Who Can Wield the Power of Dispel Magic?
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The ability to unravel magical effects is a crucial skill in any setting where arcane forces are at play. Dispel Magic, a spell that allows the user to nullify or weaken existing magic, is a powerful tool. But who exactly can wield this potent ability? This article will explore the various classes and specializations that have access to Dispel Magic, along with its limitations and capabilities.
Classes with Access to Dispel Magic
Several classes, each with their own unique magical traditions, can learn and cast Dispel Magic. The core classes that commonly access this spell include:
Core Spellcasters
- Bard: Bards, as versatile spellcasters, gain access to Dispel Magic at 5th level, adding it to their repertoire of magical manipulation.
- Druid: Nature-attuned Druids, understanding the balance of forces, can also learn Dispel Magic starting at 5th level.
- Sorcerer: Sorcerers, with their innate magical abilities, can learn to control and dispel magical energies, making Dispel Magic available to them at 5th level.
- Warlock: Warlocks, who derive their power from pacts with otherworldly entities, also have access to Dispel Magic from 5th level onwards, providing a way to control the magical consequences of their pacts.
- Wizard: As the most studious of spellcasters, Wizards gain access to Dispel Magic at 5th level, allowing them to dismantle spells they deem dangerous or unwanted.
Class Subclasses and Specializations
Beyond core classes, certain subclasses and specializations offer Dispel Magic as part of their unique abilities:
- Clerics (Arcana Domain): Clerics who choose the Arcana Domain gain proficiency with this spell at 5th level. This domain focuses on the study of magic itself, making Dispel Magic a thematic and useful spell.
- Clerics (Trickery Domain): Clerics of the Trickery Domain also have access to Dispel Magic at 5th level, using it to outwit or circumvent the machinations of their foes.
- Oath of Devotion Paladins: Paladins who swear an Oath of Devotion, a path dedicated to battling evil, gain access to Dispel Magic at 9th level. This allows them to counteract the magical tricks of their enemies.
- Artificer: These inventive spellcasters gain access to Dispel Magic at 9th level. This allows them to counteract the magical workings of their inventions and those of others.
Understanding Dispel Magic’s Mechanics
Dispel Magic has specific rules that dictate its effectiveness:
- Targeting: The spell targets one creature, object, or magical effect within range.
- Lower-Level Spells: Any spell of 3rd level or lower on the target ends immediately upon casting Dispel Magic.
- Higher-Level Spells: For spells of 4th level or higher, the caster must make a spellcasting ability check. The Difficulty Class (DC) equals 10 + the spell’s level. A successful check ends the higher level spell.
Limitations of Dispel Magic
It’s vital to understand what Dispel Magic cannot do:
- Not a Universal Magic Remover: Despite its name, Dispel Magic only affects spells. It does not affect magic items, magical traps or other magical effects that are not the direct result of spellcasting.
- Caster is Not Always Target: Casting Dispel Magic on yourself only dispels spells targeting you. It won’t remove spells you have cast on others, or that are not directly affecting you.
- Permanent Magic Items: Dispel Magic cannot permanently suppress or alter magic items. However, it can dispel a spell cast from a magic item.
- Feeblemind: Dispel Magic is ineffective against the spell Feeblemind due to the nature of it’s ‘instantaneous’ duration.
- Curses: Despite their magical nature, Dispel Magic does not affect curses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions, designed to clarify the nuances of Dispel Magic:
1. Can Dispel Magic remove a Hold Person spell?
Yes, Dispel Magic can remove the Hold Person spell, as it is a spell of a duration that targets a creature.
2. Does Dispel Magic work on summons?
Yes, Dispel Magic can remove most summoned creatures. If the summons were created through a spell that requires concentration, you can dispel the summon by targeting the caster, ending the concentration and the spell.
3. Can Dispel Magic end petrification?
It depends. If the petrification is caused by a spell, Dispel Magic can be attempted. However, if petrification is the result of a non-spell effect, like a Beholder’s ray, Dispel Magic will not work. You’ll need a spell like Greater Restoration instead.
4. How can you defend against Dispel Magic?
There are a few ways:
- Casting the spell with a higher spell slot makes it more difficult to dispel.
- Using Counterspell to negate the attempt to Dispel Magic.
- Utilizing Globe of Invulnerability, which blocks all 4th level and lower spells, including Dispel Magic from affecting those within the globe.
5. Can Dispel Magic remove a True Polymorph spell?
Yes, Dispel Magic can remove the effects of True Polymorph. However, If the target has been turned into an object and is targeted by the spell, it will return the target back to its original form. The spell does not end for a creature that is true polymorphed into another creature, as this is a lasting transformation.
6. Does Dispel Magic affect Mind Blank?
No, Dispel Magic does not remove Mind Blank spell. Mind Blank protects the mind of the subject from spells and magical effects, including a dispel magic.
7. Can Dispel Magic affect curses?
No, Dispel Magic does not affect curses, which are not spells, they are magical in nature though.
8. Is Counterspell or Dispel Magic better?
Both spells have their uses. Counterspell is used to stop a spell as it’s being cast, whereas Dispel Magic is used to remove a spell after it has taken effect. Counterspell is often better during battle while Dispel Magic is often used to deal with persistent problems or magic outside of direct combat.
9. Does Dispel Magic break invisibility?
Casting a spell such as Dispel Magic will cause the caster’s invisibility to end as, regardless of spell, it is an act of casting a spell.
10. Can Dispel Magic affect invulnerability?
Globe of Invulnerability itself is not immune to Dispel Magic, and is simply a 4th level spell that prevents other lower level spells from working inside its radius.
11. Can Dispel Magic affect a Wall of Force?
No, a Wall of Force is explicitly stated to be immune to dispel magic. It can only be destroyed by specific spells like Disintegrate.
12. How long does a suppressed magic item stay suppressed after being affected by Dispel Magic?
If the object that you target is a magic item, you make a dispel check against the item’s caster level. If you succeed, all the item’s magical properties are suppressed for 1d4 rounds, after which the item recovers on its own.
13. Can Dispel Magic dispel something you can’t see?
Yes, the spell only requires a target to be within range. It does not require you to “perceive” that a magical effect is present on the target if it is a creature or object.
14. Can Dispel Magic remove Feeblemind?
No, Dispel Magic cannot remove the effects of Feeblemind because of it’s ‘instantaneous’ duration.
15. What is the highest DC to try and remove a spell with Dispel Magic?
The highest DC to try and remove a spell with Dispel Magic is a 19, this would be used to try and dispel a 9th level spell. You add your spellcasting modifier to this check.
Conclusion
Dispel Magic is a versatile and important tool in a spellcaster’s arsenal. Understanding who has access to it, how it functions, and its limitations is key to effectively using and countering it. Whether you are a Bard, Cleric, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard, Paladin, Druid, or Artificer, you now have a better understanding of this pivotal spell and how it interacts with the magical world around you. Knowing these aspects can significantly impact your strategy both in and out of combat.