Lower Spell Resistance

[CalrinAlshaw]

Abjuration/Transmutation
Level: Sor/Wiz 5, Brd 5
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 Standard Action
Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./Level)
Target: One creature with spell resistance
Duration: 1 Round/Level
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: Yes (At Half)

This spell targets one creature of any type that has spell resistance. To affect that creature, an opposed roll to beat the target's spell resistance is made against half the target's spell resistance. If the target creature's spell resistance is beaten, then that creature loses 1 point of spell resistance per two(2) caster levels.
This spell has no affect on creatures without spell resistance.
Material Component: A broken iron rod.

Calrin Alshaw

 

[Telperion]

Nice spell =). I think the level requirement is off the walls, though.
How about Wizard/Sorcerer 3 and Bard 3? Considering that Bards have a slower spell progression that should be good enough.

EDIT: and maybe put in a +20 cap on the spell, which would stop the spell from progressing after you have 40 caster levels.

 

[Li Shenron]

I think the level can be fine, but I agree that a cap is necessary (at epic levels you'll find highers SR as well as higher CL), maybe even +10 only.

But why SR counts only "half" to resist the effect?

 

[CalrinAlshaw]

If you've ever read the Original Lower Resistance spell in Tome of Magic by TSR, that is the basic guidelines I am following for this.

It was Half MR vs this spell, no save, if affected, 30% +1% per level of caster MR lost.

-10 SR=50% at level 20, so they are even at level 20 on the effect on enemies. However...Hrmm, I might make it like +10 to the SR check to affect creatures with that spell instead of just straight half SR. Although I like that, unless their SR is totally exceptional, the spell will affect them.

And the reason the spell is level 5, is because, to me, this is the equivalent just completely hamstringing even powerful creatures.

Anyhow, in hindsight, I think the "against half the target's spell resistance." to "with a +10 to the roll." And I'd cap it at +10 myself.

Then I'd throw in a Greater version of the spell at 8th level spell, that caps at +20, and adds a +15 to the roll to overcome SR.

Calrin Alshaw

 

[Nifft]

Variation

Ram's Penetration
Universal
Level: Brd 4, Clr 6, Drd 5, Sor/Wiz 4
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 Round
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: 1 Round/Level
Saving Throw: Will negates (Harmless)
Spell Resistance: No

For the spell's duration, you gain a +10 bonus to your caster level checks to penetrate Spell Resistance.

Material Component: Rare magical inks worth 1,000 gp with which you must paint arcane sigils upon yourself as part of casting the spell. Unless your world has waterproof inks, this spell will not function underwater, and immersion in water (or similar) ends the spell.

-- N

 

[Greatwyrm]

I think there's a spell in the Draconomicon that has a similar effect. You may want to take a look at it and see how it matches up.

 

[Shadeus]

Ram's Penetration
Universal
Level: Brd 4, Clr 6, Drd 5, Sor/Wiz 4
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 Round
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: 1 Round/Level
Saving Throw: Will negates (Harmless)
Spell Resistance: No

For the spell's duration, you gain a +10 bonus to your caster level checks to penetrate Spell Resistance.

Material Component: Rare magical inks worth 1,000 gp with which you must paint arcane sigils upon yourself as part of casting the spell. Unless your world has waterproof inks, this spell will not function underwater, and immersion in water (or similar) ends the spell.

-- N

Exactly what I was thinking. Have your caster level boosted so the spell affects you and then the caster doesn't have to worry about getting a spell that lowers SR through the creatures SR!

It's like that damn Mind Fog spell...that gives you a Will save to avoid a Will save penalty for future saves! Hmm...if they had a good will save, then they will ignore this spell! If they had a bad one, why cast the spell to begin with!

 

[CalrinAlshaw]

Because, lowering an enemies SR allows ANY spellcaster within the group easier ability to penetrate. Rather than just the guy who boosted his personal spell penetration power.

Calrin Alshaw

 

[the Jester]

I converted lower resistance a while back... I gave it a +6 to penetrate and it lowers the target's SR by half your level (max of 10).

 

[kreynolds]

I think there's a spell in the Draconomicon that has a similar effect.

Indeed there is. It's called Lower Spell Resistance as well. Here are the differences...

Better Aspects
1. longer range
2. no save

Lesser Aspects
1. shorter duration
2. you still initially have to overcome half spell resistance (This one almost seems like a wash in comparison to the spell in the Draconomicon, but I don't think it is, at least not from a high-level perspective. This part doesn't get any better with your level, while the Draconomicon version does.)

In comparison, I'd say this version is fine at 5th-level. Good work!

Incidentally, the transmutation school is more appropriate than abjuration.