Nethermaw Invocation

Nethermaw Invocation (ritual)

8th-level conjuration
Casting Time: 1 minute
Range: 150 feet
Components: V, S, M (a shard of bone from an abyssal creature and a black opal worth at least 1,500 gp, which the spell consumes)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 hour

Nethermaw Invocation is a formidable spell that calls forth an entity from the depths of the Netherworld, manifesting a maw of dark energy that engulfs and disrupts the battlefield. Upon casting, the caster chooses a point within range, causing a 20-foot radius sphere of swirling abyssal energy to appear.

The nethermaw acts as a vortex, pulling creatures towards its center. Each creature within 30 feet of the maw when it appears, or that starts its turn within that range, must succeed on a Strength saving throw or be pulled 10 feet toward the maw. Creatures within the maw’s area when it appears, or that end their turn there, take 4d10 necrotic damage, as the abyssal energy saps their life force. Anyone who takes this necrotic damage must then make a Constitution Saving Throw at disadvantage or become Ensnared by the maw and unable to control their own movement until breaking the Ensnared condition. You may repeat the Constitution Save at the end of each turn and remove the condition on a success.

The caster can move the nethermaw up to 30 feet as a bonus action on their turn, dragging ensnared creatures with it. The maw's gravitational pull and damaging energy make it a potent tool for controlling the battlefield and wearing down foes.

A distinctive feature of this spell is the “Abyssal Resonance.” Once during the spell's duration, the caster can amplify the nethermaw’s power, causing it to erupt in a surge of necrotic energy. This surge deals 8d10 necrotic damage to all creatures within the maw's area and has a chance to terrify those nearby within the gravitational pull range, instilling a fear of the abyss that can cause them to flee or cower.

Classes: Warlock, Sorcerer
Subclasses: Fiend Warlock, Shadow Sorcerer
Note: Nethermaw Invocation is a high-level spell ideal for campaigns that delve into themes of dark magic and otherworldly power. It is a custom creation, not found in the SRD, and is designed to challenge players with its potent battlefield control and thematic tie-ins to the abyss and necrotic energies.

Source: Custom creation, inspired by the dark and otherworldly aspects of conjuration and necromancy, integrated with D&D 5e mechanics.