Great Larva Mother, Twister Scream, & Quicksand Drop

[Beholder Bob]

Okay, more spells. These I'm very unsure of power/mechanic wise. Let me know folks.

Great Larva Mother
Wizard 5
Conjuration (Creation)
Components: V S M
Casting Time: Full Action
Range: Self
Effect: Caster
Duration: 1 MIN/LV
Save: None
Spell Resist: No

This spell creates a quasi-real creature that appears to be a beetle 2 size categories larger then the caster, with a transparent abdomen, 6 long legs, head with pinchers, and long antenna that vibrate slightly. As the creature forms, the caster is pulled into its abdomen and floats in clear amniotic fluids. While so contained, the caster is not able to speak directly, move (except to turn around), or physically act.
While inside this creature, verbal components of the caster’s spells are conveyed as a collection of buzzes and hisses from the beetle, his somatic components made by twitches of the beetle’s antenna. Material components and foci are used directly from the caster without having to pull them out. The caster can direct the beetle to move and attack as a move equivalent action. Attacks directed at the caster automatically strike the beetle instead.
The beetle is huge when cast by a medium sized caster, large when cast by a short caster. No matter its size, it has HP equal to 4*LV and an AC of (10 natural, -1 or –2 for size, +0 DEX), a hardness of 5, takes ½ damage from energy attacks, but always fails fortitude and reflex saves. It is treated as construct for purpose of immunities. It has a 30’ move, 20’ climb, and a bite +(½ LV) to hit and does 1d8 (large) 2d6 (huge) damage. The beetle has the same senses as the caster.
This spell may not be ended prematurely, fails if cast in an area not large enough to fit the beetle, and gives the caster a –4 to all search, spot, and listen checks.
Material Component: Silver statue of a beetle and with a crystal abdomen (200 GP).

Twister Scream
Wizard 2
Evocation (Air)
Components: V S M
Casting Time: 1 Action
Range: C (25’+5’/ 2 LV)
Effect: One creature
Duration: 1 R/LV
Save: Reflex Negates
Spell Resist: Yes

A target who fails its save is capable of move actions only as a continuous burst of air escapes from its mouth, pushing diminutive or smaller creatures away and checking the movement of tiny creatures in a 10’ cone of air from the targets mouth. During the duration the target is incapable of drowning and generates 10’ cu of air a round. The cone of air escapes from its mouth automatically, even if the target is unconscious. The target is incapable of speech, though it is capable of a very long, prolonged, scream.

Quicksand Drop
Wizard 2
Transmutation
Components: V S M
Casting Time: 1 Action
Range: C (25' + 5'/2 LV)
Target: 10’ radius
Duration: 1 MIN/LV
Save: Special
Spell Resist: No

This spell causes loose soil, gravel, earth, and sand to become liquid-like, as per quick sand. Its appearance does not change, but creatures heavier then diminutive sink into the Quicksand drop rapidly, having only a few rounds before sinking beneath their heads and drowning. The quicksand is 20’ deep, or to 5’ above an open area (such as a cave), or down to rock, which ever is least. This spell can not be cast on wood, metal, or stone.
Creatures caught in the area when the quicksand forms are allowed reflex saves – a successful save allows the creatures to take their next move action on the round the spell forms to get to the edge of the spell. Those unable or unwilling to do so suffer the same effects as those who failed their save. Every round a creature is in the quicksand area, a strength check = save DC is made, success allows the creature to spend a full round action to move 5’, either to the other side of the quicksand or exit the quicksand if on the side. Creatures can choose not to move 5’ can instead take a standard action. Creatures that fail 3 strength checks (taking a standard action counts as a failed strength check) sink below their heads and take d4 CON damage each round as they sink to the bottom. At the end of the spell duration, the ground hardens, leaving creatures submerged to die of asphyxiation and partially submerged creatures in need of rescue.
Creatures can be rescued by others, a thrown rope allows an outside ally to make a separate strength check each round, the failure of that strength check not counting against the victim in the quicksand. While in the quicksand, creatures benefit from partial cover. Creatures are prone when they crawl out of quicksand.
Material Component: Pinch of sand

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[Interested2]

I really like the idea behind Great Larva Mother, but as it is, theres no reason at all to cast it. Less health, much lower AC, always failing saves, and a material component. No reason at ALL to cast it. Make it 6*health, AC of 15+caster level, and +1 to all saves for every two caster levels and its worth using for the protective aspect.

 

[Beholder Bob]

I really like the idea behind Great Larva Mother, but as it is, theres no reason at all to cast it. Less health, much lower AC, always failing saves, and a material component. No reason at ALL to cast it. Make it 6*health, AC of 15+caster level, and +1 to all saves for every two caster levels and its worth using for the protective aspect.

Oh, the purpose behind it is that it
1) attacks against you are redirected to it instead, so it gets wounded, not you. Since it is treated as a construct, it is especially good against foes w/ energy drain and poison.
2) as a move action you direct it to move and attack. So you can still cast spells while in safety and have it nibble a foe the same round.
3) you do not provoke attacks of opportunity in casting spells. You can cast multi-round spells w/out risk. You may not move but you still receive a full round.
4) I was about to say it also makes an excellent barrier - but I just realized I should give it a strength for bull rush & resisting the same.
x) I thought of this as an alternate version of project image but a different method & school.

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[Interested2]

Still pretty weak for a 5th level spell. Most wizards won't be in the thick of the action anyway.

 

[Beholder Bob]

Well, I thought it similar to Interposing Hand, except it limits the caster's movement, is capable of attack, is better for low HP caster's, obscures perception, lasts longer. Do you think this spell is notably weaker then Interposing Hand?

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[Anabstercorian]

Great Larva Mother is SWEET. The defensive capacities of the spell are definately worth a 5th level spell slot.

 

[VirgilCaine]

Great Larvae Mother is cool. Definitely added to my "twisted" list for use by my Renegade wizards.

Twister Scream is cool, we need more Air type spells.

Quicksand Drop seems balanced...the area it can be cast is limited--not inside dungeons or buildings, or even on paved roads or streets.
It's a different way to show the party the virtues of spreading out...

I guess it's balanced, since you have to fail at least four rolls to die from the spell. Delineate what happens when the spell is dispelled--do the "trapped" people/bodies pop up to the top of the ground or what?

 

[Beholder Bob]

Quicksand Drop is the one I worry about the most. Is it good enough - and not too powerful. Oh well. Good point about adding what happens to the bodies, I'd favor them being stuck underground ('free burial'). As to Great Larvae Mother, is it too good? Is it worth a 6th LV spell? I like it more then interposing hand, but project image seems to have it beat. Hmmm

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