Explode Head

School evocation; Level magus 6, psychic 5, sorcerer/wizard 6

Casting Time 1 standard action

Components V, SRange close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)

Target one living corporeal creature

Duration instantaneous

Saving Throw special; see text; Spell Resistance yes

You cause incredible pressure to build in the target's head; this spell works only on a creature that has a head and would die from the loss of a head. The spell kills any such target that has 20 hit points or fewer, exploding its head and spreading debris in a 10-foot radius. Each creature in the area must succeed at a Reflex saving throw or take 2d6 points of slashing damage from the flying debris.

A target with more than 20 hit points takes 1d6 points of damage per caster level (maximum 20d6), but can attempt a Fortitude save to take only half damage. If this damage would cause the target to become disabled or dying, the target dies and its head explodes as described above.