A character IMC used a spell called quill blast last session. Its a fifth level druid spell that sends quills out in a burst that do 1d6 damage each and count as magic weapons for DR purposes. The larger the creature, the more quills can hit it. In this case it was an adult red dragon (huge) which failed her reflex save (for half). Huge creatures can be hit by 4d6 quills. The character rolled a 22 on 4d6 for 22d6 damage. I don't have a problem with the damage but the quills stay in until removed and inflict a -1 peanlty for each quill on attacks, saves, and skill checks. Removing each quill requires a move action and a DC 20 heal check or the creature takes an additional 1d6 points of damage. This fifth level spell effectively neutralized a CR 15 creature. Granted the dragon did fail it's save and 22 is a high number to roll on 4d6 but it still sounds overpowered to me. Would you guys allow it in your game? I am strongly considering nerfing down to just dealing instantaneous damage.
Is this spell broken?
- Thread starter Shazman
- Start date
Kurotowa
Legend
It does seem to be rather high on the power scale. As are most of the spells in the Complete series books, actually. Compare the Vigor spells in CD to the Cure series.
Personally, I emphasise the optional nature of those books. Spells in the PHB are widely availble, anything else is rare and requires special circumstances to aquire. That way the player has to ask about any new spell they want to bring in so it can get looked over closely, and easily turned down if judged not something the DM wants to deal with.
It might be simpler just to ban that spell. A Flame Strike does CLd6 damage, maxed at 15d6. This does 4-24d6 damage, average of 14d6 regardless of CL, to a huge creature. Even without the penalties that's too damned good for a 5th level spell.
Personally, I emphasise the optional nature of those books. Spells in the PHB are widely availble, anything else is rare and requires special circumstances to aquire. That way the player has to ask about any new spell they want to bring in so it can get looked over closely, and easily turned down if judged not something the DM wants to deal with.
It might be simpler just to ban that spell. A Flame Strike does CLd6 damage, maxed at 15d6. This does 4-24d6 damage, average of 14d6 regardless of CL, to a huge creature. Even without the penalties that's too damned good for a 5th level spell.
DarkJester
First Post
I can't say I like the looks of it. The damage I don't really mind, but the penalty per quill is a little much. Perhaps a secondary save vs the quills penalty would balance it a little more.
DarkJester
First Post
I really don't think you can fully compare it to flame strike though. Penalties aside, quill blast does average more damage than flame strike vs huge creatures. However, Quill blast also requires you to be within 20ft of your target and is likely to effect your allies as well.
And If your within 20ft of a huge creature without an ally, you're just asking for it.
And If your within 20ft of a huge creature without an ally, you're just asking for it.
Patryn of Elvenshae
First Post
Kurotowa said:
Actually, I think the Vigor spells stack up pretty well against the Cure spells, and vice versa.
DarkJester
First Post
And one more thing...
It doesn't look like Quill Blast quills count as magic weapons from the spell description, so they are pretty much foiled by any form of DR.
It doesn't look like Quill Blast quills count as magic weapons from the spell description, so they are pretty much foiled by any form of DR.
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