At what level would you put this spell?

[Eraslin]

Hi all,
I come seeking advice. I'm trying to make up an area effect version of the reduce spell, and I'm not sure at what level to put it. I'm inclined to think level 2 or level 3 (likely 3), but I can't decide. Here's the spell, as I am visualizing it; note that this is for 3e, not 3.5e.

AE Reduce
Sor/Wis ??
Components: V,S,M
Casting time: 1 action
Range: Close (25' + 5'/2 levels)
Area of effect: 10' radius burst centered on a point in space
Duration: 1 min/lvl (D)
Saving throw: Fortitude negates (object)
Spell resistance: Yes (object)

All creatures and objects in the area of effect are affected as by a reduce spell.
Material component: A pinch of powdered iron.

Thanks a tonne,
Eraslin

 

[Khaalis]

Well, I'll take a stab. Though I dont have access to 3.0 anymore, I do have one question. Why "Fortitude Negates (object)" rather than just "Fortitude Negates"? Do living beings get a save or do they have to be willing? I dont remember the text of the original Reduce spell.

If they have to be willing, I would make this 3rd level. If they do not have to be willing but do not get a saving throw, I would go 4th.

 

[Plane Sailing]

For starters the reduce spell in 3.5e onwards only affects persons, not objects. A reduce spell that affects objects would be a higher level.

A "mass" version of a spell is normally 3 levels higher than its parent spell, this would be less effective since the burst can't choose exactly who you want to target, making it +2.

The general effect is less powerful than shrink item (at 3rd level), so I'd put the basic "reduce people or objects" spell at 2nd and this burst area effect version at 4th.

Cheers