[BoEM1] Freezing Claw spell: The best spell ever or just plain broken?

[Ankh-Morpork Guard]

Yes but don't lick them.

Oh now that's a great image...
A curious Fighter, when no one was looking, licked the frozen Lich King of Death...and now is attached.

 

[satori01]

It is a great spell for a DM, maybe not quite as good for a player, but making a ice monster is pretty cool and evocative,(in a story telling sense). The spell should be compared to:

Flesh to Stone
Transmutation
Level: Sor/Wiz 6
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)
Target: One creature
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Fortitude negates
Spell Resistance: Yes
The subject and all possessions it carries turn into a mindless, inert statue. If the statue resulting from this spell is broken or damaged, the being (if ever returned to its original state) has similar damage or deformities. The creature is not dead (its soul doesn’t pass on), but it does not seem to be alive either (when viewed with spells that detect life). Only creatures made of flesh are affected by this spell

Basically freezing claw lacks the range and permantcy of flesh to stone, but inflicts damage on a failed save. Seems actually well balanced to me and not overly powerfull.

 

[satori01]

I would love to see a dragon this spell and a large cocktail.

 

[Li Shenron]

The spell should be compared to:

Flesh to Stone
...


Basically freezing claw lacks the range and permantcy of flesh to stone, but inflicts damage on a failed save. Seems actually well balanced to me and not overly powerfull.

The fact is that Freezing Claw can let you eventually freeze as many foes as you want before the spell ends. It is not clear if the duration is also for the effect of being frozen: in case the victim unfreezes when the duration expires, then the spell is some kind of combination of damage+hold.

Another unclear fact is how you control it: do you spand actions to direct it? do you spend a MEA to move it (which speed?) and/or a standard action to attack? or does it work on its own? It's important because if you need so you can't cast other spells or do anything in the meantime. Strange that Monte didn't explain this spell into details.

 

[Darklone]

Could a red dragon breath REAL SLOWLY on himself while he is frozen ?

*neglect* ouch