Nu Spells 7, please evaluate

[Winternight]

Drain Pawn
Necromancy
Level: Cleric 3, Wizard 4
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 full round
Range: close (25 feet + 5 feet / 2 levels)
Duration: 1 hour
Saving Throw: none
Spell Resistance: Yes
This spell can be used to drain a mindless undead under the control of the caster for temporary hit points. When the spell is cast, the undead ally loses 1d4 hit points per two caster levels (max. 15d4). The caster gains the same amount (or the total hit points left for the creature whichever is lower) as temporary hit points for one hour.

 

[Nifft]

I'd have this spell permanently destroy the Undead critter, and grant the caster up to 1d4 * (the lesser of the Undead critter's HD or 1/2 the caster's level, whichever is lower) in temporary HP.

Otherwise, you could easily get into a cycle of healing, where the evil Cleric converts spells into Inflicts to heal her minions, then Drains the minions for temp HP to keep fighting.

-- Nifft

 

[Clay_More]

If an Evil cleric in my group wanted to do that, I wouldn't mind at all actually. He would have to use two spells to heal himself, using two rounds to heal a rather small amount compared to what could be achieved with other items / spells.

Im wondering about one thing though, I think most spells cap out at level 20 as a maximum (since epic spells take over after that). I havent seen a spell that only caps out at level 30 (like this one does). Merely a deviation from standard spell procedure, doesnt really mean that you cant have it in your spell (I deviate occasionaly myself as well, so I shouldn't speak).

 

[Beholder Bob]

1) Do you mean for the caster to drain HP over time as needed? If not, drop the duration to instant (1 hour), otherwise it could be read the otherway.
2) Not bad for death priests perhaps, but it gives the necromancer MU a nice way to buff up. Compare to empowered False Life spell cast at 10th, (d10+10)x1.5 = 23.25 avg equal to 10d4. This can go higher, but it requires a mindless ally to weaken. Balanced.
3) Just to keep it balanced - this damage can not be healed, restored, or recovered by the affected undead for as long as the temporary HP last for the caster.
4) Save should be allowed, but a mindless undead is willing so it still works.