New Spell- Stolen from "The Serge"

[trentonjoe]

Blood Drain
Necromatic, Elemental (Blood)
Level: Blackguard 2 Cleric 2, Assassin 2
Components: Verbal, Material
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Close (25ft +5ft/2 levels)
Duration: 1 round/level
Area Effect: One individual
Saving Throw: Fort
Spell Resistance: Yes

With a ranged touch attack, this spell causes blood to drain from the victim’s nose and ears and magically leap to the caster’s mouth. The effect weakens the victim and invigorates the caster. Victims suffer 1d4 temporary point reductions in Strength, Dexterity, or Constitution (casters choice) while the caster gains as much in bonuses. The victim regains the lost points immediately after the duration. The increased caster’s abilities never raise more than 4 points.

Thios spell has no effect on undead, constructs, oozes or other creatures without blood.

The material Component for this spell is a bloodied knife.


First of all I blatently stole this form "'The Serge's" PrC post. I changed the words around and put it in a spell block.

With that credit being given I guess I have these questions:

Is 2nd level about right for a spell level? It seems a little powerful but I just can't see as a 3rd level spell. I tried to limit the duration and range to weaken it.

Is it a transmutation spell?

All or any other comments welcome!

(EDIT1: Change School of Magic)
(EDIT2: Made in ineffective vs undead, constructs, and oozes)
(EDIT3: Put on assassin spell list)

 

[Ace]

The spell is OK, although a bit gruesome.

However AFAIK Blood is not an "element" in D&D terms and the spell should be Necromantic not Transmutation based

Otherwise it seems OK though I wouldn't put in on the Blackguard list, it isn't stylish enough

I would use it it with the Blood Mage PRC from Tome and Blood

 

[trentonjoe]

I thought more disgusting than gruesome.

I changed the school.

Blood isn't an offical element. I just put it in there to remind myself incase I wanted to make it one. Or a blood domain. Or something else gross.

As per the Blackguard, I though it would be neat. Try this for style:

Right before battle, Shimonz points at her choosen enemy and waves her bloodied dagger at him. The noble Paladin sees his own blood fly out of his ear and into the mouth of Shimonz. He feels weaker as his enemy, the fallen champion Shamonz, now shines with an erie black light.


If that isn't stylish enough, I'll send you a picture of me in my $4 velcro sneakers!

I do think the blood mage would like this.

 

[The Serge]

I am honored that someone decided to use one of my original "spells!" In the even that you end up making some money off this, be sure to credit me on paper and in greens...

Now, trentonjoe, you are bound to read any and all future PrC that I post!

I think the spell is fine as is. Keep in mind that when the Bloodletter gets it, she's effectively a 10th level or so caster, so the range makes it equivalent to a fourth level or so spell. And yes, changing to Necromancy was the way to go (especially considering the nature of the goddess upon whom the spell is based).

 

[trentonjoe]

any other opinions?

 

[the Jester]

Well, I'd say it's MUCH better than a second-level spell.

It's almost as good as your choice of bull's stregth, cat's grace or endurance... PLUS it does ability damage to your choice of str, dex or con.

Eeek!! Can you ever see a 3rd-level cleric NOT taking this one? Sure, it doesn't last as long as the standard buff spells, but you get to choose on the fly which attribute to buff instead of having to prepare in advance. Also, you can target a foe where it hurts with this. You can do up to 2 hp/level of the victim (which could easily top out the 5 dice a 2nd level spell can deal at high levels), OR drop that hard-to-hit enemy's AC a point or two, OR reduce the strength on that tank a little.

Generally, imho, spells with more versatility should be weaker than a spell of equal level with only one function. I think this one ought to be third level and should also be available as a sor/wiz 3 spell, too.

Just my 2 coppers...

 

[trentonjoe]

el Jester-

Thanks for the input. Really the two points I am debating are the level and duration. I appreciate your idea on level but compared to other 2nd level spells I don't think it is THAT good.

Shall we compare? Lets!

This is a combat spell so I'll use the other 2nd level combat spells as a guidline:

Attack spells:

Hold Person
Sound Burst

Buff Spells:

Aid
Bull Stength
Endurance

I don't know if I would take this frequently over Hold Person, Bull Strength, or Endurance. I think I would take it as frequently as Aid or Sound Burst


If it becomes a 3rd level spell it gets compared to:

Bestow Curse
Blindness
Dispel Magic
Searing Light
Prayer
Magic Vestment

I just don't see it getting chosen over these.

Now, you are certainly right that this spell is more versatile; mostly because it does ability damage and buffs the caster.
But it still can fail. Bull Strength ALWAYS works.

ALso I am editing it so that it will not work against undead, constructs, oozes, or other things without blood.

Hope this makes sense.

 

[drowdude]

Spell looks good, although I would also add it to the assassin's spell list...

A level increase *might* be in order, but you would have to see it in playtest first to really be sure... so I would run with 2nd level until it is proven overpowered as a 2nd level spell...

 

[trentonjoe]

Spell looks good, although I would also add it to the assassin's spell list...

A level increase *might* be in order, but you would have to see it in playtest first to really be sure... so I would run with 2nd level until it is proven overpowered as a 2nd level spell...

Thanks, I'll play test it in about a month. I'll repost it when all that fun stuff is done!

 

[drowdude]

Thanks, I'll play test it in about a month. I'll repost it when all that fun stuff is done!

Sounds like a plan... glad you took the assassin suggestion... they really need more to their spell-list...