[Rev] Spells Slated to be Revised

[Felon]

I was looking at the spells in D20 Modern a couple of weeks ago, and noticed some of the standard D&D spells had bee revised. Primarily, Shield & Haste received a major revamping.

Shield
Abjuration [Force]
Level: Arcane 1; Components: V, S; Casting Time: Attack action; Range: Personal; Target: You; Duration: 1 minute/level (D)
Shield creates an invisible, mobile disk of force that hovers in front of the caster. It negates magic missile attacks directed at the caster. The disk also intercepts attacks, providing a +4 bonus to Defense. The shield carries no armor penalty or arcane spell failure chance.

Haste
Transmutation
Level: Arcane 3; Components: V, S, M; Casting Time: Attack action; Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels); Target: One creature; Duration: 1 round/level; Saving Throw: Fortitude negates (harmless); Spell Resistance: Yes (harmless)
The transmuted creature moves and acts more quickly than normal. This extra speed has several effects.
When making a full attack action, the subject may make one extra attack with any weapon he or she is holding. The attack is made using the character’s full base attack bonus, plus any modifiers appropriate to the situation. (This benefit does not actually grant an extra action, so a character can’t use it to cast a second spell or otherwise take an extra action in the round.)
The subject gains a +2 dodge bonus to Defense. Any condition that makes the subject lose his or her Dexterity bonus to Defense (if any) also makes the subject lose dodge bonuses.
All of the subject’s modes of movement (including normal movement, burrow, climb, fly, and swim) increase by 30 feet (to a maximum of double the subject’s normal speed).
Haste dispels and counters slow.

So, what are the odds that these versions will come to replace the ones currently listed in the 3e PHB?

 

[Mr Fidgit]

So, what are the odds that these versions will come to replace the ones currently listed in the 3e PHB?

pretty good, IMO

Greater Magic Weapon is different as well

from the SRD: "This spell gives a weapon an enhancement bonus to attack and damage of +1. This bonus increases to +2 at 8th caster level"

 

[Victim]

Not good. Look at shield, it is mage armor with very short duration. I don't have d20 modern, but does it have Mage Armor?

I doubt haste would be changed that drastically either, especially since many of Wizard's modules rely on haste.

 

[Mr Fidgit]

Mage Armor
Conjuration (Creation) [Force]

Level: Arcane 1; Components: V, S, F; Casting Time: Attack action; Range: Touch; Target: Creature touched; Duration: 1 hour/level (D); Saving Throw: Will negates (harmless); Spell Resistance: Yes (harmless)

An invisible but tangible field of force surrounds the subject of mage armor, providing a +4 equipment bonus to Defense. Unlike mundane armor, mage armor carries no armor penalty, maximum Dexterity bonus, arcane spell failure chance, or speed reduction.

 

[Zappo]

Hmm! I like this. I hope they get revised that way. Now, what about Harm?

 

[the Jester]

Hmm, pretty good odds in my opinion. Since the revisions are based off of feedback from gamers from what I've gathered, and those three spells (plus harm) are the three that always get people riled up, I can see D20M as a "testing ground" for the new versions.

 

[Victim]

So if I had a choice between shield and mage armor, when would I pick shield, when mage armor gives the same defense bonus, can last all day, and can be cast on others - like the monk?

That version of shield is barely worth a combat action.

 

[2WS-Steve]

Not good. Look at shield, it is mage armor with very short duration. I don't have d20 modern, but does it have Mage Armor?

I doubt haste would be changed that drastically either, especially since many of Wizard's modules rely on haste.

Shield stacks with mage armor, bracers, and worn armor so it's still different enough. Personally I like the change since the half-the-battlefield was a bit clunky in play.

d20 Mod also changes the buffing spells to 5 min/level but always granting a +5 enhancement bonus to the stat. That's a good change too IMO. I got tired of seeing all those d4 rolls every morning...

 

[Mr Fidgit]

those three spells (plus harm) are the three that always get people riled up,

i don't want to start an arguement, but i really don't like that Shield doesn't give a cover bonus -- in game with modern weapons where you really, really need it!

 

[Henry]

...in a game with modern weapons where you really, really need it!

That's why they don't give it to you.