Shay - I have my threads set to display 20 posts per page, so page numbers are different. I'm guessing you're talking about post # 280?
I'd like Pmorph Any Object, but there's some contention...so here's my proposal.
How about we make a customized version of Polymorph Any Object, that has some code changes to make it specific to your campaign's rules? We'll remove it's ability to affect creatures and remove the spells that can target creatures from its list of spells it can emulate.
We can then, to keep it 8th level, perhaps consider some increased ability when affecting objects. For example, perhaps we allow some utility to transmute objects into valuable materials, with limits? Here are some possibilities:
Transmutation Without A Circle: Using Pmorph Any Object to change objects into valuable materials invokes a law of equivalent exchange; gold piece value cannot be spontaneously created, but it can be altered. To change a sword into adamantine, one would have to use a normal sword AND other materials that equal the value of an adamantine sword. This would make the spell the equivalent of a 'portable shop' for any object that doesn't involve magic and enchantment...which at these levels is most of them, really. Cold Iron would still be off limits, since it's not the material that makes that unique, but rather the manner by which it is harvested and processed.
No Cheating! Well, maybe a little: Transmuting an object into a substantially more valuable object reduces the duration factor, and prohibits permanence. I'd suggest using the rules for Major Creation as a good guideline. A spellcraft check of fairly easy DC allow someone to spot 'faked' valuables, meaning that it can't be used to defraud a canny merchant. Further, using the spell to attempt fraud would be a criminal and unlawful act.
Simplify, simplify, simplify: No new special rules. Rather, we simply add a few spells to the list of spells that can be emulated to replace the ones lost. Major Creation, Fabricate, and perhaps something like Wall of Stone or similar "change stuff into other configuration" type spells would be under consideration.
And if none of these ideas appeal, I'll just take Horrid Wilting. Maybe reskin it as something less gruesome though.
I like something akin to the last option.. hows this:
As Polymorph any Object, with the following exceptions:
Target: Can only affect objects or self.
In addition to the normal allotment, Can also duplicate Wall of Stone, Wall of Iron, Wall of Ice, or Fabricate.
Also, May duplicate Major Creation with the following changes:
Duration/Effect:
Vegetable matter, Stone, base metals; 1 hr./levels; 50 cubic ft/lvl
Precious metals, Crystal, Gems; 10 min./level; 10 cubic ft/lvl *
Rare metal; 1 round/level; 1 cubic ft/lvl
*Craft check to make materials look 'real/permanent', opposed by Perception or Appraise check(May make both checks, if either succeeds they realize it's fake)*
In addition to the standard inability to use as spell components, Any attempt to use any object created by this effect as the target of further transmutation causes the second spell to be wasted and the first to expire immediately.
As far as the hide in plain sight ability - it's never really made sense, but it's a supernatural ability in a magical world, so I just accept it, kinda like the ability to levitate or fling fireballs. The problem isn't hide in plain sight though, it's Damien's overly high check. *waggles finger at D'raven*
I've also always thought that True Seeing should help spot hidden characters (In the computer game 'Neverwinter Nights' for example, it gave a bonus to spot checks).
I'm considering adding a similar component to it, but it's already a fairly strong spell, and hide characters are kinda reliant on not being seen.
And for the 'hearing him', listen/spot and hide/move silent are now just under 'perception' and 'stealth', and he has been moving before/after speaking..
I also believe I had discussed with him throwing his voice with bluff, which is why he posted a bluff check during his first speech, and sblocks within it. I probably should've said something earlier about the ventriloquism bluff, maybe have it opposed by perception instead of sense motive, but I didn't think it would become a big deal, this was only supposed to be a roleplaying/meet&greet/have fun thread.