3 Spheres of Dissolution

[Beholder Bob]

Well, do these look ok/balanced? Not the most flavorful, but the concept seemed so... core.


Sphere of Dissolution, Lesser
Wizard 3
Conjuration (Create)
Components: V S F
TTC: Standard Action
Range: C (25’+5’/ 2 LV)
Effect: Creates a 1’ radius sphere
Duration: 1 R/2 LV
SaSR: Yesve: None

This spell creates a sphere of anti-creation that unravels matter it contacts, appearing as a floating ball of blackness with visible wisps of air pulling into it. As a standard action the caster can direct the sphere, concentrating on controlling it and provoking attacks of opportunity. Flying with perfect maneuverability, its speed equal to that rounds concentration check, rounding down the result (i.e. a 32 becomes 30’).
The sphere can be directed to attack, treat as a ranged touch attack. If it hits, it inflicts 4d6 damage, disintegrating tiny creatures this damage reduces to 0 HP or less. The sphere inflicts full damage to objects and ignores ½ of the object’s hardness, burrowing a 1’ radius hole in them. The sphere ignores force barriers and objects but does not damage them. Creatures and objects disintegrated leave behind a fine trace of dust.
Material Focus: A polished obsidian sphere, 100+ gp.

Sphere of Dissolution
Wizard 6
Conjuration (Create)
Components: V S F
TTC: Standard Action
Range: C (25’+5’/ 2 LV)
Effect: Creates a 2’ radius sphere
Duration: 1 R/LV
Save: None
SR: Yes

As per Sphere of Dissolution, Lesser, except the caster gains a +10 enhancement bonus to his concentration checks to move the sphere, it inflicts 8d6 damage, and disintegrates small creatures if the damage reduces the object to 0 HP or less. It also destroys force effects of 2nd level or lower. The sphere leaves behind a 2’ radius hole in objects.
Material Focus: A polished obsidian sphere, 500+ gp.

Sphere of Dissolution, Greater
Wizard 9
Conjuration (Create)
Components: V S F
TTC: Standard Action
Range: C (25’+5’/ 2 LV)
Effect: Creates a 3’ radius sphere
Duration: 1 R/LV
Save: None
SR: Yes

As per Sphere of Dissolution, Lesser, except it only requires a move action to move the sphere and the caster gains a +10 enhancement bonus to his concentration checks do so. As it only takes a move action to move this sphere, it can be used to attack in the move action and standard action portion of the caster’s turn, allowing it to attack twice as a full round action. It inflicts 12d6 damage, and disintegrates medium or larger creatures if the damage reduces the object to 0 HP or less. It also destroys force effects of 5th level or lower on contact. The sphere leaves behind a 3’ radius hole in objects.
Material Focus: A polished obsidian sphere, 1000+ gp.

BB

 

[Anabstercorian]

Off hand, I'd make the lesser 1' in diameter, the normal 2' in diameters, and the greater 4' in diameter, to maintain the powers of two scaling for tiny, small, and medium.

I'd say it can be directed to attack as a full round action - this makes the spell useful but not overpowering for a long-lasting combat addition. Otherwise, it blows Mord's Sword out of the water.

 

[Vrecknidj]

This spell creates a sphere of anti-creation that unravels matter it contacts, appearing as a floating ball of blackness with visible wisps of air pulling into it. As a standard action the caster can direct the sphere, concentrating on controlling it and provoking attacks of opportunity. Flying with perfect maneuverability, its speed equal to that rounds concentration check, rounding down the result (i.e. a 32 becomes 30’).
The sphere can be directed to attack, treat as a ranged touch attack. If it hits, it inflicts 4d6 damage, disintegrating tiny creatures this damage reduces to 0 HP or less. The sphere inflicts full damage to objects and ignores ½ of the object’s hardness, burrowing a 1’ radius hole in them. The sphere ignores force barriers and objects but does not damage them. Creatures and objects disintegrated leave behind a fine trace of dust.

If it unravels matter, that doesn't explain why it ignores force effects. I mean, it affects matter, not magic, why should it ignore them? (Unless by ignore you mean they can't go through force effects.)

Dave

 

[Beholder Bob]

Cool, feedback!!!

Mage’s/Mord’s Sword continues to attack the prior foe unless told otherwise w/out requiring a standard action each round – the sword only requires a standard action to change targets. The sword moves anywhere in range as part of changing targets.
vs
Standard action each round it attacks, concentration check determines its movement each round.

the sword attacks at your caster LV+3+INT or CHA (i.e. 13th 18 int gains +14 bonus to his base attack for hitting with the sword.
vs
The sphere is a touch attack with no bonus to hit

The sphere is incapable of touching ethereal and incorporeal.

The sphere deals more damage (8d6) vs 4d6+3.

I figure the sword is better (free attack each round while you cast spells) and switching targets does not provoke attacks of opportunity.

Side note: 2nd lv cleric spell spiritual weapon is either far too good, or the sword spell far too wimpy! Att = base att + wis mod, dmg d8+1/3 LV (+5 max), better range, and can get multiple attacks if base att over +5! Scale that spell up 5 lv and compare to the sword spell!

As to force effects and the sphere:

The sphere is ‘non-existence’ and so is not stopped by force barriers. It is based on a rolling sphere of disintigration or sphere of annihilation. At lower levels it just slips through the barriers, but at higher levels it breaks them apart as well.

BB

 

[Piratecat]

I really like these spells. Hey, what does the 9th lvl "move action to move the sphere" really mean? Does it mean that you can move it and attack on your move action, and then move it and attack again on your standard action?

Also, is there any way to get a full atack with this? I'm assuming not, but want to be sure.

Be aware that the 3rd lvl spell can put a big enough hole in doors, walls, etc. to get a spellcasting line of effect through. That may be problematic in some cases.

 

[Beholder Bob]

9th lvl "move action to move the sphere" really mean? Does it mean that you can move it and attack on your move action, and then move and then move it and attack again on your standard action?

Yup! I think I should mention that in the spells text.

Be aware that the 3rd lv spell can put a big enough hole in doors, walls, etc. to get a spellcasting line of effect through. That may be problematic in some cases.

(for the 3rd lv version) Simple wood door 1 R, good & strong wood doors 2 R, wood wall is R. An iron door is 9 R. This assumes avg dmg ea R (14).

...and thank you!

BB