New Spells: Cloak of Shadows, Shadow Splash

[Merlion]

Ok I felt like a change of theme, so i decided I'd write some spells for my Mystic class's Path of Twilight (and the dark side of the Path of Devotion)
I dont have a lot of experience with this type of spell, so feedback is apreciated.



Cloak of Shadows
Illusion (Shadow)(darkness)
Level: Mys 4, Sor/Wiz 4
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: 0
Target: You
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No

This spell cloaks you in supernatural shadow, which has several effects. First, in normal lighting, you benefit from the effects of total concealment (50% miss chance). In conditions of poor light, you are considered invisible. Additionally, anyone striking you with a melee attack must make a Fortitude save or be numbed by supernatural cold taking a -2 penalty on attack and damage rolls for 1d3 rounds. Creatures immune or resistant to cold are not subject to this effect.


Shadow Splash
Illusion (Shadow)
Level: Mys 2, Sor/Wiz 2
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Close (25 ft +5 ft/2 levels)
Area: Cone-shaped burst
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Will Negates
Spell Resistance: Yes

This spell causes a burst of shadows and darkness to spring from your hand. Living creatures caught in the burst who fail their saves are blinded for 1 round, and Shaken for 1d4 rounds thereafter.

 

[Kerrick]

I did a spell similar to cloak of darkness called cloak of shadows... I don't remember the specifics of it, but I know it granted a bonus to Hide checks. Your version is good, though. Range should be "self," and the save should be "None (Fort negates)". I'm not sure that being numbed would apply to damage rolls. I'd adjust the level down to 3. Also, if this spell does numb the target, it's Evocation, not Illusion.

Shadow splash: I'm not exactly sure why anyone caught in the cone wouild be shaken; is there another factor at work here, one that you haven't mentioned? Maybe it's a burst of shadow and unnatural chill, or horrid images, something that bored into the mind? In the latter case, the spell deserves the Will save; otherwise, since it's a dodgeable effect, it should be Reflex.

 

[Merlion]

I'd adjust the level down to 3.

Its strictly better than the 3rd level spell Displacement, so its defintily not 3rd. it is a bit on the low end of 4th tho, what would you suggest to beef it up?

Also, if this spell does numb the target, it's Evocation, not Illusion.

why?

Maybe it's a burst of shadow and unnatural chill, or horrid images, something that bored into the mind

Something like that, yes.

 

[Kerrick]

Its strictly better than the 3rd level spell Displacement, so its defintily not 3rd. it is a bit on the low end of 4th tho, what would you suggest to beef it up?

Yeah, with the chill thing. I guess you could leave it at 4th... I'm not sure what you could do to beef it up.

Also, if this spell does numb the target, it's Evocation, not Illusion.

why?

Because illusion spells don't have that effect on people - they're designed to mislead, confuse, and conceal.

Here's an idea - you're surrounded by a chill blackness that, if someone looks closely enough, seems to have faint faces swirling around in it. The cloak grants the concealmnet bonuses you noted, and also enables the caster to
chill the target with a touch attack. This would be Necromancy for sure, and would fit in better with the other spells you've got. It would also keep the spell at 4th level.

Something like that, yes.

Ah, ok. You might want to state that more clearly in the spell description. Something like, "A cone of screaming shades and darkness sprays forth from the caster's hand. All living creatures caught in the cone who fail a Will save are shaken for 1d4 rounds." (Avoiding the blindness should be a Ref save (to cover the eyes) or a Fort save (like the blindness spell) - I can't think of a good reason to make it a Will save.)

 

[Merlion]

Because illusion spells don't have that effect on people

Yes they do. Illusion (Phantasm) and Illusion(Pattern) spells can have very real effects on peoples minds, and Illusion (Shadow) spells can create more or less real physical effects.

chill the target with a touch attack. This would be Necromancy for sure, and would fit in better with the other spells you've got. It would also keep the spell at 4th level.

It has 2 obviously Illusion effects and one Illusion effect with a vaguely Necromantic feel...it belongs in Illusion.
I may change the effect to a ranged touch attack usable 2 or 3 times per casting or increase its effect slightly as it does seem a little weak for 4th.

(Avoiding the blindness should be a Ref save (to cover the eyes) or a Fort save (like the blindness spell) - I can't think of a good reason to make it a Will save.)

Because in the case of this spell its primarily a mental affect, and because I dont want it to have 2 seperate saves.