Circle of death

Circle of death was a necromancy spell that extinguished the life force of several living creatures in all directions. Originally, this spell was simply called death spell,  but by 1372 DR it was widely known as circle of death.

Effects
The old death spell version slew creatures outright making it impossible for them to return except via a wish spell. This version killed creatures in a 30 ft (9.1 m) cube or bigger, depending on the caster's level.

Negative energy, appearing as light that is somehow dark, radiated out in a burst as directed by the caster. All touched by this energy could have their life force snuffed out.

The post-Second Sundering version created a 60 ft (18 m) ball of negative energy with a 150 ft (46 m) range. Every creature in the sphere had a chance to resist the necrotic energies or they suffered serious damage. If cast at higher levels the spell did even more damage.

This spell had no effect on the undead, lycanthropes, or creatures from planes other than the Prime Material Plane.

Components
The somatic component of this spell required the caster to point a finger at the intended targets and toss the powdered black pearl dust into the air in front of the his or her lips. The verbal component was echoing and awe-inspiring. The powdered black pearl had to be worth at least 500 gold pieces. Older versions of this spell needed powdered black pearl worth at least 1,000 gold pieces.

History
The Netherese arcanist Dethed was given credit for the creation of this spell in -1881 DR. It was originally known as Dethed's spell. Circle of death was a common spell in the Realms.

Appearances

 * Adventures:
 * Dungeon #28: "The Pipes of Doom" • Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
 * Video Games:
 * Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn • Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal • Dungeon Hack • Eye of the Beholder III: Assault on Myth Drannor • Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms • Menzoberranzan • Neverwinter Nights • Pools of Darkness • Ravenloft: Stone Prophet • Ravenloft: Strahd's Possession • Secret of the Silver Blades