Ability Score reduction/damage

Post/Author/DateTimePost
#1

Touc

Aug 25, 2015 18:34:06

So Greater Restoration cites it can heal "any reduction to one of the target's ability scores." I'm having a hard time finding any spells that "reduce" ability scores, unless this is meant to counteract spells that cause "disadvantage" to ability score use, such as Contagion or Ray of Enfeeblement.

 

I ask because I'm trying to adapt 3rd Edition's Savage Tide, wherein the savage tide creatures imbue a disease that saps intelligence on each failed save until the creature slips into a coma and becomes one with permanently reduced intelligence (-6, reducing most to savage monsters). Once the ability score damage heals, they rise up to terrorize.

 

So twofold question: am I reading Greater Restoration to restore disadvantaged abilities, and does anyone have an idea of modifying a disease like the above?  It's supposed to sap 1d6 INT upon inception and 1d6 per day until a coma sets in or a cure is found. It explains how the disease quickly consumes animals and takes a bit longer for humanoids.

#2

AaronOfBarbaria

Aug 25, 2015 18:40:33

there are monster special abilities that reduce ability scores - but such reduction was intentionally removed from spells to keep it rare.

#3

Varden_Khol

Aug 25, 2015 20:48:43

Aaron's got it right. For example, the Shadow has an attack that reduces the target's Strength by 1d4 on each hit.

#4

Touc

Aug 27, 2015 15:12:07

Thanks, the shadow effect is rare, haven't tossed one at the party (yet). Think I'll convert the disease:  Onset 1 minute, 1d6 Int reduction. At 0, target drops into a coma, entering a long rest. At the end of the long rest, it awakens as a savage creature (apply features). At the end of each long rest, an infected non-savage creature can attempt another save. On a failed save, another 1d6 Int reduction. On success, the disease is resisted. Int restores after the next long rest.

#5

Illithidbix

Aug 27, 2015 17:01:20

Feeblemind reduces the target's Int and Cha to 1, and specifically mentions that Greater Restoration restores this.

 

Shadows cause Strength Drain and the Intellect Devourer has Devour Intellect (INT damage).

 

But yeah, still pretty rare.

 

On a similar note Hit Point Maximum Loss can be caused by a few monsters.
The Wight, Spectre and Wraith's life drain; the Otyugh's bite disease and a Clay Golem's slam.