D&D 5E Balance of this? - Pass Concentration spell

[ClearlyTough69]

Perhaps make this a feat


Shared Burden
Prerequisite - the ability to cast spells
After you cast a spell on another creature and the spell requires concentration, you can use a bonus action to share the burden of concentrating on the spell with the creature you cast it on. If either of you takes damage while concentrating on the spell, you must both make a Constitution saving throw to maintain your concentration. The DC equals 5 or quarter of the damage taken, whichever is greater; if either of you fails the saving throw, the spell is lost. You can share concentration on two or more spells at once, but you cannot share concentration with any given creature on more than one spell. The total number of spell levels that you can share concentration on is half the total of your spellcasting class levels (minimum 1), and when you have shared concentration on a spell, its spell level is deducted from that total. The total resets after a long rest. Finally, you can concentrate on one spell as normal, in addition to any spells that you are sharing concentration on.

 

[Blue]

And while I agree to your first sentence, I only do so with an important addition:

"To me, being able to change spells around on the fly is the thematic focus of the sorcerer."

If by "on the fly" you mean "anytime except when you are preparing them" then we agree. If you know a fireball, and know a thunderball spell that's the same but thunder, you can prepare either.

BUT, if you prepare one and then come across a thunder-immune creature, that's when sorcerer's specific niche is to be able to change things around.

(Which is a horrible example because there isn't actually a change element metamagic, it's just an example easy to wrap your head around.)

Mind you, for classes that have a limit on spells known, fireball and thunderball would both take up their own slot. Clerics don't have that issue but many classes do.

 

[CapnZapp]

If by "on the fly" you mean "anytime except when you are preparing them" then we agree. If you know a fireball, and know a thunderball spell that's the same but thunder, you can prepare either.

BUT, if you prepare one and then come across a thunder-immune creature, that's when sorcerer's specific niche is to be able to change things around.

(Which is a horrible example because there isn't actually a change element metamagic, it's just an example easy to wrap your head around.)

Mind you, for classes that have a limit on spells known, fireball and thunderball would both take up their own slot. Clerics don't have that issue but many classes do.

Perhaps we misunderstand each other but, yes, a Wizard could look at her spell book and see Thunderball and Fireball. She goes do I need one, the other or both today?

Once she makes up her mind and opts for regular Fireball only and goes down the adventuring dungeon she couldn't cast Thunderball. A Sorcerer just learns Fireball and collects tweakmagic effects (can't bring myself to calling them "metamagic" for a spontaneous, instinctual caster), and each time it's his turn he gets to choose whether to spend sorcery points on his castings or not.

My point isn't to focus on the Wizard restrictions.

My point is that Wizards should be able to use metamagic.

 

[Blue]

Perhaps we misunderstand each other but, yes, a Wizard could look at her spell book and see Thunderball and Fireball. She goes do I need one, the other or both today?

Once she makes up her mind and opts for regular Fireball only and goes down the adventuring dungeon she couldn't cast Thunderball. A Sorcerer just learns Fireball and collects tweakmagic effects (can't bring myself to calling them "metamagic" for a spontaneous, instinctual caster), and each time it's his turn he gets to choose whether to spend sorcery points on his castings or not.

My point isn't to focus on the Wizard restrictions.

My point is that Wizards should be able to use metamagic.

I think we're on the same page, just had some differences in how we were using words. Thanks for taking the time to explain further.

 

[mellored]

So I've been mulling this over as a potential custom spell, and would like to get everyone's feedback.

Pass Concentration (Transmutation) (wizard)
Level: 4
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 30 feet
Components: V, S
Duration: 1 minute

When you cast this spell, choose a willing creature you can see within range. You magically pass the mental burden of concentrating on a spell of 4th or lower level to that creature. The spell must be one that you cast and are currently concentrating on, and the creature to whom you pass concentration may have its concentration interrupted normally.

At Higher Levels: If you cast this spell using a slot of 5th or higher level, you can pass the burden of concentrating on a spell of a level up to that of the slot that you used to cast this spell.

IMO

Durration: Special (Same duration as normal.).
Also, I don't see a reason why it can't be a level 1 spell (to pass a level 1 spell).

 

[CapnZapp]

Also, I don't see a reason why it can't be a level 1 spell (to pass a level 1 spell).

Because spending 2 level one slots at high level is incredibly cheap.

The secret is that handing off even a first level spell can be incredibly useful.

Making it a L4 spell keeps the cost to a minimal level commensurate with that utility.

 

[Thurmas]

I agree with the premise that you should be passing on the spell to the person being enchanted. I think it should also be restricted to a spell only affecting one person. The fighter might be able to concentrate enough to keep himself flying. He can't concentrate enough to keep himself and 3 others flying.

I also see this as more of a subclass feature then a spell. Sorcerer would be perfect with metamagic, or maybe a support subclass bard. "As a bonus action a creature under the effects of a spell that you are concentrating on, that only effects that creature, concentrates on that spell instead."

Wording might need some work, but I think I get the general idea across.

 

[cbwjm]

I really don't think it has to be cast only on the target of the spell. It's an expensive spell since it is a 4th level spell at minimum. I think using this spell to pass it on to an ally so that they can maintain a wall of fire or a hold person spell would be a fine use of it.