Mental Domination is a 4th level priest spell only usable by cleric and paladin classes.
It is nearly identical to the 5th level wizard spell Domination, except that it casts slightly faster and ignores the natural Elven resistance to charm effects.
Description[]
| “ | When cast upon a subject, the subject must make a Saving Throw vs. Spell with a -2 penalty in order to avoid the priest entering his/her mind. The effects of this spell are similar to those of the wizard spell Domination, with a few minor differences. Most notably, this spell gives the priest no access to the subject's thoughts, memory, or sensory apparatus. The priest simply is able to command the subject to perform certain tasks or functions during the spell's duration. To control the subject, the priest must be within range and must be able to see the subject. This control will last until dispelled or for the duration of the spell. | ” |
Gameplay[]
The caster directs this spell towards a single target creature in range.
When the spell is finished a magical projectile flies to the target creature and exposes it to the Charmed effect.
The target must make a Saving throw versus spells with a 2=point penalty or will be charmed for spell's duration.
If charmed, the creature's allegiance changes to an Ally - and are considered a "party member" in terms of being friendly to the party.
This spell applies Charm Type 1003 to the target - Dire charmed - No text (Target hostile after effect ends).
If a player character is affected by this spell, they'll display an icon (No. 43) 
titled "Domination", and when the spell expires a sound effect will audible.
Attacking or damaging actions towards the charmed creature ends the charmed state.
If a neutral target succeeds in their saving throw, they will not become hostile.
At least in Baldur's Gate II, the Nymph Cloak or the Ring of Human Influence can be used to charm a "person" instead of this spell to apply a Charm Type 0 - Charmed (Target neutral after effect ends).
This spell can be blocked by Magic resistance, or any spell protection that can handle a Power level 4 spell, such as Spell Deflection.
A Spell Immunity: Enchantment will nullify this spell.
Note that Elf and Half-elf creatures are not provided any resistance to this particular charm spell (this is consistent with the Advanced D&D 2nd Edition spell).
The spell can be removed with any Dispel Magic effect.
In the Original and Enhanced editions of BG1 only, many commoners and enemies have hidden dialogues spoken only under charm. You may manually initiate dialogue with them by using the Talk button. These hidden dialogues are usually but simple and amusing quotes, but sometimes they do reveal more substantial clues.
- See Charmed for a complete list of characters with such dialog options.
Scroll Locations[]
Baldur's Gate[]
- Durlag's Tower
- Labyrinth Level One - Trapped (60; Dire Charm) and locked (40) chest in the bedroom closet in the south.
- Sold by:
- Ulgoth's Beard Inn (×1)
The Black Pits II: Gladiators of Thay[]
- Lounge - Shelf in Bannor's room
Notes[]
- ↑ Internally, this spell's range is 40 ft. Targets must be within the caster's line of sight, limiting this to roughly 26 feet.
Bugs[]
- The icon for the spell scroll has the right border cut off in the original Baldur's Gate II.
Mod content[]
This section is about unofficial content that is only available via fan-made mods.
Spell Revisions mod has changed this Divine spell, revising its duration, and description. See below:
Mental Domination
Level: 4
School: Enchantment
Sphere: Thought
Range: Long
Duration: 1 turn
Casting Time: 4
Area of Effect: 1 creature
Saving Throw: Spell negates
When cast upon a subject, he must make a save vs. spell at -2 in order to avoid the priest entering his mind. The effects of this spell are similar to the 5th level wizard spell Domination, with a few minor differences. Most notably, this spell gives the priest no access to the subject’s thoughts, memory, or sensory apparatus. The priest simply is able to command the subject to perform certain tasks or functions during the spell duration. To control the subject, the priest must be within range and must be able to see the subject. This control will last until dispelled or for the duration of the spell.
External links[]
- Mental Domination on the Icewind Dale Wiki, a wiki for the first Icewind Dale game.
- Mental domination on the Forgotten Realms Wiki, a wiki for the Dungeons & Dragons campaign setting Forgotten Realms.
- Advanced D&D 2nd Edition Wiki - Mental Domination (Priest Spell)