Curses and Hexes

Greetings, dear readers, and welcome back to Old Nan’s Spellbook Pages. Today, we delve into the mystical realm of abjuration spells that serve as the bastions against curses and hexes. In this article, I shall impart knowledge about these protective incantations, providing insights into their workings and practical applications.

Abjuration magic, in its essence, is a formidable shield against the malevolent forces that seek to afflict us with curses and hexes. These spells draw their power from the inner sanctum of protective magics, striving to safeguard the caster and their allies from the dire effects of maleficent enchantments.

Curses and hexes, as you may know, are twisted and malevolent forms of magic that can afflict individuals with all manner of calamities. From the tormenting curses that plague one’s very existence to the vexing hexes that disrupt the flow of fortune, these dark sorceries can wreak havoc upon those unfortunate enough to be ensnared.

But fear not, for abjuration spells are the vigilant wardens against these treacherous enchantments. Through incantations steeped in protective magic, these spells can dispel the wicked influence of curses and hexes, freeing their victims from their torment.

Let us now turn our attention to the formidable arsenal of abjuration spells designed to counter curses and hexes. Each of these spells carries the potential to unravel the malicious enchantments that threaten the well-being of individuals and communities.

Lesser Restoration: 2nd-level

Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Components: V, S
Duration: Instantaneous

With a gentle touch, you possess the power to bring relief to a suffering creature. You can lift the shadow of one affliction from its being. It could be a vicious disease or a wretched condition that plagues them, whether it be blindness, deafness, paralysis, or poisoning. With your magic, you can offer them solace, restoring them to a state of grace.


Remove Curse: 3rd-level

Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Components: V, S
Duration: Instantaneous

With a mere touch, you lift the weight of curses from a creature or object. Every ill-fated enchantment withers away under your grasp, setting the afflicted free.

Now, take heed: if the object in question is a cursed magic item, its malevolence lingers, but the spell shatters the bond between the item and its owner. This liberation allows the item to be removed or cast aside, no longer a burden upon the soul.


Remove Hex: 4th-level

Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self
Components: V S M (Holy water or powdered silver and iron)
Duration: Concertation, Up to 1 minute

Imagine, if you will, a simple touch, but one infused with remarkable power. With a mere graze, you hold the ability to sever the shackles of curses afflicting a creature or object. Curses unravel, and the weight of malevolence is lifted.

Yet, my dear ones, in the case of a cursed magic item, the curse itself persists. But fear not, for the bond between the item and its owner is broken. The item can be taken off or discarded without further torment. Such is the might of this spell.


Greater Restoration: 5th-level

Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Components: V, S, M (diamond dust worth 100 gp)
Duration: Instantaneous

Picture this, my dear ones: a touch that radiates with positive energy, a balm for the afflicted. With your magic, you can turn the tide of misfortune.

You may choose to alleviate the burden of exhaustion, lifting one level from the weary soul. Alternatively, you can dispel the grip of enchantments or petrification, releasing the captive spirit. Curses, even those binding cursed magic items, yield to your touch. The weight of reduced ability or the shackles on the hit point maximum—they too can be lifted. Your magic, a beacon of hope, offers respite from these debilitating effects.


Dispel Evil And Good: 5th-level

Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Components: V, S
Duration: Instantaneous

A shimmering cocoon of energy embracing you, my dears. This cocoon wards off the fey, the undead, and creatures from far-flung realms beyond our own Material Plane. While this enchantment holds, celestials, elementals, fey, fiends, and undead find their aim faltering, as they must struggle with disadvantage when attempting to harm you.

But wait, there’s more to this spell’s tale. You hold the power to end it early, and here are two methods for you to employ:

First, the ‘Break Enchantment.‘ As your action, extend your touch to a charmed, frightened, or possessed soul ensnared by a celestial, elemental, fey, fiend, or undead. Your touch unravels the enchantment, setting the afflicted free from their torment.

Second, the ‘Dismissal.’ As your action, muster your energy and strike out with a melee spell attack against a celestial, elemental, fey, fiend, or undead within your reach. Upon striking true, you attempt to send the creature back to its home plane. The creature must muster its own strength and succeed on a Charisma saving throw to resist this beckoning. Should it fail, it is whisked away to its place of origin. The undead find themselves in the Shadowfell, and the fey are transported to the Feywild, if they were not already there.

Such is the magic woven into this enchantment, a safeguard against the unknown and the otherworldly.

Guidance on When and How to Use These Spells

To wield abjuration spells effectively against curses and hexes, one must exercise discretion and discernment. These spells are best employed when the dark enchantments threaten to undermine the health, sanity, or fortunes of individuals. Whether the curse stems from a vengeful sorcerer, a cursed artifact, or a malevolent entity, abjuration spells offer a glimmer of hope.

  1. Identifying the Curse: The first step in countering a curse is to recognize its presence. Learn to discern the telltale signs—anomalies in behavior, recurring misfortune, or inexplicable ailments. Consult with experts if in doubt, for an accurate diagnosis is essential.
  2. Assessing the Severity: Not all curses are created equal. Some are mere annoyances, while others pose grave dangers. Assess the severity of the curse before selecting a spell. Lesser Restoration may suffice for minor afflictions.
  3. Understanding the Enemy: Knowledge of your adversary is paramount. Investigate the source of the curse, if possible. Understanding the motives and capabilities of the caster may provide clues to counteract the enchantment more effectively.
  4. Selecting the Right Spell: Choose your abjuration spell wisely based on your capabilities and the nature of the curse.
  5. Secure the Necessary Components: Some abjuration spells require specific components, such as powdered ruby or a holy symbol. Ensure you have these materials at hand, for they are essential to the success of the incantation.
  6. Seek Allies and Experts: When confronting a particularly powerful curse or hex, consider enlisting the aid of fellow spellcasters or experts in the field of abjuration. Collaboration and shared knowledge can bolster your chances of success.

As we close the tome on the abjuration spells that counter curses and hexes, remember the power these protective magics hold. In the battle against dark sorcery and malevolent enchantments, you now possess the knowledge to defend and liberate those ensnared by these dire forces. May your spells be true and your heart steadfast.

 

With abiding wisdom,

Old Nan