Necromancy • Pathfinder 1e Witch Spell
Pernicious Poison
Pernicious Poison does not poison a creature by itself; it makes poison already present—or applied during the spell—far harder to survive and cure. The published spell is Pathfinder 1e.
Pernicious Poison at a Glance
| 5.5e / 2024 | No spell by this name in SRD 5.2.1 |
|---|---|
| 5e / 2014 | No core spell by this name |
| Pathfinder 1e | Antipaladin 2, Druid 2, Sorcerer/Wizard 2, Witch 2 |
| D&D 3.5e | No core spell by this name |
Spell Rules by Edition
Pernicious Poison — 5.5e / 2024
Status: no spell by this name in SRD 5.2.1. Use 5.5e poison and condition rules instead of importing Pathfinder’s frequency mechanic.
Pernicious Poison — 5e / 2014
Status: no core 2014 spell by this name.
Pernicious Poison — Pathfinder 1e
| School | Necromancy [poison] |
|---|---|
| Level | Antipaladin 2, Druid 2, Sorcerer/Wizard 2, Witch 2 |
| Components | V, S, DF |
| Casting Time | 1 standard action |
| Range | Touch |
| Target | Creature touched |
| Duration | 10 minutes/level |
| Saving Throw | None |
| Spell Resistance | Yes |
The target takes a –4 penalty on saving throws against poison. Poisons already affecting the target continue for two additional frequency increments, and attempts to cure the poison with skills or magic take a –4 penalty while the spell lasts.
Pernicious Poison — D&D 3.5e
Status: no core 3.5e spell by this name. Do not treat the Pathfinder poison-frequency rules as 3.5e rules automatically.
What Changed?
Pernicious Poison is kept edition-pure. The Pathfinder poison-frequency system, cure penalties and spell lists stay in the Pathfinder panel rather than being copied into 5e or 3.5e.
Using Pernicious Poison in Play
The spell is a force multiplier. Cast it before an ally applies poison or on a creature that is already poisoned; by itself it deals no damage. It is most dangerous when the target is exposed to a poison with repeated saving throws.
Counterplay and Related Magic
Spell Resistance can stop the spell. Because there is no saving throw against the spell itself, prevention and removal matter more than resisting the initial casting. Poison-curing magic remains relevant but takes the spell’s –4 penalty while Pernicious Poison lasts. See Delay Poison and Detect Poison.
Rules Sources and Licensing
Pathfinder 1e source: Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Ultimate Magic. Modern-edition panels are status notes only and do not invent a conversion.
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