Enlarge

[mulkabu]

Is it just me, or does Enlarge seem very powerful for a first level cleric spell?

It gives reach, and using the rules for enlarging weapons, gives a serious damage increase (eg Two-handed sword does 3d6).

Any weaknesses associated with the spell? Other than its not much use in enclosed spaces?

Or is it just that damn good? ;-)

Brian

 

[Altamont Ravenard]

Welcome to the boards!

First of all, Enlarge is mostly a Wizard spell, unless you happen to be a cleric with the Strength domain.

Secondly, your weapon is "upgraded", but your attack bonus doesn't change, and your AC worsens by 2.

If you take the Greatsword-wielding Fighter as an example, his damage will go from 2d6+(STR MOD)*1.5 to 3d6+(STR MOD+1)*1.5, which is an average increase of 5 points of damage. A good amount, yes, but he'll also get hit 10% more (on average).

I'd say that Enlarge is a good spell to cast on a friendly fighter, but doesn't seem to outshine the other options that the wizard may have.

AR

 

[mikebr99]

Is it just me, or does Enlarge seem very powerful for a first level cleric spell?

It gives reach, and using the rules for enlarging weapons, gives a serious damage increase (eg Two-handed sword does 3d6).

Any weaknesses associated with the spell?
Brian

The main weakness is placed with the DM to use as he/she sees fit... the fact that you are now twice as big as your friends, and should stick out like a sore thumb... the MAIN target for anything and everything.


YMMV


Mike

 

[Hypersmurf]

If you take the Greatsword-wielding Fighter as an example, his damage will go from 2d6+(STR MOD)*1.5 to 3d6+(STR MOD+1)*1.5, which is an average increase of 5 points of damage. A good amount, yes, but he'll also get hit 10% more (on average).

Don't take the Greatsword-wielding Fighter as an example.

Take the Combat Reflexes Trip-Monkey as an example.

-Hyp.

 

[Caliban]

Don't take the Greatsword-wielding Fighter as an example.

Take the Combat Reflexes Trip-Monkey as an example.

-Hyp.

Or the Improved Grab Grapple-monkey with spiked armor.

Enlarge gives you a +5 on your grapple checks. You can get a 1st level 1/2 Orc Barbarian with a +17 grapple check, as an extreme example.

 

[Hypersmurf]

If you want to see a whole lot of argument on this topic, there was recently a twenty-five page thread on 3.5 Enlarge Person over on the WotC boards.

-Hyp.

 

[Altamont Ravenard]

Don't take the Greatsword-wielding Fighter as an example.

Take the Combat Reflexes Trip-Monkey as an example.

-Hyp.

I rue the day being a monkey became a bad thing!

AR

 

[HeavyG]

I agree. Poor monkeys, they get no love.

Well, except for hot monkey-love, of course.

 

[Legildur]

The main weakness is placed with the DM to use as he/she sees fit... the fact that you are now twice as big as your friends, and should stick out like a sore thumb... the MAIN target for anything and everything.


YMMV


Mike

Actually, my mileage didn't vary at all!!! Our Cleric (2 or 3 - I can't remember) likes to pretend that he's a melee specialist and that healing is secondary. He thought Enlarge Person was a cool way to boost his combat prowess, until the 8 skeletons started wailing on him - many with flank bonuses. Being large, and without Combat Reflexes, just invites a whole new range of trouble.

 

[ladyhawk]

But I know someone has wanted to cast enlarge on a halfling fbarbarian and have then shred up their clothes Hulk style. Afterwards the halfling preceeds to grab the nearest great aze and go crazy.