Help balancing Cloak of Righteousness spell

[jaults]

The following spell has proven to be a bit too effective... However, I really like the concept of the spell, and would rather fix it than stop casting it. Has anyone else run into this, and have a solution? Or does anyone have an unplaytested solution for us to try out? One thing the DM is considering is limiting it to a 30 ft radius for the blinding effect.

Cloak of Righteousness
Abjuration [Good]
Level: Clr 4
Components: V, S, DF
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: 1 round/level
Saving Throw: Fortitude negates (see text)
Spell Resistance: Yes

When cast, this spell appears as a shining silver-white cloak and aura surrounding the caster. All of the caster's foes who can see the cloak must make a Fortitude save or be blinded for the duration of the spell. Allies of the caster or those she is defending are automatically affected as if by a bless spell.
SOURCE: Relics and Rituals I


Thanks,
Jason

 

[Philip]

The following spell has proven to be a bit too effective... However, I really like the concept of the spell, and would rather fix it than stop casting it. Has anyone else run into this, and have a solution? Or does anyone have an unplaytested solution for us to try out?
Thanks,
Jason

You could try to do the same to the spell what they did in 3.5 with Hold Person and the like. Give those affected by the spell new saves each round until they shake of the blinding effect.

 

[Antoine]

Cloak of Righteousness
Abjuration [Good]

To start with, it seems that Good spells in 3rd Edition D&D would probably rather bless good characters around the caster and blind evil ones than rely on a friend-or-foe distinction.

Then you can take a look a close-enough spell in the BoED : Bilinding Beauty. 4th level as well, same duration, blinds humanoids only, within 60', no friend/foe discrimination, and an abstinence component (easily overcomed).

Meaning R&R's Cloak of Righteousness is a little to powerful for a 4th level spell. Compare to a "mass blindness" which would probably rise to 5 or 6th level. The fact that foes are blinded for the duration of the spell only don't help much in combat, but must be kept in mind for balance.

I would try :

Revised Cloak of Righteousness
Abjuration [Good]
Level: Clr 4
Components: V, S, DF
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: 1 round/level
Saving Throw: Fortitude partial (see text)
Spell Resistance: Yes

When cast, this spell appears as a shining silver-white cloak and aura surrounding you. All evil creatures within 60 ft. of you who look directly at you suffer the following ill effects :
HD up to caster level -1 -> Evil creatures become blinded for the duration of the spell. If they succeed on a Fortitude save, they are still dazzled for the duration of the spell.
HD equal to caster level or higher -> Evil creatures must succed on a Fortitude save or be dazzled for the duration of the spell
Sightless creatures are not affected.

 

[jaults]

Thanks for the input, guys. Anyone else have anything else to suggest?

Jason