Diabolic Domain
The Diabolic Domain channels the power, hierarchy and corrupting magic of devils. It first appeared in D&D 3.0’s Book of Vile Darkness and was revised for D&D 3.5e in Fiendish Codex II; the two spell lists are similar but not identical.
At a Glance
| Divine Sphere | Devils, infernal hierarchy, corruption, coercion and planar binding |
|---|---|
| Published Rules | D&D 3.0 and revised D&D 3.5e |
| Primary Sources | Book of Vile Darkness; Fiendish Codex II: Tyrants of the Nine Hells |
| Typical Role | Social manipulator, infernal caster and outsider binder |
| Modern D&D Status | No official same-named Cleric domain in 5e/2014 or 2024 |
Edition Applicability
The original domain is D&D 3.0 material. A revised version was published for D&D 3.5e. They are separated below so the older list is not silently treated as the later rules.
Diabolic Domain — D&D 3.0
Rules status: published in Book of Vile Darkness.
Granted Power
Once per day, add your class level as a bonus on one Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate or Sense Motive check.
D&D 3.0 Diabolic Domain Spells
| 1st | Devil’s Tail |
|---|---|
| 2nd | Devil’s Eye |
| 3rd | Devil’s Ego |
| 4th | Hellfire |
| 5th | Lesser Planar Binding |
| 6th | Planar Binding |
| 7th | Hellfire Storm |
| 8th | Demand |
| 9th | Gate |
Diabolic Domain — D&D 3.5e
Rules status: revised published version from Fiendish Codex II: Tyrants of the Nine Hells.
Granted Power
Once per day, as an immediate action, add your class level as a bonus on one Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate or Sense Motive check.
D&D 3.5e Diabolic Domain Spells
| 1st | Protection from Good |
|---|---|
| 2nd | Devil’s Eye |
| 3rd | Devil’s Ego |
| 4th | Hellfire |
| 5th | Lesser Planar Binding |
| 6th | Planar Binding |
| 7th | Hellfire Storm |
| 8th | Demand |
| 9th | Investiture of the Pit Fiend |
What Changed in 3.5e?
- The 1st-level spell changed from Devil’s Tail to Protection from Good.
- The 9th-level spell changed from Gate to Investiture of the Pit Fiend.
- The granted power’s later wording specifies use as an immediate action.
How the Diabolic Domain Plays
The domain combines social leverage with planar and infernal magic. Its early levels grant devil-like traits and hellfire; its middle levels bind outsiders; its highest-level magic either opens planar access in the older version or directly invests a creature with pit-fiend power in the revised 3.5e version.
Who Grants the Diabolic Domain?
This domain belongs with archdevils and other powers whose established portfolios are directly tied to infernal hierarchy and devilkind. It should not be used as a generic synonym for the Evil Domain.
Related Domains and Character Options
Rules Sources and Licensing
The D&D 3.0 panel follows Book of Vile Darkness. The revised D&D 3.5e panel follows Fiendish Codex II: Tyrants of the Nine Hells. The two lists are intentionally kept distinct.