Michael's MtG Spell thread (last update: Blockbuster 3/7/7)

[Michael Morris]

Yeah. I'm just wondering if I should expand this out to any magic item that has spell-like ability activated by command ward, not just wands - or at least scrolls, staves & wands.

 

[tigycho]

Yeah. I'm just wondering if I should expand this out to any magic item that has spell-like ability activated by command ward, not just wands - or at least scrolls, staves & wands.

I'd say throwing in scrolls would be no problem. They suffer the same problem as wands: abilities set at creation time. Staves, though, already act with the wielders abilities and caster level.

Create WAnd is minimum caster level 5, and Create Staff is minimum caster level 12. The other big diff between staves and wands is that staves can have multiple effets, but wands are generally one trick ponies.

So, this spell is, for a second level spell slot, plus casting time (and possible AoO) pumping your wand up into a staff for one usage. Is that a second level spell slot? Probably.

I play a wizard in the game I'm in right now. I can tell you that if I had this spell available, I'd gladly memorize it once a day for sure, twice if I expect wand usage, more if I KNOW for a fact that wands will be coming into play. Access to this spell will also encourage me to get more wands and scrolls, especially utility type items to tote around.

But I will NOT be giving up a memorization of Flaming Sphere. I will not be trading out my Continual Flame, either... it's just too useful, too many times.

So, for a slightly lower level PC, I can see this spell getting a lot of play, and for 5th or so, I can see it being kept around in a slot (maybe two). I really can't see 9th level or higher bothering to prepare it, except in specialized cases.

Which is perfect for th spell intent, I think.

 

[Michael Morris]

Late in the day, but here goes - staying with low level utility spells.

Leaf Shield
Transmutation [Green]
Level: (1) Drd 1, Rng 1
Components: V, S, DF
Range: Touch
Target: 1 leaf.
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Duration: 1 minute / level
Saving Throw: None (object)
Spell Resistance: No (object)

This spell enlarges and transforms a broad leaf (such as a maple leaf) into a heavy wooden shield with a deflection bonus of +1 / 3 levels to a maximum of +5 at 15th level.

The leaf shield also forces a wielder of magic missile to make an attack roll against the full AC of the bearer.

 

[tigycho]

I think it's obvious to all, but I am quite enjoying this.

Late in the day, but here goes - staying with low level utility spells.

Leaf Shield
Transmutation [Green]
Level: (1) Drd 1, Rng 1
Components: V, S, DF
Range: Touch
Target: 1 leaf.
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Duration: 1 minute / level
Saving Throw: None (object)
Spell Resistance: No (object)

This spell enlarges and transforms a broad leaf (such as a maple leaf) into a heavy wooden shield with a deflection bonus of +1 / 3 levels to a maximum of +5 at 15th level.

The leaf shield also forces a wielder of magic missile to make an attack roll against the full AC of the bearer.

The obvious comparison here is to the lvl one Shield spell.

This spell has a couple advantages over Shield, but more disadvantages,

On the advantage side:
The range isn't personal, which means a druid could cast this a couple times and hand out enchanted Leaf Shields to several people.
At the extremes, it can provide a better AC bonus than Shield can.

On the disadvantage side:
Shield provides a better AC bonus per casting for the first 11 caster levels.
Shield is invisible, whereas this isn't.
Shield provides better 'cover' if you decide to turtle up behind it.
Shield is impervious to Magic Missile, while Leaf Shield is just very useful.
Shield has no material components.

All in all, I'd say you could pump this up a little bit, if you were so inclined, and still have it be a first level spell.

Maybe allow the caster to decide the resulting shield size, from buckler through tower? Increase the rate of AC bonus from 1/3 to every odd level?

I think you could do either of those, or both, and still have a viable first level spell.

Keep'em coming! I'm having a blast.

 

[Jdvn1]

This spell enlarges and transforms a broad leaf (such as a maple leaf) into a heavy wooden shield with a deflection bonus of +1 / 3 levels to a maximum of +5 at 15th level.

The leaf shield also forces a wielder of magic missile to make an attack roll against the full AC of the bearer.

... I really like the color of this spell.

 

[Michael Morris]

I think it's obvious to all, but I am quite enjoying this.



The obvious comparison here is to the lvl one Shield spell.

This spell has a couple advantages over Shield, but more disadvantages,

On the advantage side:
The range isn't personal, which means a druid could cast this a couple times and hand out enchanted Leaf Shields to several people.
At the extremes, it can provide a better AC bonus than Shield can.

On the disadvantage side:
Shield provides a better AC bonus per casting for the first 11 caster levels.
Shield is invisible, whereas this isn't.
Shield provides better 'cover' if you decide to turtle up behind it.
Shield is impervious to Magic Missile, while Leaf Shield is just very useful.
Shield has no material components.

All in all, I'd say you could pump this up a little bit, if you were so inclined, and still have it be a first level spell.

Maybe allow the caster to decide the resulting shield size, from buckler through tower? Increase the rate of AC bonus from 1/3 to every odd level?

I think you could do either of those, or both, and still have a viable first level spell.

Keep'em coming! I'm having a blast.

Don't forget that just being a heavy wooden shield gives the leaf shield a +2 AC bonus before the +1 bonus / three levels is figured in.

As to it being weaker than shield - green isn't supposed to be as good as white (the color which has the shield spell) at protection.

@Jdvn1 - thx, yeah this spell does drip with flavor, more than most.

 

[Sigurd]

re Silent Casting

Your level, and not the level the wand is crafted at, controls all level variant effects of the spell contained in the wand.

shouldn't there be a stipulation that the weilder cannot cast above the level of the wand or they could use charges from the wand and supercharge the spells with this cantrip.

S

 

[tigycho]

Don't forget that just being a heavy wooden shield gives the leaf shield a +2 AC bonus before the +1 bonus / three levels is figured in.

Yep, I totally missed that. I read it and just saw 'wooden shield'. So, it ranges from +3 to +7, which makes the AC bonus as good as shield at level 4, and better at level 7 on.

As to it being weaker than shield - green isn't supposed to be as good as white (the color which has the shield spell) at protection.

That's true. Ok.

@Jdvn1 - thx, yeah this spell does drip with flavor, more than most.

It really, really does!

 

[Michael Morris]

Still moving about the color wheel - white.

Quiet Purity
Abjuration (Ward) [White]
Level: (1), Clr 1
Components: V, S, M, DF
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Duration: 1 round / level (D)
Range: Touch
Target: Creature Touched
Saving Throw: Will Neg. (Harmless)
Spell Resistance: Yes (Harmless)

The touched creature is immune to sonic spells and effects for the duration of quiet purity.

 

[Jdvn1]

Hm, cool spell. I'd consider making it Brd 1 as well, and adding, maybe, "Focus: An earplug or bit of cotton."