This page is about the wizard version of the spell. For the priest version, see Finger of Death (priest).
When a wizard casts Finger of Death, he snuffs out the life force of the target creature.
Description[]
| “ | Finger of Death The Finger of Death spell snuffs out the victim's life force. The caster points his finger at the victim after the incantation is complete, effectively ripping the life out of its body unless a Save vs. Spell is made with a -2 penalty. A creature that successfully saves still receives 2d8+1 points of damage. |
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Gameplay[]
This spell is launched by the caster and sends a projectile toward a valid target.
When the projectile reaches the target, it initiates a series of effects on the subject creature.
The target is exposed to the Slay effect. A Saving throw vs. spell is needed, with a -2 penalty to avoid the instant death effect. If the saving throw is failed, a lighting effect, and color fade is displayed over the targeted creature. A sound effect is audible as well. Death of a creature will usually display the "rising ghost" animation over the slayed target.
If the target creature negates the slay effect with a saving throw, then 2d8+1 Magical damage is applied to the creature.
This spell can be blocked by Magic resistance, and spell protections that deflect a 7 Power level.
Some enemies are innately immune to the slay effect which the spell uses.
Party members can be protected from instant death effects by, among other things, Death Ward, Avoid Death and Favored of the Spirits.
Clerics can also cast Shield of the Archons, and mages can use, Spell Turning, Spell Trap or Spell Immunity: Necromancy for protection. The Potion of Magic Shielding also works since it ensures the saving throw will always succeed.
Lastly, Improved Invisibility protects against being targeted by this spell.
Where to obtain its scroll[]
Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn[]
Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal[]
Mod content[]
This section is about unofficial content that is only available via fan-made mods.
Spell Revisions mod has changed this arcane spell, revising its saving throw, effects, and description. See below:
Finger of Death
Level: 7
School: Necromancy
Range: Long
Duration: Instant
Casting Time: 5
Area of Effect: 1 creature
Saving Throw: Death partial
The Finger of Death spell snuffs out the victim’s life force. The caster points his finger at the victim after the incantation is complete and death occurs, unless a save vs. death at -2 is made. A creature successfully saving still receives 6d8 points of damage.
External links[]
- Finger of death on the Forgotten Realms Wiki, a wiki for the Dungeons & Dragons campaign setting Forgotten Realms.