Saving Throws by Caster Level

This rule allows the DM to change a character’s saving throw number based on the levels or Hit Dice of the spellcaster and the target. Targets that are weaker than the spellcaster have worse saving throws than targets that are stronger, as shown on Table 36.

How to Use Table 36

Saving throws against poisons, breath weapons, or any other form of attack that is not a spell or spell-like ability from a creature or a device use the standard saving throw tables, not table 36. Rods, staves, wands, and other magical devices use the column from Table 36 that is closest to their effects. A fireball from a wand of fire uses the spell column, a paralyzation beam from a wand of paralyzation uses the paralyzation or death magic column, and so on. The type of device determines the attacker’s level, since the wielder’s level or Hit Dice is irrelevant when a device is used, as shown on Table 37.

During play, the DM should be careful to conceal the attacker’s true level of power. That is, do not say, “Okay, the caster is four levels higher than the thief, so your saving throw number against the spell is an 11.” Simply tell the players what the attack form is and then inform them if their characters succeed or fail based on their adjusted rolls.

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