Symbol, Death (wizard)

==Gameplay==
The caster selects a point on the map to which the spell will launch toward using the targeting cursor.
Upon designating the point, and completing the spell casting, a projectile speeds to the spot, and forms a small pinkish colored glowing disc symbol, that appears to hover there.
Despite the spell describing some kind of inscription on the ground or other source, that doesn't occur, and the spell actually places a glyph on the area map.
The symbol remains at that spot until it is triggered by any creature that is near enough to it, about 15 feet is close enough.
When triggered, the symbol bursts in a pinkish colored radius, and all within that area are exposed to the spell, including the caster.
The spell applies an instance death effect, using a special variant of Kill target that can affect a creature with 1-59 current hit points only.
If a creature has 60 or more hit points a text will display reading "Unaffected by effects from Symbol. Death".
If the creature is in the eligible hit point range, then they are allowed a Saving throw versus Death to avoid being instantly killed. 
This spell can potentially be blocked by Magic resistance and completely negated by Spell Immunity: Conjuration.
The Cloak of Mirroring will block it as well, because this spell is of the "offensive damage" type.
==Notes==
One would think this spell would be viewed as a "hostile" one. However, all the "symbol" spells are not flagged as such, and do not trigger a reaction from the creature whether affected or not, nor any other creatures in the vicinity. Killing a neutral or innocent creature will have the usual negative effects on reputation. 
Use of all the symbol spells is common in the game from hostile arcane spell casters with the ability to use 8th level spells. Expect to be faced with these in battle.
==Where to obtain its scroll==
===Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn===
*Adventurer Mart from Lady Yuth
===Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal===
*Arcana Archives
*Karthis al-Hezzar
==Bugs==
*The description is slightly wrong: 60 HP are enough to be immune to this spell.
==Trivia==
All of the "Symbol" spells used in the BG video game are based upon the 8th-level Wizard spell Symbol, or the Priest version which is a 7th-level spell. In the AD&D 2nd Edition ruleset, there are several symbols that can be selected and produced by the caster (choose from up to 9 types of symbols). Additionally, there are rules given in the Player's Handbook, and additional clarification and rules from the Wizard's Spell Compendium references. The BG game's version of this spell is basically broken down into individual symbols, and several symbols are omitted from the game. And as is usual, the symbols behave differently between the Pen and Paper vs. the video games. For further reading see the external link.
==Gallery==
OG Purple Globe 4G.png|The Lich (Purple Globe 4) casts Symbol, Death near Aerie who's currently wounded and less than 60 HP - she successfully saves vs. death - the other two party members have too many HP to be affected.
OG Symbol D 3.png|Gorion's Ward casts and directs a Symbol. Death smack dab in a cluster of tavern visitors. Three out of four exposed instantly die.
OG Symbol D 4.png|The oblivious and clueless remaining taverners don't react with hostility, although the Ward's reputation is plummeting from the wanton act of murder.
==Mod Content==
Spell Revisions mod has changed this arcane spell, revising its area of effect, saving throw and description. See below:
Symbol of Death
Level: 8
School: Conjuration
Range: Long
Duration: Special
Casting Time: 1 round
Area of Effect: 20’ radius
Saving Throw: Death negates
Symbol of Death is a powerful enchantment that allows the caster to inscribe a symbol on the ground or any other surface. The symbol will remain there until a hostile creature comes within 15 feet of the glyph, at which point it is triggered and explodes, causing all enemies within a 20-foot radius to make a saving throw vs. death at -4 or die. Creatures with more than 60 current hit points are immune to this effect.
==External Links==
*
* Advanced D&D 2nd Edition Wiki - Symbol (Wizard Spell)
Category:Offensive damage (spell type)
Category:Bugs