Paint you in a Corner (Sor/Wiz 2)

[Technik4]

Paint You in a Corner
Enchantment (Mind-Affecting) [Compulsion]
Level: Sor/Wiz 2
Components: V, S, F
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Target: 1 creature/3 levels (Max. 3)
Duration: 1 min./level
Saving Throw: Will negates
Spell Resistance: Yes

This spell convinces its subject(s) that they have attained the best possible strategic position, so much so that they are unwilling to move! Intelligent enemies will ready actions if they are not in range to attack someone (thinking they have their enemy "trapped" somehow), characters with ranged attacks or spellcasting will fling spells unconcerned with their position (because it can't get any better), and flying creatures who cannot hover begin descend, deciding they could better fight on the ground than the air.

This spell will not affect a subject with Intelligence of 2 or lower and a creature with a Base Attack Bonus of +10 gets a +4 bonus to its saving throw, as it realizes that standing motionless is never the best tactical option.

Focus: A paintbrush.

[This spell is supposed to be on par with Tasha's Hideous Laughter although clearly there are differences. Tasha's favors getting anyone out of combat for a while, while this spell is best used against things with poor to no ranged or spell use. Further, this spell can affect up to 3 creatures, whereas Tasha's hits only 1. Finally this spell lasts quite a bit longer. This spell was designed to be a "getaway" spell, not allowing the enemy to give chase, but it also has potential in battles against certain enemies.]

Is this an appropriate level for this spell?

Is this spell weak, average, or strong for its level?

Thanks for any replies,

Technik

 

[Anabstercorian]

As is, I'd put this spell at 3rd level.

 

[Piratecat]

I think i would too - and it's a darn cool spell.

 

[Technik4]

Thanks for the replies. I guess taking a look at Hold Person (which incapacitates 1 person) I could see how immbobilizing 3 is equivelent (and Hold Person is limited to "humanoids"). Of course, that brings up the Tasha's vs Hold Person debate as to which one should be the basis for new debilitating enchantments of that level. And the 3.5 Hold Person, which allows a save every round, clearly makes Tasha's look better, but Hold Person is the classic spell (and used to be able to target more than 1 "person").

Any other feedback? (Raising it to a 3rd level spell sounds good, but I would want it to be 1 creature/3 levels, max 4 - and maybe they should all be within 30 ft. of each other (the proverbial 'corner')?.

Technik