Ethereal Chains of Doloran

Ethereal Chains of Doloran

5th-level conjuration
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 60 feet
Components: V, S, M (a broken chain link and a tear frozen in amber)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute


From the forlorn depths of the Ethereal Plane, "Ethereal Chains of Doloran" summons spectral bindings that entwine and ensnare, drawn from the essence of lost souls and forgotten tragedies. Upon casting, target up to three creatures you can see within range. Each target must make a Charisma saving throw. On a failed save, the creature becomes restrained by the ethereal chains, as spectral links coil around them, chilling to the soul.


These chains, while ghostly, are unyielding. A restrained creature can use its action to make a Strength or Dexterity check (its choice) against your spell save DC to break free. On a success, the chains shatter, releasing the creature but emitting a mournful wail that can be heard in a 30-foot radius. This wail has no effect other than to unsettle those who hear it.


While bound by the chains, a creature suffers 2d6+ (Your Spellcasting attack bonus) psychic damage at the start of each of its turns, as the chains constrict tighter, dredging up painful memories and deep-seated fears. The psychic torment of the chains makes them more than just physical restraints.


As a bonus action on your turn, you can command the chains to drag a restrained creature up to 10 feet in any direction, including upwards, though this does not cause additional damage. Alternatively, you can choose a new target or reform a broken chain and choose a new target instead of dragging a restrained creature as a bonus action so long as this spell is still active.


Furthermore, if a creature remains chained for the full duration of the spell, it becomes overwhelmed by despair. The creature must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or be afflicted with a short-term madness (as per the Dungeon Master's Guide) for 1d10 minutes, haunted by the echo of its confinement.


At Higher Levels: When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 6th level or higher, the duration increases by 1 minute, and the range and radius of the spell's effect increases by 10 feet as does the distance you can drag each turn, and the psychic damage from being bound by the ghostly chains increases by 1d12 for each slot level above 5th.


Classes: Warlock, Sorcerer, Wizard
Subclasses: Fiend Warlock, Shadow Sorcerer, Necromancy Wizard, Oathbinder Paladin
Source: Original Creation


Note: "Ethereal Chains of Doloran" is not merely a spell of restraint but a manifestation of ethereal anguish. It serves as a potent tool for crowd control and psychological warfare, embodying the haunting power of the Ethereal Plane. The spell's effectiveness lies in its ability to incapacitate and unnerve opponents, making it a formidable addition to any caster's arsenal, especially in battles where mental fortitude is as crucial as physical strength.