Rakshasa spell immunity -- clarification needed

[Painfully]

So I'm reading the entry for Rakshasa in the MM and under, "special qualities," it lists spell immunity. It reads, "Rakshasas ignore the effects of spells and spell-like abilities of 8th level or less, just as if the spellcaster had failed to overcome spell resistance." And yet any hit with a blessed crossbow bolt instantly slays a Rakshasa.

I don't mean to sound dense, but are we talking about effectively calling it 100% spell resistance unless you use either a 9th level spell or spell effect, or the Bless spell on a crossbow bolt?

So, in a fight, any party that doesn't have a crossbow bolt with Bless on it, or access to 9th level spells can pretty much call it a day unless they overwhelm him with physical damage.

I'm not so much confused as I am a bit overwhelmed how easy it will be to rule the world with a Rakshasa until somebody comes along with a blessed corssbow bolt, or a 9th level spell.

Clarifications? Advice?
Or just nod your head if you're a silent type but agree with my assessment. Anybody else who have used Rakshasas in their games please comment.

 

[Xarlen]

First off, a Rakshasa would not rule the world openly.

First of all, they would not let it be known what will kill them (Putting out false information). Secondly, they'd pose as another race, and simply let people be shocked when spells and weapons bounce off them like rubber bands.

Secondly, no, it's easier to kill them.

Any crossbow with Holy on it is going to kill them, because Holy makes the weapon 'Blessed'. Therefor the bolts would be blessed.

Anyone with a +3 weapon can put the hurt on them normally. As you can see, their life total is not that big. So, you get a fighter with a +3 weapon... And, even if you Don't have access to one, all you need is a Greater Magic Weapon from a 9th level caster... or a Sure Striking weapon.

Not to mention there are spells that affect them Indirectly. Stone to Mud, for instance. Mages are not Completely wiped out by a Rakshasa's immunities.

Then again, one with the right selection of spells could be a hard oponent to beat.

 

[Otterscrubber]

Seek your answer in the DMG

The DMG has answers for what you are looking for under its spell resistance section. It tell you what can and can't affect a creature with spell resistance, and there are a lot of indirect ways to hurt those types of creatures.

One of my personal favorites is to polymorph into a troll, ogre or whatever and pull out that trusty sword I keep around. Evens things up nicely usually.

 

[gfunk]

As mentioned by others, you could use spells with no Save or SR such as Reverse Gravity and Maze.

 

[Painfully]

So are we talking immunity to 8TH LEVEL SPELLS and below? Or immunity to SPELLS CAST BY AN 8TH LEVEL SPELLCASTER or below?

I'll go check my DMG, but I thought the entry in the MM was speaking about the former.

Somebody tell me I'm not reading this wrong.

 

[Kid Charlemagne]

So are we talking immunity to 8TH LEVEL SPELLS and below? Or immunity to SPELLS CAST BY AN 8TH LEVEL SPELLCASTER or below?

I'll go check my DMG, but I thought the entry in the MM was speaking about the former.

Somebody tell me I'm not reading this wrong.

I've always read it "8th level spells" not spellcaster level. There are some spells that could affect the Rakshasa indirectly; and of course they can be beat up physically.

 

[rhammer2]

Correct, in all previous versions of D&D they have had that same defense. They are death to mid and low level mages.

I've always read it "8th level spells" not spellcaster level. There are some spells that could affect the Rakshasa indirectly; and of course they can be beat up physically.

 

[Dr. Zoom]

I don't mean to sound dense, but are we talking about effectively calling it 100% spell resistance unless you use either a 9th level spell or spell effect, or the Bless spell on a crossbow bolt?

The Bless spell cannot "bless" a crossbow bolt in this manner. You would need a spell like Bless Weapon (paladin spell) or Greater Magic Weapon cast by a good cleric.

 

[Xarlen]

Just to point out, Magic Weapon blesses it too.

Yes. It's immune to spells.

Ever try to hit a dragon with a save spell? Even if it gets Through the SR, the saves generally eat the spell anywho.

 

[Dr. Zoom]

I did not include that spell because I was unsure whether or not it affected projectiles. GMW can affect up to 50, but MW says nothing. At most, if it can affect them at all, it would affect one projectile, correct?