| StrayChowChow |
The existing Decay subdomain is quite lacking, in my opinion. There are so many awesome decay-like spells that it passes over. I've been playing a decay druid with a 3rd party archetype and wondered if I could accomplish a similar idea with a better 'decay'-type domain.
Decomposition Domain
Natural Cycle (Sp): You touch a corpse to rapidly decompose it and release its stored energy. A creature within 5 feet of the corpse gains temporary hit points equal to 1d4 + 1 for every 2 cleric levels you possess. These temporary hit points last for 1 hour. You can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + your Wisdom modifier.
Advanced Decomposition (Su): At 8th level, you can emit a 30-foot aura of decay as a standard action. Non-skeletal corporeal undead creatures in this aura take 1d6 points of damage per round as their flesh rots. They also take a cumulative –1 penalty to Strength each round they remain in the aura. Once outside the aura, the penalty fades at the rate of –1 per round, but it begins building again if they reenter the aura. Dead creatures decompose at a rate of 1 day per round while in the aura. This decomposition can affect the creatures resurrection with certain spells like raise dead. You can use this ability for a number of rounds per day equal to your cleric level. These rounds do not need to be consecutive.
Domain Spells: 1st - decompose corpse, 2nd - defoliate, 3rd - life blast, 4th - explosion of rot, 5th - bloatbomb, 6th - wither limb, 7th - nature’s ravages (greater), 8th - horrid wilting, 9th - cursed earth (famine only)
Natural Cycle is loosely based on Rebuke Death, but with a material component (a corpse) and temporary HP instead of curing damage to hopefully balance out the fact it can be used on people above 0 HP. Advanced Decomposition is based on the existing Decay subdomain's Aura of Decay, but with a bit of Decompose Corpse and Nature's Ravages in there. I'm wondering if it only working on Non-skeletal corporeal undead restricts it too much, but it also won't hurt your allies unless your allies are undead so that's a plus.
I'm wondering if the domain spells are okay. Nature's Ravages (Greater) fits great thematically but it seems so weak/useless for a 7th level spell. Similarly with Cursed Earth, but the famine only restricts it a lot. I could include the Plague option but I was trying to avoid disease and focus strictly on decaying organic matter. I was thinking of including some swarm/insect type spells (maybe summon swarm or vomit swarm instead of defoliate, insect plague instead of wither limb or nature's ravages?) because of how important they are to decomposition and possibly Destruction (instant decay instead of fire?) but I'm not sure.
Any feedback would be great! Thank you for reading :)