Pyrotechnics spell

[Mark1733]

I chose the Pyrotechnics spell for its dual nature...kinda like a two for one deal. Will save on Fireworks option or Fort save with automatic obscurement for Choking Smoke option. It seems like a versatile spell, but it doesn't appear to get talked up much? Is there anyone out there using this spell to great length and maximum effect? If so, I would like to know how you make good use of it both in terms of battlefield control and in terms of setting up to cast it. Does it combine particularly well with any other spells?

Obi

 

[Flatus Maximus]

I chose the Pyrotechnics spell for its dual nature...kinda like a two for one deal. Will save on Fireworks option or Fort save with automatic obscurement for Choking Smoke option. It seems like a versatile spell, but it doesn't appear to get talked up much? Is there anyone out there using this spell to great length and maximum effect? If so, I would like to know how you make good use of it both in terms of battlefield control and in terms of setting up to cast it. Does it combine particularly well with any other spells?

Obi

I think you're going to want to get Sculpt Spell ASAP, since, IIRC, pyrotechnics has a huge area, meaning that your allies are going to be inconvenienced quite a bit. Other than that, I agree with you -- it's a terrific, underrated spell.

 

[Runestar]

It belongs to evocation, which is considered one of the top schools to ban for specialist wizards (as direct damage is considered to be fairly inefficient by today's standards), and allows sr for the blinding effect, though it does have a very long range. So it is not so much that people didn't think of using it, they just flat out can't.

The requirement to have a fire source in the right place may also make it difficult to place properly.

Conversely, glitterdust is from conjuration, a fairly popular school since it also lets you access abrupt jaunt, and the spells from said school are also more versatile overall. Its ability to ignore sr is key against magic resistant/immune foes such as golems, and you will never have any problems hitting the exact targets you want.

 

[Flatus Maximus]

Runestar, are you sure you aren't thinking of something else? Pyrotechnics is a transmutation spell, and transmutation may be second only to conjuration in terms of versatility/specialization. Sure, you have to set things up with a fire source, but we are talking about a 2nd level spell, and it's not like fire sources are rare. Also, SR doesn't allow you to see through the smoke (smoke cloud version). Finally, since you have both a Will and a Fort save version, you can pick which depending on the weakness of your enemy. Again, not bad for a 2nd level spell IMHO.

 

[Jack Simth]

The requirement to have a fire source in the right place may also make it difficult to place properly.

That's not too hard to work around. Carry a torch, and get Sculpt Spell. You're covered. Alternately, carry a torch, get a Necklace of Adaptation, and close your eyes at the right moment.

 

[Runestar]

Looks like I had mistaken the spell's school all along for so many years without anyone correcting me...

 

[Mark1733]

fire source for pyrotechnics

Also, mage hand and an unseen servant can help with carrying the fire source. I wish I traded a different spell at 6th level...didn't think it through. I had my DM agree that I could split alchemist's fire in half for no or minimal cost...less damage, but assured fire source as I delay my action to cast after our accurate bard tosses the cocktail into the middle of the bad guys.

 

[insanogeddon]

tricksy

It was the favorite spell of Zod the Gnome Bard I played, he to saw the hidden wit of this spell.
Long Range
does:
1. Up to a 20ft cube of a fire source extinguished (good for putting out fires)
2. 1 point of damage per caster level automatically to fire based creatures.
Either:
3. 20ft smoke and -4 str and dex no SR) or
4. Fireworks and blindness to a MASSIVE 120 ft radius

Fire was never a worry: camp fires, torches, fire ball after effects, Flame Arrows (spell or mundane arrow type from 'races of the wild' or a mere +1 flaming bow), or summoned fire elementals, flaming weapons, or ground 0 Sleight of Hand skill check to create a flame (dm had it at DC 20)

Good times.
Attacked a bandit camp... blinded all but one bandit, got prisoners out as the Ranger went woodchipper on the unblinded and the rogue took out the blind bandit leader with the Shukenja and her trusty flame blade. Rangers entangle when the bandits pursued broke their nerve and gave us some easy targets.

Cleansing a complex some gobilins had us in a large chamber and were wasting us from the balconies behing illusion spells the swami buggers... I blinded them (and half our party) but it alowed some of us to get up without the tanglefoot and oil shenanagans they were pulling and spank their smartypants all the while the shukenja was calling bolts from 'call lightining' at the position i was standing when i cast the pyrotechnics and blinded the element sensing freak.

Some Giants on a v.steep ridge that had a rolling boulder trap and we were in a shooting gallery.. Our multi tool insult to mystic theurges everywhere shukenja did a lightining bolt then healed us... , I followed with fireworks.


Blinded some idiot scrying us.. and us, petty we are !

Shukenjas summoned natures ally 2 large fire elementals grappled some rather strong assasins.. they took their attacks of opp. and got burnt but were grappling well untill the smoke lowered their str.

Also signalled a town into action when their spotters signal fire was almost quashed, Blinded a entire (different) towns market place (the party really needed a distraction to ebter a place unseen), Put out 2 v. dangerous fires on a ship, Blinded a fair wack of 3 vessels chasing us, readied and made a dragons fire less effective while weakening it, got arrested for smoking out some self important pelor cleric who had a flaming mace.
I found it suited the bard and the gnome well.. as a power spell really its area was often the kicker the other stuff was good but appart from putting out fires could have been achieved with other means.

 

[Noumenon]

You guys are so clever... I especially like using Unseen Servant to trot the torch into the perfect position!