Contagion

Contagion is a level 5 necromancy spell. This spell allows spellcasters to infect their target with an affliction of their choosing, potentially resulting in the target contracting a disease.

Description

Poison a target and possibly afflict them with a disease of your choice.

Once infected, the target will roll a Constitution Saving throw each turn. If it accumulates 3 successes, it recovers. If it accumulates 3 failures, it contracts the Disease chosen by the spellcaster.

Properties

Cost

Action + Level 5 Spell Slot

Details

Attack roll

 Melee: 1.5 m / 5  ft

At higher levels

Casting this spell at a higher level grants no additional benefit.

Variants

•  Contagion: Filth Fever
•  Contagion: Flesh Rot
•  Contagion: Slimy Doom
•  Contagion: Seizure
•  Contagion: Mindfire
•  Contagion: Blinding Sickness

Condition: Contagion Poisoned

 Contagion Poisoned

Constitution saving throw

• Has Disadvantage on Attack rolls and Checks.
• Each turn, it must succeed on a Saving throw, or the Poison will advance in stage. On 3 successes, it recovers. On 3 failures, it contracts the Disease corresponding to the variant of the spell Contagion that was cast.

Poisoned, Diseased

How to learn

Classes:

• Class Level 9: Cleric, Druid, Circle of the Spores (Circle Spell), and Circle of the Land (Arctic/Forest/Underdark)

• Class Level 10: Bard (via Magical Secrets)

Notes

• The description of the spell is misleading, if the target fails 3 Saving Throws, the disease persists after a long rest, essentially forever, or until the target gets healed by  Lesser Restoration or something similar.
• Casting Contagion outside of battle onto any NPC is not considered an aggressive action.
• Missing the attack roll when casting the spell, on the other hand, is considered an aggressive action and might turn NPCs hostile.
• Furthermore, if the NPC fails the 3 rolls, gets afflicted by the corresponding diseased condition and the caster is in sight, the NPC will turn hostile. Simply walk outside of their sight range, sneak or go invisible when they fail their third roll to prevent this.
• Another strategy is going to camp, but another party member has to remain close to the NPC, otherwise they will not roll their Saving Throws and will never get afflicted. The NPC will not turn hostile to anyone who isn't the caster.

External Links

• Contagion on the Forgotten Realms Wiki