What protects against ability drain?

[BOZ]

Right now we are running through a heavily-modified World's Largest Dungeon (so no spoilers, please). We are facing a virtual army of undead shadows - since we did not destroy them when they were smaller in number, they were able to multiply very quickly by slaying all of the other creatures in this level. Now, who knows, there are dozens if not hundreds of them. We are in a celestial/inevitable garrison, and they are the last means of defense to keeping the whole level from being overrun by the shadows, so we have to fight with them or die alone.

Anyway, so is there any spell or effect that renders you immune to ability damage? If not, we can get whatever ghost touch weapons/armor we can find, and look for ways to increase our touch AC (cat's grace, mage armor) and spells like magic circle against evil.

Any tactical suggestions besides that?

 

[demiurge1138]

A shadow's ability damage is specified as a negative energy effect. So stock up on death ward spells/scrolls/wands. Potions of lesser restoration are also your friend.

Demiurge out.

 

[Hypersmurf]

Anyway, so is there any spell or effect that renders you immune to ability damage?

Against shadows? Well, not immunity, but it'll keep you alive.

A shadow can only kill you by draining your Strength to zero, right? Cast Ray of Enfeeblement on yourself. While the spell is in effect, "The subject's Strength score cannot drop below 1".

-Hyp.

 

[Hypersmurf]

So stock up on death knell spells/scrolls/wands.

Death Ward would work even better

-Hyp.

 

[BOZ]

indeed. and Zing! that sure as hell would work.

what do you know. there may not be anything that protects against ability drain specifically, but since the shadow's ability is specifically a negative energy effect, then we're doing OK. we have 2 8th level clerics in the party, plus a few celestial allies, so we should be fine!

 

[demiurge1138]

Death Ward would work even better

-Hyp.

Thank you, Hypersmurf. For making us laugh about posting without proofreading. Again.

And if anyone gets that reference, I'll give 'em a cookie.

Demiurge out.

 

[mattcolville]

Against shadows? Well, not immunity, but it'll keep you alive.

A shadow can only kill you by draining your Strength to zero, right? Cast Ray of Enfeeblement on yourself. While the spell is in effect, "The subject's Strength score cannot drop below 1".

-Hyp.

You're saying Ray of Enfeeblement protects you from being drained below 1? That doesn't make a whole lot of sense, are you sure that the RAY cannot lower your STR below 1?

 

[Stalker0]

You're saying Ray of Enfeeblement protects you from being drained below 1? That doesn't make a whole lot of sense, are you sure that the RAY cannot lower your STR below 1?

Its a very very strict reading of the rules but people have made this argument before.

But yes, death ward is your best bet, with that no shadow can hurt you.

 

[glass]

You're saying Ray of Enfeeblement protects you from being drained below 1? That doesn't make a whole lot of sense, are you sure that the RAY cannot lower your STR below 1?

Yep. It probably isn't meant to, and I wouldn't try it in a real game (at least without checking with the DM first), but per the RAW that's how it works.


glass.

 

[MerricB]

Anyway, so is there any spell or effect that renders you immune to ability damage? If not, we can get whatever ghost touch weapons/armor we can find, and look for ways to increase our touch AC (cat's grace, mage armor) and spells like magic circle against evil.

A Chaotic Evil Soulborn (Magic of Incarnum) is immune to strength damage, drain and penaties, and can grant such immunities to his friends. What? You don't have a friendly CE Soulborn with you?

The second level cleric & wizard spell Ghost Touch Armour (Spell Compendium) does what it says. (1 min/level, 1 target)

The fourth level cleric & druid spell Sheltered Vitality (Spell Compendium) gives the subject immunity to fatigue, exhaustion, ability damage & ability drain (1 min/level, 1 target).

Cheers!