Creatures-By-Poll: Fey #5 Breath Weapon

[BOZ]

Hello!

This poll is to add a specific breath weapon to our Fey #5, as seen here.

If you've been following that thread, then great! If not, check it out before voting.


Here are the options.

1):

From http://www.allthingsarctic.com/aurora/index.aspx:

"Auroral displays appear in many colors with pale green and pink the most common. However, different shades of red, yellow, green, blue, and violet have all been observed. Green results from energized oxygen atoms and pink from nitrogen molecules. The color variations are a product of the altitude of the storm, and the density and composition of the ions at that altitude. The folding effect results from the electric field induced on either side of the auroral curtain by the electrons."

As a starting point, I'd suggest it function similar to prismatic spells, with following effects:

Pale green = sickened for X rounds on failed save; otherwise nauseated for X rounds
Pink = as touch of idiocy
Red = rage (as the spell) for X rounds
Yellow = blinded for X rounds on failed save; otherwise dazzled for X rounds
Green = enfeebled (as ray of enfeeblement)
Blue = exhausted for X rounds on failed save; otherwise fatigued for X rounds
Violet = frightened for X rounds on failed save; otherwise shaken for X rounds

2) same as above, with the lights acting as the rainbow pattern spell, either stacked with the lesser prismatic effect; or with two alternating breath weapon effects, between rainbow pattern and prismatic as chosen by the fey.

3):

I'm still voting for Fear + Deathwatch + some form of necromantic (but non-evil) damage (all three at the same time). I think that would make for a very flavorful combination - you could literally be scared to death due to the realization of your own mortality!

elaboration on "some form of necromantic damage":

I believe the lowest spells I had suggested originally were Ray of Exhaustion (Sor/Wiz3) and Enervation (Sor/Wiz 4). But something like a 6-7th level spell might be better balanced. Mass Inflict Moderate (cone-shaped) would fit. Or Waves of Exhaustion. Or even a cone-shaped Enervation instead of the usual Ray.


PS: When I mentioned Deathwatch earlier, I meant that anyone within the cone of the breath would receive the benefit of the Deathwatch spell. I.e. the targets of the breathweapon would for an instance literally see the mortality of everything around them. A harmless effect (beneficial, if anything), but I figured it fit nicely with the theme, and with the Fear effect...

4): same as #1, except it does damage as straight-up prismatic spray. A lot tougher, indeed.

5) based on a new spell from the PHB II:

Basically Prismatic Mist is 30' spread 3rd level arcane, variable saving throw/no SR, with the effects of fire 1d4, 1d6 acid, 1d8 electricity, 1d4 STR poison (Fort neg), Slow (Will Neg), Les. Confusion (Will neg), Dazed (Will neg), or two effects. I was thinking some sort of variation that would up the variable nonsave damage upwards and more in line with Prismatic Spray without the "send to another plane" somethings. I think it might be interesting to define one of the color options as an Inflict or Harm even, because that would neatly intersect the "necromancy" angle I suppose.

Here's what I was thinking might be interesting, in fact:

1. Red 5d6 points of fire damage
2. Orange 5d10 points of acid damage
3. Yellow Inflict Serious Wounds CL 20
4. Green Poison (1d6 Con, Fortitude partial)
5. Blue Hold Monster CL20
6. Indigo 5d6 points of cold damage
7. Violet Removes 1d4 levels of memorized, unused spells or spell slots, from the highest level spell that can be removed at once by the die. (A roll of 3 would indicate that a single 3rd level spell, player's choice, is lost), nonspellcasters are sickened as Eyebite
8. The Void Subject gains 1d4 negative levels, Fort save DC 20 to negate

 

[Conaill]

Voted #3 (duh) mainly because I think it's more flavorful, plus I don't like the lookup table inherent in "prismatic" spells.

If I had to choose between the other options, I'd go with the straight prismatic spray. Yes, it's powerful. But it should be well-balanced given this creature's target CR.

 

[BOZ]

hmm, i didn't expect that.

 

[Conaill]

hmm, i didn't expect that.

What, my ability to insert typos in crucial places? You should know better by now!

 

[BOZ]

LOL! now that's more like what i expected.

 

[dhaga]

As a big fan of Shade's initial idea, I went for #1. I like that even on a successful save, there will be some effect.

#5 comes in a close 2nd for me, though; I agree that the more critical of prismatic spray's effects (ie send to another plane) would not be a good choice; mixing things up and inserting the energy drain instead is a good choice.

 

[Shade]

I voted #5, as my original concept may be a bit weak for its power level. Some combination of the two would be fine by me as well.

The nice thing about #5 is it combines both prismatic and necromancy effects.

 

[BOZ]

#5 it is! we can combine and mix and match.