The Limits and Limitations of Pathfinder's Divine Intervention

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In the Pathfinder role-playing game, divine intervention is a mechanic that allows divine spellcasters to call upon their deity for aid in times of need. This mechanic is particularly designed for clerics, paladins, and other classes with a strong connection to a divine power. Divine intervention is not something that can be used casually or as a regular ability. It is a rare and significant event that can only be triggered under specific circumstances. The specifics of when and how divine intervention can occur are determined by the game master and should be explained to the players beforehand. Typically, divine intervention is used as a last resort when the characters are faced with a dire situation or a powerful enemy that they are unable to overcome through their own means.



D&D 5E Divine intervention level 20 autowin?

I just reread the rules for clerics to resolve another issue then I noticed:

At level 20 divine intervention auto-succeeds. Does that mean a level 20 cleric has the powers of a god at his whim?

What are the limits of this skill or is it DMs decision what is working and what isn't ?

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Asisreo

Patron Badass

I just reread the rules for clerics to resolve another issue then I noticed:

At level 20 divine intervention auto-succeeds. Does that mean a level 20 cleric has the powers of a god at his whim?

What are the limits of this skill or is it DMs decision what is working and what isn't ?

It's entirely up to the DM but the rules suggest them replicating a spell within their class list or domain spell list as the intervention. You also can't use it again for 1 whole week.

If your DM is a big meany, he can actually just have the deity intervene in a negative way since the deity is under no obligation to actually be helpful despite having been called for aid. Wouldn't recommend any DM actually do this since it would objectively suck and it would be what's known as a "dick move."

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Cap'n Kobold

Hero

You can only use it once every week.
In terms of actual power level, any cleric or clerical domain spell is suggested as appropriate. Although I tend to tweak things based on the actual deity and what is being asked.

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DND_Reborn

The High Aldwin
Just for reference, I like to post what people are discussing (highlight added):

First, you can only use it once per week, even at level 20. So, it can greatly help, but I hope you have it available when you really need it.

Second, I highlighted the part about what sort of power the intervention might grant. Depending on the situation, (in combat typically) something the level of a gating in a Solar, a Mass Heal to the whole party, etc. is appropriate IMO, especially at level 20.

Of course, the DM could have the party lifting out of a battle and transported to a place of safety. In battling a legion of vampires, turning night into day, or whatever. At this point, it depends on the level of relative power the DM has in their game style.

For example, in our main game we have used it twice (and had it answered BOTH times!), the DM decided the power would grant every PC the benefits of a long rest. So, a "reset" button if you will. But, our main game is very high-powered.

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Krachek

Hero
Win what?

doctorbadwolf

Heretic of The Seventh Circle

Just for reference, I like to post what people are discussing (highlight added):
View attachment 125197

First, you can only use it once per week, even at level 20. So, it can greatly help, but I hope you have it available when you really need it.

Second, I highlighted the part about what sort of power the intervention might grant. Depending on the situation, (in combat typically) something the level of a gating in a Solar, a Mass Heal to the whole party, etc. is appropriate IMO, especially at level 20.

Of course, the DM could have the party lifting out of a battle and transported to a place of safety. In battling a legion of vampires, turning night into day, or whatever. At this point, it depends on the level of relative power the DM has in their game style.

For example, in our main game we have used it twice (and had it answered BOTH times!), the DM decided the power would grant every PC the benefits of a long rest. So, a "reset" button if you will. But, our main game is very high-powered.

I'd normally do something like a mass healing word + death ward, or raise a dead ally, etc. In the right context, I might even anticipate a DI and say, "Here is the level 20 angellic character sheet for your Paladin that died at level 7. Your god has sent her back in your time of greatest need, to turn the tide. You feel the fire of your god's wrath in your heart, and you burn bright with that fire, sparking the light of hope in your allies, and burning the sight of your enemies. You have 1 round where everyone within 1 mile is under the effect of a sanctuary spell, and you can briefly speak to your party. What do you do?"

Ya know, the sort of miracles that spark new religions.

Divine Intervention in Dungeons and Dragons

Divine intervention is the nuclear weapon of Dungeons and Dragons. It is the weapon of last resort. One calls for help from a god with reservation. For to anger a god is possible worse than anything else that could happen to you. Using this method of survival might well come at too costly a price.

The gods are all different. The help they may send could come in different forms.

Typically, divine intervention is used as a last resort when the characters are faced with a dire situation or a powerful enemy that they are unable to overcome through their own means. It is a way for the divine spellcaster to call upon their deity and ask for assistance, whether it be in the form of guidance, protection, or direct intervention. When divine intervention is invoked, the game master takes control of the situation and determines the outcome based on the player's request and the nature of the deity.

Before asking for help from one’s deity one might want to ask themselves a few questions first

A deity may not be inclined to lift a finger to help an adventurer. Or perhaps they might. It really just depends. Of course some factors that might be considered are:

  • How closely has the petitioner followed their alignment?
  • If they are good in alignment have they been charitable?
  • Have they donated money to the church?
  • Are they currently following a path that their deity would approve of?
  • Are they currently involved in a quest on behalf of their god or deity?
Pathfinder divine intervention

This can range from granting temporary powers or buffs to the characters, to directly intervening in the battle or story. Divine intervention is a powerful tool that can significantly alter the course of a game. However, it should be used sparingly and with caution, as it can disrupt the balance and challenge of the game if overused. In conclusion, divine intervention is a mechanic in the Pathfinder game that allows divine spellcasters to call upon their deity for aid in times of need. It is a rare and significant event that should be used sparingly and with caution. By invoking divine intervention, the characters can receive guidance, protection, or direct intervention from their deity, which can influence the outcome of the game..

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