Maximized Defenstrating Sphere

[Alchemist]

For reference, Defenstrating Sphere is a 4th level spell from Complete Arcane, p. 103.

What happens when I maximize this spell? Obviously, the initial damage is 18 points, but is the target really flung 80 feet in the air, landing 6 squares in a random direction, taking 48 points of falling damage? The only bit that I'm not sure about is the falling damage, as it isn't explicitly spelled out in the description and thus may not qualify for the maximization.


The secondary condition of taking damage if the target can't be flung to the height expelled should be maximized, yes? It is spelled out in the description as a variable, numeric effect.

Thanks for the input!

 

[Patlin]

The falling damage shouldn't be directly effected, it'll still need to be rolled.

 

[Hypersmurf]

There's a debate about Empower and Maximize going on here at the moment.

My position in my own games is that something defined in the spell text can be affected; something defined elsewhere (whether it's repeated in the spell text or not) cannot.

So in the case of Defenestrating Sphere:

• Initial 3d6 damage: Empowerable/Maximizable
• 1d8x10 feet of height: Empowerable/Maximizable
• 1d6 squares travelled: Empowerable/Maximizable
• Falling damage: Defined elsewhere. Not Empowerable/Maximizable
• 'Unable to complete' d6s of damage: Empowerable/Maximizable

Note, however, that this is only a rule of thumb I use; you won't find it in the rules anywhere.

-Hyp.

 

[Alchemist]

You've confirmed my own personal position just about perfectly. I was considering the horrors of an empowered, maximized version of the spell and the falling damage just didn't sit right with me.

Edit: Of course, the empowered maximized version would still be wicked if you cast it in a room with low ceilings.

 

[DerianCypher]

I dunno.. I think for a 9th level spell it should be fine to max out the falling damage..

 

[Alchemist]

I dunno.. I think for a 9th level spell it should be fine to max out the falling damage..

My character is 7th level, with sudden maximize and sudden empower. I feel so dirty using them, though.

Edit: I don't know how to spell maximize.