spells you think are the wrong level

[Plane Sailing]

Seriously, though? Sleep. It's obscenely strong for a first-level spell. I'd go so far as to say it is the strongest first-level spell in the PHB.

This is satire, right?

Sure, the 1e sleep spell was a killer (4-16HD of creatures of up to 4HD go to sleep, no save, can all then have throats slit).

Compare with 3.5e version:
FULL ROUND ACTION to cast
Only up to 4HD of creatures
All targets get a save.

Why would anyone ever risk casting this, when they've got Colour spray which is quicker, just as effective, affects more targets and stays a useful spell?

 

[Rystil Arden]

check, of course...I'm just saying that this way the lower level spells might have a higher chance of something in between complete failure and success. Another example would be magic missiles that don't cause hit point damage, but could disrupt an opposing spellcaster.

You mean make it a level 2 spell with a slightly higher cap that gives a smaller penalty for being 'groggy' on a successful save? I can see that.

 

[Rystil Arden]

This is satire, right?

Sure, the 1e sleep spell was a killer (4-16HD of creatures of up to 4HD go to sleep, no save, can all then have throats slit).

Compare with 3.5e version:
FULL ROUND ACTION to cast
Only up to 4HD of creatures
All targets get a save.

Why would anyone ever risk casting this, when they've got Colour spray which is quicker, just as effective, affects more targets and stays a useful spell?

My thoughts exactly, PS Except it is worse than a full-round action to cast. It's a full round.

 

[Plane Sailing]

I submit that illusory wall is a bit whacky as a 4th level spell. I can't see anyone really forgoing polymorph or stoneskin or black tentacles or enervation or etc. etc. for a permanent illusory wall spell.

 

[Plane Sailing]

Also, Polar Ray - as a 4th level spell it is pretty lousy.

And the 3.5e edition of disintegrate - what is that doing at 6th level? barely worth 5th level now.

 

[Wild Gazebo]

I always thought dispel magic should be first level and completely universal...don't remember if it is now or not.

 

[Nifft]

And the 3.5e edition of disintegrate - what is that doing at 6th level? barely worth 5th level now.

Disintegrate has nice utility uses, and it's the undead-killer of choice. (Not too bad on Wizards either.)

-- N

 

[Glyfair]

Magic missile should really be 2nd level, be limited to one missile, or require a ranged attack roll.

I really like an idea Monte Cook mentioned would probably have happened if they had more development time for 3E. He has said they were considering tying spell levels to class levels more closely by having 20 levels of spells. That would allow a bit more differentiation in spell power than we have now. Magic Missile would likely be a 2nd level spell, for example (which is something like a level 1.5 spell in the current system).

 

[Nifft]

I really like an idea Monte Cook mentioned would probably have happened if they had more development time for 3E. He has said they were considering tying spell levels to class levels more closely by having 20 levels of spells. That would allow a bit more differentiation in spell power than we have now. Magic Missile would likely be a 2nd level spell, for example (which is something like a level 1.5 spell in the current system).

IMC Magic Missile caps out at 5th level, which is three missiles. This is where it's balanced, IMHO. A little over half the damage of Shocking Grasp.

-- N

 

[Berandor]

I always say that Cone of Cold is a level too high. How often that cone takes allies into the area...

But actually, I agree with Enkhidu. It's not so much the levels, but the rate of accumulation. With advancement as it is, our group didn't have to go too long before the cleric could raise them should the need arise, before fireballs came online, etc.