Can Dispel Magic Remove the Curse Imposed by Bestow Curse in DD 5E?

In Dungeons Dragons 5th Edition (5E), the game Bestow Curse and Dispel Magic play pivotal roles in the game. However, many players often wonder whether Dispel Magic can effectively remove a curse imposed by Bestow Curse. While the answer may not be entirely straightforward, this article will clarify the conditions under which this removal can be achieved.

Understanding Bestow Curse

Bestow Curse is a 3rd-level enchantment spell, commonly used by spellcasters to impose a lasting debilitation on a targeted creature. Unlike instantaneous spells, it poses a persistent challenge to the player's strategy.

Dispel Magic and its Capabilities

Dispel Magic is a highly versatile spell that can counter a wide array of magical effects, including spells like Bestow Curse. However, its effectiveness is contingent upon specific conditions and variables.

Spell Level Considerations

The success of using Dispel Magic to remove a Bestow Curse depends significantly on the spell slot used by the spellcaster. If the spell being dispelled is of a higher level than the slot used for Dispel Magic, a successful check against the spell's DC is required. For Bestow Curse, since it's a 3rd-level spell, the DC is 13 (10 the spell level).

Here are the specific conditions:

Using a 3rd-level spell slot or lower for Dispel Magic requires a successful check against the spell's DC (13 in this case). Using a 4th-level spell slot or higher automatically succeeds in removing the curse.

Targeting and Casting

Another critical aspect is the targeting of Dispel Magic. The spell requires the caster to see the target to successfully dispel the curse. Simply targeting and failing to connect with the spell will render it ineffective.

Specific Effects of the Curse

Should Dispel Magic succeed in removing a Bestow Curse, it will end all the specific and negative effects imposed by the curse. This can include but is not limited to, penalties to certain abilities, hit points, or even more severe debilitations.

Dispel Magic vs. Remove Curse

It's important to note that while Dispel Magic can remove a Bestow Curse, it is not the most straightforward or efficient method. For a more targeted and guaranteed solution, the Remove Curse spell should be considered.

Remove Curse: A More Direct Solution

Remove Curse is specifically designed to remove curses, making it a preferred choice for this purpose. This spell has several key advantages:

It has a range of Touch, allowing the caster to directly target the cursed individual. Unlike Dispel Magic, it requires no successful check; it works on all levels of curses. It doesn't need to be upcast to match the curse spell level.

Clerics in DD 5E have easy access to this spell. If you are a 5th-level Cleric, this spell can be chosen for the day and cast on the cursed individual, effectively removing the curse.

Key Highlights:

Remove Curse: Removes all curses, no level-based success check required. Dispel Magic: Can remove the curse if the appropriate level spell slot is used, with a success check required.

Concluding Thoughts

While Dispel Magic can remove the curse imposed by Bestow Curse under certain conditions, it is often more practical and efficient to use the Remove Curse spell for this specific task. The Dispel Magic spell remains a versatile choice against a wide variety of magical effects, but the intricacies of Bestow Curse make Remove Curse the go-to method for removal in many scenarios.

For more information on spell mechanics and techniques in DD 5E, check out our Spell Resource Section.