Restoration

[Anubis]

Does restoration restore ALL negative levels at once, and only restore lost levels one at a time, or do you need a restoration for each negative level?

The books seems to imply that negative levels are restored all at once and drained levels one at a time, but it's not very clear.

 

[Darklone]

Last time we had this problem, we interpreted it the other way (actually it seemed to be very clear) that you dispel all negative levels but restore only one really lost level (after the failed Fort save the day after).

From the SRD:

Restoration
Conjuration (Healing)
Level: Clr 4

Restoration dispels any magical effects reducing one of the subject’s ability scores. The spell also dispels negative energy levels and restores one experience level to a creature who has had a level drained. The drained level is restored only if the time since the creature lost the level is equal to or less than 1 day per caster level.

 

[Tiberius]

My interpretation is that the phrase "dispels negative levels" means that this spell is capable of removing negative levels, but it can only remove one at a time. Same deal with actual lost levels. You want more than that? Find a Greater Restoration.

I should say, however, that I REALLY like undead and view negative levels/level loss as a means of controlling PC advancement, since Restoring a lost level brings the PC up to the minimum required for the level, so that may color my interpretation. Plus it's fun to see the PCs scramble about trying to scrounge enough money for ten Restorations in time to teleport to the required temples.

-Tiberius

 

[Murrdox]

Negative levels are different than drained levels though, aren't they?

For example, Enervation gives the target 1d4 "negative levels", which are merely negative modifiers to just about everything the target does... but this spell doesn't result in literal experience level loss.

restoring one experience level is a separate use for the spell that you would use if the person had failed his fort save vs. level drain.

Am I correct?

 

[Darklone]

My interpretation is that the phrase "dispels negative levels" means that this spell is capable of removing negative levels, but it can only remove one at a time.
-Tiberius

I have to say, that's a rather deliberate interpretation of something that dispels levels...

 

[Kae'Yoss]

I should say, however, that I REALLY like undead and view negative levels/level loss as a means of controlling PC advancement

I think they're a bloody nuisance! No player should be robbed of the experience his character gained, unless he uses it for creating items or power special spells! If a DM acutally used negative levels to keep a player down, I'd probably stop playing with him (which might be a good idea, since noone likes players that punch you in the face at the words: "you encounter some undead"....). It's bad enough if the DM uses enemies that steal your treasure (and disappear if they die, so you acutally can't come out ahead and very probably come out far behind). At least you can track them buggers down and finish them off, and get your stuff back.