Contagion (Necromancy)
Level: Bard 4, Mage 4, Sorcerer 4
Range: 30 yards
Duration: Permanent
Casting Time: 4
Area of Effect: 1 creature
Saving Throw: Neg.

Sages speculate that this spell originated in Thay, used by sadistic Red Wizards for dealing with slave rebellions. Others suggest the actions of Talona cultists, ever keen to spread the power of their vindictive mistress to be behind the development of this debilitating magic. Regardless of the origins, most cities, fearful of plague, prohibit the use of this spell and wherever possible, seek to expel or kill those seen wielding it.

This spell causes a major disease and weakness in a creature. The afflicted individual is immediately stricken with painful and distracting symptoms: boils, blotches, lesions, seeping abscesses, and so on. Strength, Dexterity, and Charisma are reduced by 2. Attack rolls are decreased by 2. The effect persists until the character receives a cure disease spell or spends 1d3 weeks taking a complete rest to recover. Characters ignoring the contagion for more than a day or so may be susceptible to worse diseases, and perhaps even death.

The effects of a Contagion spell may not be removed by a Dispel Magic, but a Heal or a Cure Disease spell will rid the affected character of the contagion spell.