Clutch of Orcus

Book of Vile Darkness (BV)Updated Supplementals (3.0)

Clutch of Orcus is a D&D 3.5 spell (Necromancy) from BV. On class lists for Cleric (Level 3), Cleric Variant (Level 3), Cloistered Cleric (Level 3). Range or area: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level); Saving throw: Will negates (see text); Duration: Concentration (see text); Casting time: 1 standard action.

School
Necromancy
Casting Time
1 standard action
Components
V, S
Range
Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)
Target
One humanoid
Duration
Concentration (see text)
Saving Throw
Will negates (see text)
Spell Resistance
No

The caster creates a magical force that grips the subject’s heart (or similar vital organ) and begins crushing it. The victim is paralyzed (as if having a heart attack) and takes 1d3 points of damage per round.

Each round, the caster must concentrate to maintain the spell. In addition, a conscious victim gains a new saving throw each round to stop the spell. If the victim dies as a result of this spell, his chest ruptures and bursts, and his smoking heart appears in the caster’s hand.