Knockout Cone (Sor/Wiz Spell)

[Cloudgatherer]

Critiques wanted....

Knockout Cone
Enchantment (Compulsion) [Mind-Affecting]
Level: Sor/Wiz 7
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Area: Cone
Duration: 10 minutes/level
Saving Throw: Will negates
Spell Resistance: Yes

A powerful force crushes the minds of any humanoids in the area of effect, rendering the subjects unconscious for the duration of the spell. A restoration or heal spell can end the duration of the spell, as well as a successful dispel magic.

Later!

[Edits]
- Raised level to 7.
- Added duration 10 min/level
- Added ways to reverse spell
- Removed "medium sized or smaller" restriction

 

[Ciaran]

1d4 hours unconsciousness is pretty lethal in any sort of combat situation. Not only does it last longer than Hold Person, but given the Instantaneous duration, it can't be removed by Dispel Magic. In battle, it's effectively a death spell against its victims; unless other enemies either find some spell to return the targets to consciousness or pick them up and carry them off bodily, they are easy prey to coup de grace attempts for the duration of the combat. Knockout Cone is also more flexible than death magic: it can be used to take live prisoners or to blast a group of mixed allies and enemies to sort 'em out later, or even used against a mix of humanoid enemies and non-humanoid allies (such as summoned monsters) to only affect enemies within its area of effect.

I'd increase the spell level to 7th or 8th, and include a list of spells and effects that can restore the victims to consciousness, since in the DMG listing for unconsciousness, the only normal causes of that condition are negative hit point totals or subdual damage in excess of current hit points. In addition, it should affect humanoids of Medium-size or smaller, in order to match up with existing humanoid-only spells like Hold Person and Daze.

- Eric

 

[Cloudgatherer]

Good feedback, I've edited the spell accordingly.

I think the system does tend to break down when it comes to unconsciousness, so I replaced it with a spell duration.

Thanks for the feedback, this version look better?

 

[Nellisir]

Why does an Enchantment, Mind-Affecting, Will save required spell only affect medium-sized creatures? Why goblins and not bugbears?

Cheers
Nell.

 

[Cloudgatherer]

I modelled the spell a little after hold person, which has the same characteristics. You could ask the same question of hold person, but I don't have an answer.

 

[drowdude]

I think having it limited to "Humanoids" is sufficient. You could remove the size restriction and the spell would still be balanced at 7th level IMO.

 

[Duganson]

I agree with Drowdude. If you kicked the 'humanoid' limitation you would be ok. Seeing as though you're going toe to toe with cr 13-15 creatures you might need it...not bad, Cloudgatherer!

Thysl in Silver

 

[Admiral Ray]

I agree with drowdude and Thysl. Humanoids only is fine.
Neat spell.

 

[Cloudgatherer]

Thanks for the positive feedback!

 

[sepulchrave]

I like it, and with the modifications it seems relatively balanced ("Cone of Concussion" might be a better name, though.)