Psychoportation to teleportation

[Dirigible]

I have a thing for teleportation. I was looking at this article:

http://wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/pse/20031219a

And thinking... would these powers work if translated to Conjuration (Teleportation) spells (and the psychoportation powers from the PsiHB, come to think of it)? Would any changes need to be made (other than terminology)?

Also, what do you think of this as a spell:

Dimension Increment
Conjuration (Teleportation)
Level: Sor/Wiz 0
Components: V
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: See text
Target: You (see text)
Duration: Instantaneous

You instantly transfer yourself from your current location to any other spot within 5 feet that you can see directly, though you cannot dimension increment through solid objects. You can take up to your medium carrying capacity with you, though you cannot take any living matter more than 20 pounds. After using this spell, you can't take any other actions until your next turn.

It could be useful for, eg, getting out of cells, through portcullises.

 

[Dirigible]

Q. What planet did the BUMPobots come from?
A. BUMPotron.

 

[Piratecat]

It could be useful for, eg, getting out of cells, through portcullises.

Nope; a portcullis and a cell door both have bars which are solid objects.

 

[Bauglir]

I have a thing for teleportation.

You too huh?


I think those effects would work ok as sorcerer/wizard spells at the same levels.

I think perhaps your spells is too good for a cantrip (although in light of the 20ft version too weak for a 1st level spell.)

The problem really is that it fulfils most of the useful functionality of the 1st level version (getting through cage bars etc) making it a bit redundant. (I really can't think of too many situations where I would consider memorising Dimension Slip where I also had access to that spell.

Re Piratecat: I would think the spell could achieve line of effect through the gaps in the bars?

 

[drnuncheon]

It could be useful for, eg, getting out of cells, through portcullises.

I think that alone makes it too powerful for a 0 level spell, considering that spells like knock and gaseous form (which have similar uses) are much higher.

Of course, I'm not happy about 'teleportation' effects showing up at extremely low levels - I know that on the one hand it's less powerful than, say, dimension door, but on the other hand, I feel like there's a certain minimum level of power assumed in being able to teleport any distance.

It's sort of like how the area damage spells don't start to show up until 3rd level - they change the types of things that are a challenge to the PCs.

J

 

[Piratecat]

Re Piratecat: I would think the spell could achieve line of effect through the gaps in the bars?

If the bars had 1' gaps between them -- in which case you could just squeeze through. It would still be useful for cavers trying to squeeze through small openings. I agree with Dr Nuncheon that it's much too good for a cantrip in any case.

 

[Bauglir]

You need a 1' gap for loe? I Did Not Know That.

*files that one away*

Thanks

 

[Piratecat]

Yep! Hang on, I'll even quote the relevant rule. Let's hear it for the SRD.

Line of Effect: A line of effect is a straight, unblocked path that indicates what a spell can affect. A line of effect is canceled by a solid barrier. It’s like line of sight for ranged weapons, except that it’s not blocked by fog, darkness, and other factors that limit normal sight.

You must have a clear line of effect to any target that you cast a spell on or to any space in which you wish to create an effect. You must have a clear line of effect to the point of origin of any spell you cast. A burst, cone, cylinder, or emanation spell affects only an area, creatures, or objects to which it has line of effect from its origin (a spherical burst’s center point, a cone-shaped burst’s starting point, a cylinder’s circle, or an emanation’s point of origin).

An otherwise solid barrier with a hole of at least 1 square foot through it does not block a spell’s line of effect. Such an opening means that the 5-foot length of wall containing the hole is no longer considered a barrier for purposes of a spell’s line of effect.

 

[Dirigible]

Thanks, PirateCat. I would have assumed that a much smaller gap would have allowed teleportation.

It's sort of like how the area damage spells don't start to show up until 3rd level - they change the types of things that are a challenge to the PCs.

Well, there's burning hands and firefall, both 1st level.

Anyone else have an opinion on whether converting powers straight to equivlanet level spells is balanced?

 

[Dirigible]

Also, I don't know if this is relevant but -

You must have a clear line of effect to the point of origin of any spell you cast

Range: See text
Target: You (see text)

Point of origin equates with target, right? Nothing can obstruct the line of effect from you to you.