NoXFeR's Awesome Presence

[clark411]

As written, my wizard (with only a +2 modifier to his CHA) would always memorize it, and always cast it at the start of the day (which would last 14 hours). That being the case, I think it's a little too good.

I'd recommend this be cast as a quickened spell (like the Enhancer spell), that only affects a single different spell cast immediately after it in that round.

 

[-Eä-]

If you had a 20 Charisma it would give you a +5 to your DC's, duration, and spell penetration!?!?! That is incredibly powerful. Sure, your character might not have a 20 Charisma, but you have to think about it. Toss in a Cloak of Charisma +6 and a Tome of Leadership +5. Enchanter starts with 16 Cha, adds Cloak to 22, and Tome to 27. He tosses in one level boost to even it out at 28. With the use of this spell, he increases the DC's of his spells by 9 and penetrates 9 better. That means he can land spells on creatures of his level with spell resistance with no chance of failure. His spell DC's creep up into the upper 20's if he has a good intelligence as well.

You have to look at how someone could best use a spell to determine its true effectiveness. Just because you would not try to squeeze every ounce out of the spell, does not mean it is any less powerful.

Assume the wizard from my example also has a 22 Intelligence from his adventures and items. That's another +6 to DC's. His 1st level spells would have a DC of 26, all the way to 34 for 9th level spells.

If your spell had no effect on duration or penetration, it would be far more reasonable. There is just too much in this spell and it can be worked too easily into a game-breaking power.

Ok, so what if I change the spell to this, then?


NoXFeR's Awesome Presence
Transmutation
Level: Wiz 3
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self
Effect: Personality affects Enchantment Spells
Duration: 1 hour/level
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No

Some people pursue not only the way of bettering one's spell with extensive study, but instead they use their personality directly when casting spells. NoXFeR once decided that more research was needed in this area, so she decided on exploring how to use her personality when, for instance, charming people. Through her studies, she discovered this spell, which allowed her to stengthen her enchantments. She, found, however, that the spells she could affect through this had to be a "personality" spell, one which affected the other's mind in some way.

Spell Effect: This spell allows a spellcaster to add his charisma modifier to his save DC for spells coming from the enchantment school on top on most other modifiers (This is a competence bonus).

Ie. A level wizard with Int 16 and Cha 16, throws first NoXFeR's Awesome Presence. Then she casts Hold Person. The DC of resisting Hold Person would then be 10+3 (Spell Level) +3 (Int Mod) +3 (Cha Mod) =19.



Would it be OK if I removed the duration and penetration modifiers? Do you think the spell is acceptable as changed?

 

[Al]

Still a bit potent.

It just occurred to me that sorcerers can access this spell, via Greater Anyspell (FR or MaOF, can't remember) or Limited Wish. They could easily pump their DC by a full eight points or more. Even wizards would be very keen on this: with a +2 charisma mod, this is effectively a free Spell Focus (i.e. stacks with everything)

 

[Airwolf]

-SNIP-


Would it be OK if I removed the duration and penetration modifiers? Do you think the spell is acceptable as changed?

I have to agree with Al, it is still a bit on the powerful side. The duration really needs to come down. 1 hr/level is far too long. At most, and this is still pretty long, it could be 10 min/level. Personally I like the 1 round/level myself.

 

[cooper3046]

I think 1 round/level might be acceptable.

 

[-Eä-]

I think 1 round/level might be acceptable.

The problem is that the spell won't be useful as it was intended to be. With 1 round/level, the character won't be able to use it at dinner parties, gallas and so on, for the intention was to use the spell to more easily influence powerful NPCs so that my PC would get more inderect power. Therefore there is no point for my character to ressearch such a spell with a duation of 1 round/level.

However, I have thought about lowering the duration. If I lower the duration to 20 min/level, it might last long enough to have an effect, and with Extend Spell the duration would be OK by higher levels. (Note: Persistent Spell is non-existent in our campaign, as no add-ons are allowed).

Personally, I think spells like Empowered Fox's Cunning and so on are vastly more powerful as they affect DC of all spells, especially the more combat-oriented, non enchantment spells. How is it compared to such spells?

 

[cooper3046]

If you are bringing up Fox's Cunning, then you need to look at the results of using this spell with Fox's Cunning. Talk about overdoing it right there.

If you really need to have it for parties and galas, I think 10 mins/level on duration is more than sufficient. That's a minimum of 50 minutes per casting, which should allow quite a bit of use at social functions. Maybe you will have to use it twice, but that makes sense. If you are going into a social function you would use 2 or 3 social spells just as if you would use 2 or 3 fireballs and lightning bolts in a protracted fight.

 

[-Eä-]

If you are bringing up Fox's Cunning, then you need to look at the results of using this spell with Fox's Cunning. Talk about overdoing it right there.

If you really need to have it for parties and galas, I think 10 mins/level on duration is more than sufficient. That's a minimum of 50 minutes per casting, which should allow quite a bit of use at social functions. Maybe you will have to use it twice, but that makes sense. If you are going into a social function you would use 2 or 3 social spells just as if you would use 2 or 3 fireballs and lightning bolts in a protracted fight.

Perhaps I'll go for something like 10 min/level... It may be useful with that duration.

The point with Fox's Cunning was that I think that spell is more powerful, as it's useable on every spell, you may Empower it as much as you like and get an insane amount of intelligence. Fox's Cunning and any other Mental Ability increasing spells are banned in the campaign in which I am playing. That's why I'm saying that the combinations some people are not viable in the campaign in which it will be used.

 

[cooper3046]

I understood that you are unable to use Fox's Cunning and similar spells, was just mentioning it that way when you brought it into the discussion. Hopefully I have not come off as trying to be rude about all of this - I'm really trying to be helpful. My personal opinion is that you need to watch spell durations, as they can become incredibly unmanageable at high levels.

If I were DM'ing your campaign I would accept your spell as 3rd level, with the modifier only to DC, and a duration of 10 minutes per level.

Hope I have been somewhat helpful through all of this.

 

[-Eä-]

I understood that you are unable to use Fox's Cunning and similar spells, was just mentioning it that way when you brought it into the discussion. Hopefully I have not come off as trying to be rude about all of this - I'm really trying to be helpful. My personal opinion is that you need to watch spell durations, as they can become incredibly unmanageable at high levels.

If I were DM'ing your campaign I would accept your spell as 3rd level, with the modifier only to DC, and a duration of 10 minutes per level.

Hope I have been somewhat helpful through all of this.

You have been very helpful!

This is what I'll do: I'll propose the spell as written, and if the DM refuses it I'll offer the modified version. The DM will probably not allow the unmodified version, but I think he will allow the modified one. There is nothing wrong in trying?

Anyhow, thanks to all of you who have helped!