the creature takes half damage but is not affected by the movement reduction or disadvantage.
  • Cytoplasmic Dissolution: If a creature fails three saving throws in a row, their body dissolves into cytoplasm, resulting in instant death. All that remains is a pool of cellular fluid and fragmented organic matter.

Stage 4: Large Creatures or Smaller (Round 4)

• At the start of Round 4, Large creatures or smaller are targeted. All affected creatures must make a Constitution saving throw at the start of their turn:
  • Failure: On a failed save, the creature takes 8d10 necrotic damage and their body begins to rapidly disintegrate at a cellular level. Their movement speed is halved, and they suffer disadvantage on attack rolls and saving throws.
  • Success: On a successful save, the creature takes half damage and avoids the other debilitating effects.
  • Cytoplasmic Dissolution: After three failed saving throws, the creature dissolves into cytoplasm, killing them instantly.

Stage 5: Huge Creatures or Smaller (Round 5)

• In the fifth round, Huge creatures or smaller must make a Constitution saving throw:
  • Failure: On a failed save, the creature suffers 10d12 necrotic damage, with their cells violently breaking down. The creature’s movement speed is reduced to 0, and they are incapacitated as their body begins to fall apart.
  • Success: On a successful save, the creature takes half damage but remains functional, though severely weakened.
  • Cytoplasmic Dissolution: After three failed saving throws, the creature’s body dissolves into cytoplasm, leaving nothing but a puddle of organic fluid and dissolved tissue.

Stage 6: Gargantuan Creatures or Smaller (Round 6)

• Finally, in the sixth round, Gargantuan creatures or smaller are targeted. Each creature must make a Constitution saving throw:
  • Failure: The creature takes 12d12 necrotic damage as their massive body begins to collapse at a cellular level. They are immediately restrained as their form begins to break apart.
  • Success: On a successful save, the creature takes half damage and avoids being restrained, but still suffers the breakdown of cellular cohesion.
  • Cytoplasmic Dissolution: If the creature fails three saving throws, even a Gargantuan creature dissolves into a massive pool of cytoplasm, leaving no solid remains.

Additional Effects:

• Structures and Objects: Non-magical objects and structures in the area are unaffected by this spell, but any living organic material attached to them (such as living plants or vines) is subject to the same cellular breakdown and dissolution.

• Residual Cytoplasmic Fluid: The area becomes slick and hazardous after multiple creatures dissolve into cytoplasm. The DM may rule that the terrain in the area becomes difficult as the ground is covered in pools of cytoplasmic fluid, making it treacherous for movement.

• Immunity: Creatures immune to necrotic damage or that do not rely on cellular structure (such as constructs, elementals, or oozes) are unaffected by this spell. However, plant creatures are particularly vulnerable and automatically fail their saving throws.