Ancient Curse (Priest Spell)

This spell allows the priest to call down the wrath of the patron power in the form of a terrible and last­ing curse on those who commit acts of great wicked­ness against that power. Typical acts include the desecration of a major temple or burial place, the massacre of a congregation, the theft of an important relic or artifact, and the like. In all cases, the princi­ple of retribution is central to successful casting of the spell. The DM adjudicates the spell; misuse or overuse may result in its failure, or even visit its effect upon the caster. The ancient curse must be spoken in the presence of the malefactor and its con­ditions clearly announced. Thereafter, it is in effect.
The caster decides what form the curse takes, subject to the approval of the DM. The effects are long-term, developing over months and years and extending for centuries. These affect not only the original recipient, but descendants as well. Typical ancient curses include poverty, ill luck, a haunting, the onset of a degenerative disease, the periodic devastation of a household or property, and so on.
The spell is not necessarily permanent. It can be countered by an atonement spell or divine inter­vention in conjunction with a quest involving deeds of a magnitude equal to those for which the ancient curse was invoked. A curse brought on by greed that destroyed a village could be lifted by devoting one's life to poverty and charily.
The material component for this spell is a tiny silver gong and the priest's holy symbol.
Notes: Common for priests from an oriental setting; otherwise, uncommon.
==Variant==
'A 7th level variation of divine curse that affects the descendants of the subject as well.
Category:Priest Spells
Category:Spells from Priest's Spell Compendium
Category:Spells