D&D 5E Turn Undead as a Spell?

[DND_Reborn]

So, pretty simple concept: turning undead as a spell. Here's the write-up (updated after feedback from posts below):

This is limited to 5th level and for a version of the game where 5th level spells are the maximum. To keep things clear, below is the spell progress for casters:

So, my only real concern about this is what school it should be? I have abjuration for now, but could see other options. Also, I think I should probably have the duration be 1 minute, but with the idea the undead damaged release them, I'm not sure.

Any one have any thoughts??

 

[jdrakeh]

I present this as an option in my Front Range Warlock compendium of house rules for OD&D (1974) under the "magic-users cast all the spells" alternate magic system (clerics do not exist using this option, so their spells and abilities are folded into the magic-user class). So, I guess, I think it's a fine option. I'm unsure of what school of magic I'd associate it with in 5e.

 

[James Gasik]

Necromancy or....Conjuration (pulling power from the positive material)?

 

[Stalker0]

So the closest spell equivalent to this would be Command, at least for the Turn part. Effectively turn is a mass command (flee) that only affects undead and has a 30 foot range instead of 60 feet. And that is an enchantment spell.

As just that piece, that seems like a reasonable spell. However, I think the destroy portion is a bit out of whack. I can start popping CR 3 undead in your version at 6th level, I would need to be 14th to do the same thing in base. Now I think the destroy table is a bit steep in the base cleric but this I think is a bit crazy, especially since in 5e a group of low CR undead are still meant to be a credible threat for a good long while, and this spell just obliterates them with a 2nd level spell.

My advice would be to split the turn and destroy undead abilities into separate spells. Destroy undead would be a higher level spell or might work on less undead.

 

[R_J_K75]

Without giving it too much thought necromancy was my first instinct too.

 

[Tales and Chronicles]

However, I think the destroy portion is a bit out of whack. I can start popping CR 3 undead in your version at 6th level,

Just to be precise: but in its version of the game, spellcasters get access to 4th level slots (to pop CR undeads) at 15th level, so that even things out a little.

As for the School, I prefer if anything related to undead is Necromancy, since it's a little thin as a school for the moment.

I'd make a similar spell for higher level slots that works as a ''Hypnotic Patterns'' for undead, and when their CR is low enough, you instead charm and command them.

And maybe a buffed Power Word Kill working only on undeads?

 

[Baldurs_Underdark]

My first gut feeling is that this is a little OP for a L1 spell. But if the spell consumes the holy water that is balanced pretty quickly.

 

[DND_Reborn]

However, I think the destroy portion is a bit out of whack. I can start popping CR 3 undead in your version at 6th level, I would need to be 14th to do the same thing in base. Now I think the destroy table is a bit steep in the base cleric but this I think is a bit crazy, especially since in 5e a group of low CR undead are still meant to be a credible threat for a good long while, and this spell just obliterates them with a 2nd level spell.

I think you are misreading the table at this point. You cannot destroy undead of CR 3 until 10th level, not 6th. Yes, 10th is faster than 14th, but IMO the RAW destroy progression is slower than I would like so I don't see the faster progression as bad at all.

As for reducing the number of targets, it is only on a failed save, so even lower CR undead will have some "survivors" of the spell.

As for the School, I prefer if anything related to undead is Necromancy, since it's a little thin as a school for the moment.

Good point. Others have suggested Necromancy as well, I'll go with that I think.

My first gut feeling is that this is a little OP for a L1 spell. But if the spell consumes the holy water that is balanced pretty quickly.

That is a great option. I'll update the spell!

 

[DND_Reborn]

In reviewing Undead of different CRs, I agree the lower level capabilities are too strong really.

For example, a ghoul is CR 1, which being able to destroy multiple ghouls with a single 2nd level spell is probably too much.

Maybe if you use the spell to destroy, it only affects a single target and any others are turned?

I don't know, I'll have to give it more thought.

 

[Yaarel]

Heh, I love full-casters. But in a "low magic" setting, the casters work well if half-casters. Paladin, Trickster, Eldritch Knight, Ranger, Psi Warrior, even Monk, etcetera might be the only casters in a low magic world.

In any case, I prefer the Turn Undead ability to be a spell rather than a class feature. For various reasons.

Not all sacred traditions of Clerics should have competence with regard to the undead creature type. For example, I see little reason why a Tempest Cleric would know how to turn undead.

Some wizards (Necromancers) actually do have competence with regard to undead.

Making Turn a spell, works better for various reasons.