Chromatic Orb

[apocalypstick]

...was this spell ever ported over to 3e? And, if so, what book is it in? I've got T&B, FRCS, MoF, etc... but as far as I can see, it's not in any of those books. Anyone want to help a brother out?

 

[drnuncheon]

Isn't that the first level spell that had potential effects like petrification and death? I think there's a reason it never got ported over officially...

J

 

[tleilaxu]

but... but... it was so cool.... errr let me translate... it was so "kewl"

 

[tleilaxu]

of course... in the crpgs the material compnent (was it a 25gp gem or 50gp gem) was conveniently ignored. that made the spell difficult for low level characters... at least in the games i've played

 

[apocalypstick]

Isn't that the first level spell that had potential effects like petrification and death? I think there's a reason it never got ported over officially...

J

That's the one. I just finished playing through Baldur's Gate (i know, i'm a bit behind the times) and couldn't remember seeing that spell anywhere in 3e.

 

[Gregor]

That was such a great spell, I miss it too. I especially enjoyed it once you get to 12th level......fail your save and DIE! Now that is a potent 1st level spell

Cheers

 

[Greatwyrm]

Isn't that the first level spell that had potential effects like petrification and death? I think there's a reason it never got ported over officially...

J

It wouldn't be that bad. I mean you still have to make an attack roll (sure, it's ranged touch, but wizard BAB). I think you ended up getting two saves, one to ignore the spell entirely and one to see which effect you got. SR would apply.

And don't forget the save DC. You'd be 12th level with a spell that gave several chances of not being affected with a save DC of 11+caster mod. Most of the stuff you adventure against at half that level is more dangerous. What's the DC on a bodak's death gaze compared to it's CR?

 

[Nifft]

IIRC, the save for Chromatic Orb was specifically at +6 -- it's meant to be a spell that the target usually saved against.

-- Nifft

PS: But I'd still never allow it to do the full range of powers. Hmmm..... okay, here's my 3.5e version:

Chromatic Orb
Illusion (Figment, Pattern) [Mind-Affecting, Chaos]
Level: Sor/Wiz 1, Brd 1
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Target: 1 creature
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Will partial
Spell Resistance: Yes

This spell causes a pulsating orb of scintillating color, four inches in diameter, to shoot forth from the caster's extended fist. If the orb strikes a creature, the creature takes 2d4 damage, and must make a Will save.

If the creature makes its saving throw, the damage is subdual.

Should the creature fail its will save, the damage is of a random type, and the creature suffers an additional effect, depending on the roll of a d4:
1: Cold, Paralyzed for 1 round
2: Fire, Blinded for 2 rounds
3: Electric, Stunned for 1 round
4: Acid, Nauseated for 2 rounds

Material Component: 1 GP rhinestone. However, if a 25 GP (or higher) gem is used, the spell causes double damage, and its addiitonal effect lasts twice as long.

 

[Saeviomagy]

You'd be much better off creating a range of spells with the same effects as the old spheres, but with levels appropriate to their effects. I think that's kind of what the 'orb' series of spells in T&B are supposed to be.