Harm Changes

[Caliber]

So what kind of changes has everyone put on Harm? A save? To negate or for something else?

A while back in the Rules forum, there was a HUGE thread (and it wasn't the only one) about different changes people had implemented for Harm.

Some were really interesting, but unfortunetly, I seemed to have lost the copies of them I had. Ah well.

Anyone have some good changes?

 

[Cloudgatherer]

I used a Will save for half of current hit points. Others use Will or Fort save or suffer (IIRC) 4d8 + caster level (max 20).

Other variants?

 

[Cheiromancer]

As written, except the maximum hp drained cannot exceed 10 hp/caster level. So between 110-200 hp.

Conversely, Heal cannot heal more than 10 hp/level of caster.

 

[Cloudgatherer]

As written, except the maximum hp drained cannot exceed 10 hp/caster level.

Not a bad idea. I might have to try something similar in my next campaign.

Of course with epic levels, it just keeps scaling.

 

[the Jester]

I give it a Will save (like the Inflict line of spells) for the damage of an inflict critical wounds spell.

 

[Staffan]

I give it a Will save (like the Inflict line of spells) for the damage of an inflict critical wounds spell.

I like that idea, but with a small modifier: the damage can't take you below 5 hp. Otherwise, you could get weird situations where it's more beneficial *not* to save, because the damage would take you to a lower point than the regular harm spell would.

 

[hong]

I just have it do a straight d8 points per spell level, no save.

 

[the Jester]

I like that idea, but with a small modifier: the damage can't take you below 5 hp. Otherwise, you could get weird situations where it's more beneficial *not* to save, because the damage would take you to a lower point than the regular harm spell would.

Sorry, didn't specify- but basically that's what I do (but no less than 4 hp; it can equal the least damage of failing your save).

 

[Jens]

As written, except the maximum hp drained cannot exceed 10 hp/caster level. So between 110-200 hp.

Conversely, Heal cannot heal more than 10 hp/level of caster.

This is nice and simple, no more killing great dragons by touch. I like the symmetry and keeping Harm free from a save

As for scaling at epic levels... it sure does, but I *think* it will remain reasonable; max 400 HPs at 40th level?

d8/level sounds good too, but wouldn't that make it a *great* spell to empower?

 

[hong]

d8/level sounds good too, but wouldn't that make it a *great* spell to empower?

Oh ghod, here we go again.

Personally, I'd prefer this to making it an instakill spell, even with a save.