When/how have you found Hypnotic Pattern useful?

[Magus Coeruleus]

The Hypnotic Pattern spell seems pretty weak. Even using it to distract some guards, for instance, while you pass by seems difficult since a hostile creature approaching allows a second save. That and if even one creature in the vicinity is not affected it can start breaking the effect from others. I'm wondering if anyone has experience using it to good effect and can recommend strategies for it.

Hypnotic Pattern
Illusion (Pattern) [Mind-Affecting]
Level: Brd 2, Sor/Wiz 2
Components: V (Brd only), S, M; see text
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)
Effect: Colorful lights in a 10-ft.-radius spread
Duration: Concentration + 2 rounds
Saving Throw: Will negates
Spell Resistance: Yes
A twisting pattern of subtle, shifting colors weaves through the air, fascinating creatures within it. Roll 2d4 and add your caster level (maximum 10) to determine the total number of Hit Dice of creatures affected. Creatures with the fewest HD are affected first; and, among creatures with equal HD, those who are closest to the spell’s point of origin are affected first. Hit Dice that are not sufficient to affect a creature are wasted. Affected creatures become fascinated by the pattern of colors. Sightless creatures are not affected.
A wizard or sorcerer need not utter a sound to cast this spell, but a bard must sing, play music, or recite a rhyme as a verbal component.
Material Component: A glowing stick of incense or a crystal rod filled with phosphorescent material.

Fascinated: A fascinated creature is entranced by a supernatural or spell effect. The creature stands or sits quietly, taking no actions other than to pay attention to the fascinating effect, for as long as the effect lasts. It takes a –4 penalty on skill checks made as reactions, such as Listen and Spot checks. Any potential threat, such as a hostile creature approaching, allows the fascinated creature a new saving throw against the fascinating effect. Any obvious threat, such as someone drawing a weapon, casting a spell, or aiming a ranged weapon at the fascinated creature, automatically breaks the effect. A fascinated creature’s ally may shake it free of the spell as a standard action.

 

[Bloodstone Press]

I think that was the spell we used once to stop the horse that an enemy commander was riding. He was crossing a river at the time and the spell caused the horse to stop swimming and start floating lazily down stream. It took the commander out of the melee for a few precious rouds while we dealt with his underlings.

 

[Thanee]

It's pretty good, when you stand in a Silence or otherwise do not want to make a sound.

It might not be the best in combat spell, but you can use it to distract guards, for example.

It also can work well in combat, if the other party members know, that they should stay clear from the affected targets.

And at least it's only a standard action, not a 1 round casting time like that darn 1st level spell...

Bye
Thanee

 

[Lamoni]

I find it very good to take out several opponents from the fight. If you cast it at several enemies in the back, they stand fascinated while you easily take out the opponents in the front. Rarely will they want to turn back to wake their allies. Of course it doesn't work as well against enemies that aren't approaching you, but in that case rainbow pattern can still be effective because you can move the pattern to make half the enemies run away. Also, if they failed their save once, they usually fail their save again when you finally do approach them. As soon as they are attacked they aren't fascinated, but when you gather around in a flanking position, they don't last long.

Anyway, I am only responding based on my experience with rainbow pattern. My sorcerer didn't take hypnotic pattern because it doesn't affect enough HD to be very effective at later levels.