DeathMatrix

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Death Matrix

Necromancy

	Level		Sor / Wiz 8
	Components		V
	Casting Time		l0 mins
	Range		Personal
	Target		Self
	Duration		Permanent
	Saving Throw		Reflex half
	Spell Resistance		No

When this spell is cast, an extremely powerful and complex pattern of magical energy is woven into the dragon’s life force, and it cannot be negated (or even detected) by any means short of a full wish. Thereafter, the magic lies dormant until activated, but it grows in strength as the dragon ages, due to its connection with the dragon’s life force.

Upon the dragon’s demise, the death matrix is triggered, causing the dragon’s corpse to blow apart in an enormous explosion that showers a 50-foot-radius sphere with gem encrusted scales, muscle and sinew, bones, claws, fangs, innards, blood, and the raw unrestrained might of the dragon’s breath weapon. All creatures within the radius must immediately make a reflex save. If the saving throw is successful, the damage caused by the explosion is reduced by half. Otherwise, the explosion inflicts an amount of damage equal to the breath weapon of the dragon. Worse still, any damage die result of a 1 or 2 is regarded as a 3.

Note, however, that since the explosion includes the hurled body parts of the dragon and basic concussive force in addition to the dragon’s breath weapon, immunity to that breath weapon does not provide immunity to damage. Finally, objects exposed to the blast must make item saving throws or be disintegrated. Creatures or objects killed or destroyed by the explosion are completely obliterated.

As noted, only a full wish can remove a death matrix. Beyond that, there is only one method to avoid triggering a death matrix, and that is the instantaneous annihilation of the dragon. A spell like disintegrate or a magical item such as a sphere of annihilation is necessary to obliterate the dragon instantly and completely. Without the dragon’s corpse (or a fraction thereof), the death matrix cannot cause an explosion and simply dissipates in a wave of magical energy noticeable by creatures in the radius as a tingling sensation. It is otherwise harmless and cannot be absorbed or harnessed in any way. If even so much as a scale remains of the dragon, the death matrix is triggered upon its death. (The damage inflicted is considerably lessened if only a fraction of the dragon’s body remains. GMs must use their own judgment in modifying the damage in such cases.)