New Spell - Selective Presence (Request for comment)

[Greybar]

IMC, I have granted an ability to angelic and demonic type creatures primarily for dramatic purposes that I would like to flesh out a bit mechanism-wise. In short - such a being chooses which mortals can perceive it, primarily so that it can convey its message only to the desired creatures.

In essence, this is an Greater Invisibility (Sor/Wiz 2) with the additional ability for the creature to designate individuals that will not be affected by the illusion. Adding or Removing individuals from the "can see" list is a free action. I see this as being a pretty substantial advantage, since it can help allies coordinate. I'm benchmarking this as a 3rd level effect, or as (Sor/Wiz 3) if a mortal replicated it.

Other options:
* While most divine/infernal messengers can convey their message telepathically, it would also be nice for this to have the additional effect of making the creature silent. I'm not sure if this would be worth boosting it to a 4th level ability.

* An interesting limitation might be that this only affects mortal (Prime-dwelling) beings. If both an angel and a devil are both in the same place, perhaps both trying to persuade the same mortal, then it would be interesting if they can see each other, even if other mortal life continues to pass them by.

* What if the effect had a mind-influencing nature, rather than strictly illusionary, that led people to walk around the otherworldly creature for instance, and thus not accidentally interacting with them. Would that make it boost to a higher level?

Thanks for anyone's thoughts. After some feedback maybe I'll compile it together as a formal spell description.

john

 

[Sigurd]

Nice Ability - dont worry bout rules

If its truly a devine or infirnal thang dont worry about it and dont explain it. Your players need your imagination more than they need your rules.

Attempts to pierce the invisibility might be affected by fluctuating diety strength, planar shifts, conflicts between competing deities etc....

Hey maybe they aren't invisible, maybe for the unbelievers / unchosen they actually aren't there!


Some of your npc magic should have no obvious rules to help it stay magic.


S

 

[Vascant]

I DM a bit differently..

First I will explain why, I know as a long time player I hate the idea of something not making sense or there is no explaination to something. It just happens or is there. *chuckles* WotC is wonderful about this stuff dealing with FR and Greyhawk. Now, this does not mean as a DM I need to reveal everything to my players but I find if I know the details of something, I lends more to my game and how I can use it.

I have notebooks full of new spells my players have never seen, new magic, effects and such. All detailed, so if by chance I get caught winging something, I always have my notes to fall back on. Plus, new spells has caused many new adventures for 2 of my players are wizards and always seeking to add to their spell books.

 

[the Jester]

Here's one like that from my campaign:

SELECTIVE INVISIBILITY
Level: Sor/Wiz 3, Brd 3

As invisibility, but you can choose to allow other creatures to see you. You must designate who will be able to see you at the time you cast this spell. Furthermore, when you attack you only become visible to the creature(s) you attack.

 

[Greybar]

Nice. Thanks!

 

[the Jester]

No problem, hope that's useful or inspirational or something.