Essence Instability

Essence Instability is a 5th-level transmutation available to Sorcerer, Wizard.

Essence Instability — fantasy spell effect illustration. Essence Instability is a 5th-level transmutation available to Sorcerer, Wizard.
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You cause the target to radiate a harmful aura. Both the target and every creature beginning or ending its turn within 20 feet of the target suffer 2d6 poison damage per round. The target can make a Constitution saving throw each round to negate the damage and end the affliction. Success means the target no longer takes damage from the aura, but the aura still persists around the target for the full duration.

Creatures affected by the aura must make a successful Constitution saving throw each round to negate the damage. The aura moves with the original target and is unaffected by [gust of wind](https://api.open5e.com/spells/gust-of-wind) and similar spells.

The aura does not detect as magical or poison, and is invisible, odorless, and intangible (though the spell’s presence can be detected on the original target). [Protection from poison](https://api.open5e.com/spells/protection-from-poison) negates the spell’s effects on targets but will not dispel the aura. A foot of metal or stone, two inches of lead, or a force effect such as [mage armor](https://api.open5e.com/spells/mage-armor) or [wall of force](https://api.open5e.com/spells/wall-of-force) will block it.

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Further reading

Jetpack7 Game Master Series
The Game Master's Book of Astonishing Random Tables
Ben Egloff · 2023
Last updated 6/19/2026·Tags: spell, transmutation, sorcerer, wizard