Magic Domain
The Magic Domain turns magic itself, spellcraft, magical knowledge, dispelling and the use of enchanted devices into a cleric’s sacred practice and usable rules. Its exact mechanics depend on edition, so the published Pathfinder and 3.5e versions are kept separate rather than blended together.
At a Glance
| Divine Sphere | Magic itself, spellcraft, magical knowledge, dispelling and the use of enchanted devices |
|---|---|
| Typical Role | Anti-magic specialist, magical generalist and divine spellcraft expert |
| Published Rules | Pathfinder 1e and D&D 3.5e |
| Modern D&D Status | No official same-named Magic Domain in 2014 or 2024 D&D; the 2014 Arcana Domain is the nearest official cleric option for divine mastery of arcane magic. |
| Typical Patrons | Hecate, Odin, Thoth, Freya |
Edition Applicability
No official same-named Magic Domain in 2014 or 2024 D&D; the 2014 Arcana Domain is the nearest official cleric option for divine mastery of arcane magic. This page does not invent a modern rules panel merely to fill an edition slot.
Magic Domain — Pathfinder 1e
Rules status: published Pathfinder 1e Core Rulebook domain.
Hand of the Acolyte
As a standard action, make one attack with a melee weapon at a range of 30 feet as though it were thrown. Use your Wisdom modifier instead of Dexterity on the attack roll; damage still uses Strength. Uses per day equal 3 + your Wisdom modifier.
Dispelling Touch
At 8th level, you can use a targeted Dispel Magic effect as a melee touch attack. You can use it once per day at 8th level and one additional time per day for every four Cleric levels beyond 8th.
Pathfinder 1e Magic Domain Spells
| 1st | Identify |
|---|---|
| 2nd | Magic Mouth |
| 3rd | Dispel Magic |
| 4th | Imbue with Spell Ability |
| 5th | Spell Resistance |
| 6th | Antimagic Field |
| 7th | Spell Turning |
| 8th | Protection from Spells |
| 9th | Mage’s Disjunction |
Magic Domain — D&D 3.5e
Rules status: published D&D 3.5e SRD domain.
Granted Power
You can use scrolls, wands and other spell-completion or spell-trigger magic devices as a Wizard of one-half your Cleric level, minimum 1st. If you also have Wizard levels, those levels stack with this effective Wizard level for using such items.
D&D 3.5e Magic Domain Spells
| 1st | Magic Aura |
|---|---|
| 2nd | Identify |
| 3rd | Dispel Magic |
| 4th | Imbue with Spell Ability |
| 5th | Spell Resistance |
| 6th | Antimagic Field |
| 7th | Spell Turning |
| 8th | Protection from Spells |
| 9th | Mage’s Disjunction |
How the Magic Domain Plays
Magic clerics are strongest when the campaign contains hostile spellcasters, enchanted objects and magical problems that cannot be solved by raw damage. Pathfinder focuses on weapon projection and dispelling; 3.5e makes the cleric unusually capable with arcane spell-completion and trigger items.
Who Grants the Magic Domain?
Hecate, Odin, Thoth, Freya are strong existing patrons where this sphere is established in the deity’s portfolio.
Priests, Temples and Rites
A god of magic may govern secret names, runes, ritual order, prophecy, sorcery or magical scholarship. The domain should inherit that divine theory of magic rather than erase it.
What Are Magic Priests Doing Now?
Magic priests are authenticating enchanted objects, investigating failed rituals, breaking hostile wards, tracking illicit spellcraft and arguing over who has the right to teach dangerous magical techniques.
Related Domains and Character Options
Rules Sources and Licensing
- Pathfinder 1e: powers and spell list follow the Pathfinder Core Rulebook Cleric domain reference.
- D&D 3.5e: granted power and spell list follow the 3.5 SRD Cleric Domains.
- Modern D&D: No official same-named Magic Domain in 2014 or 2024 D&D; the 2014 Arcana Domain is the nearest official cleric option for divine mastery of arcane magic.