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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Galfridus" data-source="post: 66870" data-attributes="member: 119">Miasma seems like one of those spells which is balanced under the WotC paradigm but which is greatly overpowered by parties who play more creatively.Under the WotC paradigm, the spell doesn't cause any damage for ~20 rounds, the length of the average combat. Thus, the monster is likely to be dead by the time they would be suffocating. If the monster wins, then the PCs get the joy of knowing their foe is big dead. Looking at it this way, the spell is good for stopping verbal components, yelling for help, etc. Not bad.However, think of alternate tactics. A Hasted, Invisible druid sneaks up on a target. Cast Miasma and then an escape spell. Wait for target to die. A relatively risk-free way of taking someone down, regardless (at first-level approximation) of their level. (Obviously higher level types are more likely to have a Dispel or other defense, but a 20th level fighter on his own is screwed.) I would add a Fortitude save, made when the target stops holding their breath (so they don't know if it's safe to breathe or not until they try it). Still a very nice spell without being an absolute killer.</blockquote>