Created as part of the Infestation rules, this spell creates a player option, or an ability for cultists or monsters with a Far Realm or Cosmic Horror flair.
Affliction from Beyond
5th-level Conjuration
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Components: V, S
Duration: Until cured
You channel an invasive force from the Far Realms and transmit it through a corrupted touch. Make a melee spell attack against a creature within your reach. On a hit, the target is afflicted with an infestation—a creeping, reality-warping condition that cannot be cured through natural means.
Choose one of the following infestations:
- Cackling Madness
- Cyclopian Visage
- Tyrant’s Limbs
The target is affected as if they had contracted that infestation (see DM Toolbox: Infestations for full details). The effect lasts until it is removed by greater restoration, wish, or similar magic, and persists even if the target is reduced to 0 hit points and revived. The creature cannot remove exhaustion gained from the infestation through rest or mundane means.
Aberrations, constructs, undead, and creatures without a corporeal form are immune to this spell.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 6th level or higher, you may target one additional creature for each slot level above 5th. Each target must be within your reach and requires a separate melee spell attack.