Naerl's Magical Net, Needs a new name.

[Ferret]

This is just a spell I put together from an idea I had, and whilst it might be flakey I like it. What I'm not happy with is the name, but any help would be cool.

Naerl’s Magical Net
Evocation [Force]
Level: Brd 2, Sor/Wiz 2
Components: V, M
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Short (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)
Target: See text
Duration: 1 Round/level (D)
Saving Throw: Reflex
Spell Resistance: No

The caster extends their hand and shoots out a net large enough to hold one medium-sized creature, two small sized creatures etc. with the number affected doubled for each size category lowered. The Net holds the creature(s) prone and stationary for the duration, allowing for a reflex save at the start of the spell and every other round thereafter. The target is not helpless, they can wriggle enough to make Reflex checks and resist Coup de graces. However as they are trapped inside the net they are unable to make attacks of any kind. A flying creature falls to the ground as though affected by Feather fall.

Material component: A small piece of string with a knot tied in it.

So as always, comments greatly welcomed.

 

[IcyCool]

It seems like a neat spell, I've got a couple of comments and questions though.

1. The spell description states that "The caster extends their hand", yet there is no somatic component.

2. The spell range is listed as short, but the numbers look like a medium range spell. Which is it?

3. Are creatures held by the net helpless? Pinned?

 

[Ferret]

Ah-ha! I thought I might have miossed something like that. The first two mistakes are due to lazyness on my part, I think that it should be a Somatic component not verbal (except for bard). The Distance is Close, and I've changed the numbers to fit.

The taget is not helpless, they can wriggle enough to make Reflex checks and resist Coup de graces. They are just prone, and stationary. And unable to attack (which I missed).

Thanks for pointing those out.

 

[IcyCool]

My only other thought on this spell is that it should probably be 3rd level.

It's just like hold person, except it trades out the ability to coup de grace the target for the following:

It's a force effect (netting ethereal/incorporeal critters).
It gives melee attackers a +4 to hit the target.
It works on non-humanoids.

 

[Ferret]

Hmm good points, I never meant for it to hold etheral/incorporeal creatures.... They would pass 'arround' the strings I suppose. It should only work on certain creatures, it couldn't work on oozes or water elementals for example. This needs some more tohugh/suggestions.

 

[IcyCool]

Well, I just noticed that you aren't allowing spell resistence either. I'd suggest making it a Conjuration effect.

 

[Bront]

Hmm good points, I never meant for it to hold etheral/incorporeal creatures.... They would pass 'arround' the strings I suppose. It should only work on certain creatures, it couldn't work on oozes or water elementals for example. This needs some more tohugh/suggestions.

Make it a conjuration of a real net, give it stats for cutting through, and instead of allowing a save each round afterwards, allow an escape artist or strength check (Use Web as a good example of this). If it's only 1 person, a conjuration effect, and can be resisted by a reflex save, I think 2nd level is good. You might instead make the caster make a ranged touch attack instead of allowing a save (Fits better with creation based conjuration attack spells).

Make the opponents +2 to be hit, flat footed (due to being tangled), and unable to move instead of holding them prone (no coup de grace, but still vulnerable), and a tangled target has a -4 to resist being tripped (Due to being tangled).

I like it though. It's different, effective, and not too nasty for a 2nd level spell. Not sure on a good name though.

 

[yennico]

I agree with Bront. If there is no way except the save to escape the net this spell is equal to hold person or monster.

 

[Nellisir]

I'd suggest having the net affect an area (a 5' square) rather than a certain number of creatures. This takes care of the "how many creatures can it affect" question, and gives it an obvious mechanical/visual effect different from hold person. Right now it's a little odd, since it can affect two Small creatures in two different squares, but only one Medium creature in one square.

Also, I don't have my PH handy, but it seems like it'd make sense to have the targets entangled rather than effectively paralyzed or held. Not sure what the mechanics of that are, though.

I'd use the entangle spell as a reference point.

I agree having it affect incorporeal creatures makes it a little too good - maybe a 3rd-level Naerl's Ghostcatcher?

I don't have a problem with the current name.

Cheers
Nell.

 

[IcyCool]

As far as naming goes, alliteration is key. Here's a couple:

Naerl's Neutralizing Net
Naerl's Numbing Net

The thesarus is your friend.