Why no 3rd level fear spell?

[Kunimatyu]

As a first level spell, arcane casters get Cause Fear, which frightens one 5HD or less creature for 1d4 rounds.

As a second level spell, arcane casters get Scare, which frightens a group of 5HD or less creatures for 1 round/level.

As a fourth level spell, arcane casters get Fear, which panics creatures in a 30ft cone for 1 round/level.

Am I the only one who notices something missing in this progression?

 

[blargney the second]

Panicking a single creature for 1d4 rounds looks like it would fit in nicely in third position.

 

[Vrecknidj]

Maybe a 30' cone that panics up to 4 creatures within that cone for up to 1 round per two levels?

Just trying to squeeze in something incremental-ish.

Dave

 

[Rhun]

Because your wizard hasn't researched one yet?

 

[Plane Sailing]

Maybe the best thing to consider is the relationship with Sleep and Deep Slumber

Deep Slumber
Enchantment (Compulsion) [Mind-Affecting]
Level: Brd 3, Sor/Wiz 3
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)

This spell functions like sleep, except that it affects 10 HD of creatures.

Logically there would be a feeble spell called something like

Cause Greater Fear which is like Cause Fear but affects up to 12HD of creatures...

 

[VirgilCaine]

As a second level spell, arcane casters get Scare, which frightens a group of 5HD or less creatures for 1 round/level.

No, this frightens one creature per three levels of 5 HD or less. Not a group. One targeted creature

So you can scare four creatures of 5 HD or less at 12th level with your 2nd level spell. Whee.

3.5 Scare blows. Instead of a group spell, you have an individual target spell...and then at 4th level you have Fear, with no HD or targeting cap at all.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Because your wizard hasn't researched one yet?

Precisely.