Domain Expansion: Hell's Throne

Domain Expansion: Hell's Throne

With a commanding gesture, the caster forms an intricate energy hand sign, their voice resonating as they declare, "Domain Expansion: Hell's Throne!" Instantly, a swirling darkness erupts, forming a massive black dome 30 feet in radius around them. The dome coalesces in a dramatic two seconds, its surface etched with fiery, volcanic cracks that pulse ominously.

Activation Phase:

Creatures caught within 20 to 30 feet of the caster must make a DEX saving throw to escape the impending enclosure. Those who succeed must act swiftly, evading the forming dome unless physically incapacitated, in which case their fate is sealed, and they automatically fail the check.

Within the Domain:

Once sealed, the domain transforms into a harrowing vision of Avernus, the first layer of the Nine Hells. The ground shifts to a blood-soaked dark crimson, riddled with fissures that erupt with gouts of molten magma. Encircling the dome stands an imposing wall forged from hellish metal, its surface adorned with grotesque statues. Each statue vividly portrays the myriad agonies awaiting those trapped within, mirroring the fears and potential deaths of the creatures who gaze upon them.

From the dome’s ceiling, a macabre chandelier descends, its skeletal adornments radiating an aura of despair. The moment the domain solidifies, a grand, infernal throne bursts from the earth. The caster is lifted regally upon it, their visage illuminated by the hellish glow. The caster may roll a CHA check to enhance their commanding presence, striking fear or awe into all who witness this ascension.

Effects of the Domain:

• Constant Fire Damage: Every creature within the domain, save for those native to Avernus, suffers 2d4 fire damage at the start of their turn as the searing heat and magma-infused air exact their toll.

• Divine Accuracy: The caster’s attacks are imbued with divine precision, ensuring they hit their mark without fail. A creature may attempt to counter this inevitability by using its action to channel its magical energy into a protective dome. The creature must succeed on a saving throw using its spellcasting ability modifier or witness the dome shatter to no avail.

• Hellfire Barrage: The caster may take a special action to unleash a devastating attack targeting up to six creatures within the domain. These sure-hit attacks deal 8d6 fire damage to each target, bypassing all defenses unless a protective dome is active. Creatures slain by this assault are utterly incinerated, leaving behind no trace of their possessions, which are lost to the consuming flames.

Fight Inside the Domain:

Creatures caught inside the domain may still fight and act. However, if the caster loses concentration, the domain will shatter instantly. Targeting the caster is thus a viable strategy to bring the domain to an end.

Outside the Domain:

The dome acts as a magical object for everyone outside the domain. It has 100 HP and is immune to physical damage, though it can be damaged by magical, elemental, or other types of attacks. Alternatively, the domain can be dispelled instantly by casting Dispel Magic and succeeding on a CHA saving throw.

Creatures outside the dome can freely enter; however, once inside, they are subject to the same rules as those initially caught within.

The Aftermath:

When the domain shatters, the caster suffers severe repercussions:

• They incur 1 level of Exhaustion (or 2 if the domain was shattered due to losing concentration from an enemy attack or a Dispel Magic spell).
• The caster’s technique becomes "burned out," causing any subsequent spell they cast to be a weaker version until they complete a short or long rest.
• If the spell requires a saving throw, affected creatures have advantage.
• If the spell uses a hit DC, the caster rolls with disadvantage.

The Ultimate Judgment:

This domain is a manifestation of infernal might and despair, offering no respite to those ensnared. The blackened sphere stands as both prison and execution ground, with the caster reigning supreme from their Hellish Throne—though their triumph is paid for with dire consequences.