Foe Mirror, a new illusion. Comments much appreciated!

[Ferret]

This is a spell I thought up a while back and put in a .txt whilst I was wading through coursework. Now they've eased up I'm starting again.

Foe Mirror

Illusion (glamer)
Level: Bard 1, Sor/Wiz 2
Components: V
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: 10ft
Target: 1 creature / You
Duration: 1 round per level
Saving Throw: Will
Spell Resistance: No

This spell causes your appearance to imitate one creature within 10ft, the creature must be of similar size and shape to the caster for the spell to work. Because of the casters new appearance the opponent takes a -6 penalty to attack against them, and all those who are friendly with the target take a -2 to attack them. Further more the caster gains a +10 to disguise checks when trying to impersonate their opponent.

If the opponent is some how taken out of the spells range the spell ends prematurely, also if the target dies the spell also ends.


I'm quite sure I missed out on some stuff that needs to be said, also When I came up with the concept, I want it to be for a head to head combat style, which necessitates being able to be threatened by the target, which made me think to make it a free action, which would then raise the spell level. Which I don't like, it should be a fairly simple spell.

Also I wanted it to not give a will save, as it doesn't effect the opponent directly, but then they can "get past" the fact they are fighting themselves.

Any ideas?

 

[UltimaGabe]

The attack penalties are far too high for the level of the spell. If it didn't have a save, it would easily be far too powerful- your main opponent takes a -6 to attacks, and all of his allies take a -2 to theirs- with no save? That would just be unreasonable.

I just say lessen the penalties.

 

[Ferret]

Is that all? -6 seems a lot at the level it is used....

Is -4 ok? Doom does -2 to attacks, damage, skills, saves and ability checks for a whole minute a level. What about for their alies?

I'm going to leave the current one up so I can get more opinions. NOM.

 

[Tuzenbach]

I don't know. -6 and -2 sound reasonable, given the caster chooses to:

a. not stand behind his comrades while casting spells over their shoulders

because he's

b. in a position that would put him very close, if not right up alongside the opponent to be copied.

In short, yes, the numbers are skewed a bit high, but the caster is putting himself/herself at a greater than normal risk. It would be silly if the caster uses this spell while still standing behind his or her comrades. If so, it would be relatively easy to distinguish the true from the false. No, the only practicle application involves standing virtually toe to toe with the foe to be copied, and that's not something most casters are immediately comfortable with, having so few hit points and crappy armour class and all. Hence, the 10 foot range.

 

[DreamChaser]

also, during combat, it is very very likely that a target will move more than 10 feet away. This spell is potentially crippled by its short range. The higher bonuses offset this decently.

DC

 

[Ferret]

'Tis a ship-shape spell then? Nay sillness with making it a swift action, and then be making it a high level, I be evenin' up the spel tha' way!

 

[Ferret]

Translation: So the spells ok? No reason to make it a swift action and boost it up to a higher level?

This way it's easier to use in combat, If need be I could raise it's power.

 

[Tuzenbach]

Sure, make it a swift action, knock yourself out!

;~D

PS: I can't believe that up above, I spelled practical as "practicle". lol

 

[Ferret]

With or without raising the level of the spell? I think it's on the cusp (he he) of being unbalanced.

*Knocks self out*

 

[Tuzenbach]

With or without raising the level of the spell? I think it's on the cusp (he he) of being unbalanced.

*Knocks self out*

I don't believe the rapidity of casting should, in this case, merit an increase in spell level. If anything, it balances it out. It's still just a sort of variation of "Mirror Image", though slightly inferior. The rapid casting makes them a lot more equal to each other, IMHO.

Oh, how is this different from "Change Self", BTW?