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Delnyn
Senior Scribe

USA
921 Posts

Posted - 13 Oct 2021 :  01:25:16  Show Profile Send Delnyn a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by TheIriaeban

Who knows? Maybe that guy got the mighty wizard Tim mad at him and he was the first recipient of the spell?

That spell is mostly there for the role playing possibilities. Image that Black Knight is your friend and you have to make sure he doesn't get himself dismembered or killed all while probably wanting to kill him yourself.

Or, you need to influence a group of people but their leader is too popular. Turn him into a loud-mouth braggard and see if his followers still listen to him.



The opportunities for mischief ever accrue. Is there more information about the spell's duration? In particular, what happens to the target when the spell (eventually?) ends? I can imagine some snarky bard saying something to the effect of "Even Elminster could not tell you were ever under the effect of that spell!" to the target.

All jokes aside, I could see this spell cast on an orc leader, eventually stopping a raid on a village with less harm inflicted on the defenders.

EDIT: Casting Kendrick's Chaos at a Luruar conference may very well fail on every single participant, but you would still get the desired results. Advice: Avoid Alustriel and Taern Hornblade altogether. Focus a heightened superciliousness spell on King Harbromm.

Edited by - Delnyn on 13 Oct 2021 01:32:05
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TBeholder
Great Reader

2424 Posts

Posted - 13 Oct 2021 :  12:14:59  Show Profile Send TBeholder a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by TheIriaeban

it could be true but current elves would disavow the spell in an attempt to "whitewash" their history since all surface elves are buddies and only the evil, nasty drow would have a spell that specifically targets other elves.

Or at least became "not kosher", now that the encouraged behaviour is huddling together (at least, officially).
Against the drow anything goes, but they are magic resistant. Also, since it's easy to cancel with a swift kick, sleep and equivalents thereof are spells for sneaking rather than combat. Usually it's the drow who get the drop on their cousins rather than the other way around, as they both are the attackers in most engagements and are better at security when not.
Looks like it does have a niche good enough to not be lost, but unlikely to be popular even there.

quote:
Originally posted by TheIriaeban

A couple mid-level spells (2e):
Set Teleport Locus

It's good, but IMHO needs some sort of a "key", perhaps non-expendable attuned token(s), to make inbound teleport "know" the target.

BTW, were teleport circles statted in any way anywhere?

quote:
Originally posted by TheIriaeban

Object Permanency
[...] This is basically the same as the eighth level spell permanency except for the fact that it only affects objects that have had an enchant an item or awaken spell cast upon them. This limits the spell as being useful only for the creation of magic items.

How it's much of a "limit"? Creation of permanent, portable, transferable magic items is the most powerful application of permanency.
If there's a place for "lesser permanency", it's persistent immovable spell effects, IMHO.
Perhaps with an anchoring object as semi-cosmetic limitation to justify drop by 2 levels (it's a problem almost exclusively in mid-air, but planting one securely would require some messing about, thus hindering more aggressive uses as "cast two spells under improved invisibility and get out").

People never wonder How the world goes round -Helloween
And even I make no pretense Of having more than common sense -R.W.Wood
It's not good, Eric. It's a gazebo. -Ed Whitchurch

Edited by - TBeholder on 13 Oct 2021 12:20:02
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TheIriaeban
Master of Realmslore

USA
1289 Posts

Posted - 13 Oct 2021 :  14:16:24  Show Profile Send TheIriaeban a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Delnyn

quote:
Originally posted by TheIriaeban

Who knows? Maybe that guy got the mighty wizard Tim mad at him and he was the first recipient of the spell?

That spell is mostly there for the role playing possibilities. Image that Black Knight is your friend and you have to make sure he doesn't get himself dismembered or killed all while probably wanting to kill him yourself.

Or, you need to influence a group of people but their leader is too popular. Turn him into a loud-mouth braggard and see if his followers still listen to him.



The opportunities for mischief ever accrue. Is there more information about the spell's duration? In particular, what happens to the target when the spell (eventually?) ends? I can imagine some snarky bard saying something to the effect of "Even Elminster could not tell you were ever under the effect of that spell!" to the target.




As listed in the description, it just like the charm person spell so who qualifies as a person, the time between saving throws based on the target's INT, and as it says in the charm person description (2e) "Note that the subject has full memory of the events that took place while he was charmed." That could lead to some very awkward conversations with friends and loved ones.

"Iriaebor is a fine city. So what if you can have violence between merchant groups break out at any moment. Not every city can offer dinner AND a show."

My FR writeups - http://www.mediafire.com/folder/um3liz6tqsf5n/Documents
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TheIriaeban
Master of Realmslore

USA
1289 Posts

Posted - 13 Oct 2021 :  15:06:35  Show Profile Send TheIriaeban a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by TBeholder

quote:
Originally posted by TheIriaeban

it could be true but current elves would disavow the spell in an attempt to "whitewash" their history since all surface elves are buddies and only the evil, nasty drow would have a spell that specifically targets other elves.

Or at least became "not kosher", now that the encouraged behaviour is huddling together (at least, officially).
Against the drow anything goes, but they are magic resistant. Also, since it's easy to cancel with a swift kick, sleep and equivalents thereof are spells for sneaking rather than combat. Usually it's the drow who get the drop on their cousins rather than the other way around, as they both are the attackers in most engagements and are better at security when not.
Looks like it does have a niche good enough to not be lost, but unlikely to be popular even there.

quote:
Originally posted by TheIriaeban

A couple mid-level spells (2e):
Set Teleport Locus

It's good, but IMHO needs some sort of a "key", perhaps non-expendable attuned token(s), to make inbound teleport "know" the target.

BTW, were teleport circles statted in any way anywhere?

quote:
Originally posted by TheIriaeban

Object Permanency
[...] This is basically the same as the eighth level spell permanency except for the fact that it only affects objects that have had an enchant an item or awaken spell cast upon them. This limits the spell as being useful only for the creation of magic items.

How it's much of a "limit"? Creation of permanent, portable, transferable magic items is the most powerful application of permanency.
If there's a place for "lesser permanency", it's persistent immovable spell effects, IMHO.
Perhaps with an anchoring object as semi-cosmetic limitation to justify drop by 2 levels (it's a problem almost exclusively in mid-air, but planting one securely would require some messing about, thus hindering more aggressive uses as "cast two spells under improved invisibility and get out").



It is because of the drow MR that it is not a good choice for use against them which is why the drow wouldn't use it against each other. It could be very useful for the drow against elves because you can pretty easily kill a sleeping target. Cast a spell on a small group and suddenly they are all dead, quietly and efficiently.

For the teleport loci, not having a key is a risk you have to take if you want to use it. Sure, your teleports are errorless but so is any one else's that wants to use it. Is the risk of someone else using it worth the convenience of having it?

I would argue that making a permanent magic item is not the most powerful part of Permanency. Being able to make an effect on yourself permanent is because while you can have a magic item taken away from you, you cannot be disarmed of yourself.

Also, it is a level 6 spell so it can be acquired at level 12. So, while a level 12 wizard can make permanent magic items, he is not going to be making stuff beyond his understanding. That means that any magic item that replicates the effects of a spell of level 7 or higher or is of extreme power is simply out of his understanding. No rings of wizardry, vorpal blades, or robes of the magi. Even a level 16 wizard who gets permanency wouldn't be able to make those. Maybe have it so that a level 12 can only make permanent items of 500 xp or less and that increases by 500 per level gained until it becomes unlimited at level 18?

"Iriaebor is a fine city. So what if you can have violence between merchant groups break out at any moment. Not every city can offer dinner AND a show."

My FR writeups - http://www.mediafire.com/folder/um3liz6tqsf5n/Documents
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TheIriaeban
Master of Realmslore

USA
1289 Posts

Posted - 15 Oct 2021 :  16:03:55  Show Profile Send TheIriaeban a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Here are some more combat related spells (2e):

Stabilize Balance
(Alteration)
Level: 1
Range: Touch
Components: V, S, M
Duration: 5 round/level
Casting Time: 4
Area of Effect: 1 creature
Saving Throw: None
The spell lowers a creature’s center of gravity to be below the surface they are walking on. The effect is that while the recipient may be knocked down, they will automatically right themselves like a properly ballasted ship will when hit by a wave. Also, it will be impossible for the recipient to fall down while on a slippery surface. The surface is still slippery so movement is halved but the creature will not have to make any sort of Dexterity checks to remain upright and will be able to melee without penalty.

The material component is either a tuft of cat hair or a sliver of wood from a ship's keel. This spell was created by Orlan of Highmoon.

Strengthen Aura
(Abjuration)
Level: 1
Range: Touch
Components: V, S
Duration: 1 hour/level
Casting Time: 1
Area of Effect: Creature touched
Saving Throw: None
This spell will strengthen the aura surrounding the creature or person touched. This strengthening is expressed as either a +1 to the recipient’s AC or +1 to their saving throws. The selection of how the bonus is applied is made at casting time and cannot be changed afterwards.

The effect will increase for every four experience levels gained by the caster up to level 21 (so, +2 at level 5, +3 at level 9, etc). The maximum is a +6 value that must be divided into the different types as desired (with a maximum of +4 to either AC or saving throws). An example is that the effect could be +3 to AC and +3 to saving throws or it could be +2 to AC and +4 to saving throws or any other combination equaling 6 (at level 21).

This spell’s effect will stack with any other method of increasing AC or saving throws except for itself, magic armor of any type, or a ring of protection. The AC bonus is also applied to a being’s MAC (if psionics are being used in the campaign). If another strengthen aura spell is cast or a ring of protection is worn, only the most powerful will be used. This spell will function in conjunction with the 2nd level spell resiliency.

This spell was created by Dini Wannis, Master of Warder’s Rest.

Resiliency
(Abjuration)
Level: 2
Range: Touch
Components: V, S
Duration: 1 hour/level
Casting Time: 2
Area of Effect: Creature touched
Saving Throw: None
This spell will toughen the clothing and skin of the creature or person touched while not affecting their mobility. This toughening is expressed as a +1 to the recipient’s AC and saving throws. The effect will increase for every three experience levels gained by the caster up to level 15 with a maximum value of +5.

This spell’s effect cannot function in conjunction with any sort of magical armor, normal armor not made of leather or cloth, with a shield of any sort, or a cloak of protection. The AC bonus is also applied to a psionic being’s MAC. If another resiliency spell is cast or a cloak of protection is worn, only the most powerful will be used. This spell will function in conjunction with the 1st level spell strengthen aura or a ring of protection

This spell was created by Thander Dawnstar, Lord High Mage of Iriaebor.

"Iriaebor is a fine city. So what if you can have violence between merchant groups break out at any moment. Not every city can offer dinner AND a show."

My FR writeups - http://www.mediafire.com/folder/um3liz6tqsf5n/Documents
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TBeholder
Great Reader

2424 Posts

Posted - 20 Oct 2021 :  17:57:02  Show Profile Send TBeholder a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by TheIriaeban

For the teleport loci, not having a key is a risk you have to take if you want to use it. Sure, your teleports are errorless but so is any one else's that wants to use it. Is the risk of someone else using it worth the convenience of having it?

Ah. The simplest effect for this would be: indiscriminately redirect inbound teleport attempts from a larger AoE (which covers entire area of possible mis-aimed teleports) into a concentric small spot. Which gives us a benchmark, since it's a variant of Translocation Shift (L7 Alteration, Evocation - from "The Wizards Three" by Ed Greenwood, Dragon #219); differences: AoE instead of 1 ft/CL radius should cover those 320 ft (so it's gigantic, but presumably fixed); and while Translocation Shift can bounce an unlucky phase spider to another planet, this one does not interfere with effects other than teleport and has secondary Range = 0 (instead of "within the plane").
Non-indiscriminate versions would be more complicated in function than this and/or delay inbound teleports.
Sounds about right?

quote:
I would argue that making a permanent magic item is not the most powerful part of Permanency. Being able to make an effect on yourself permanent is because while you can have a magic item taken away from you, you cannot be disarmed of yourself.

This isn't as much about what the spell does, however, but how convenient it is for specific circumstances that may or may not be present.
Objectively, it's concentration of power (time compression, as in having more spells going than the wizard could cast at once) limited by applicable AND available AND allowed spells.
While items are a much greater concentration of power (in that there are less limitations on the spells, than just some personal-range ones) plus versatility.

People never wonder How the world goes round -Helloween
And even I make no pretense Of having more than common sense -R.W.Wood
It's not good, Eric. It's a gazebo. -Ed Whitchurch
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TBeholder
Great Reader

2424 Posts

Posted - 27 Jan 2022 :  02:30:49  Show Profile Send TBeholder a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Speleo Spells, from False Machine blog. Some toward the end are loonie, but not too bad.

Cryobrite Bridge - Creates a simple construction from very soft stone - can be walked upon, but not much else. It's not nearly Wall of Stone (or even Wall of Ice) grade material. Permanent, for however long it turns to be in practice.
Calcite Gap - The subject can walk through stalactites, stalagmites and suchlike sediments, with only minor resistance like they were shrubbery.
Heat Ghost - A decoy for infravision. If it leans against a wall, it warms up a little, etc. Can be used standalone or attached to an illusory creature from another spell (such as phantasmal force) to cover more senses at once.
Stone Steps - Reshapes a path up/down a slope into stairs, temporarily.
Speak With Air - As speak with stone, but for a volume of air that doesn't move around much.
Worthless Corpse - Sometimes merely playing possum does not cut it, so add a phantasm to keep the scavengers away.
Blood Into Rope - Creates a temporary mildly animated rope from the caster's own blood.
Hollow Head - Displaces the subject's brain into extradimensional pocket, may dodge mental attacks and use skull for smuggling.
Servant Skull - A very modest form of a minion (not specified whether it's undead or construct, and how much self-willed - though "Servant" implies not much). Just a skull, without powers beyond floating, but retains mind of the deceased (while simulacra and homunculi actually have hands). Thus utility is mostly limited to a DIY mimir, lookout or floating candelabra.
Skellygrab - Much like crawling claws, but not mindless and keeps some skill (i.e. hand of a thief is more useful). Can be used as animated grappling hook.
Terror Tubes - The subject devours nearby fear auras. Also, now being hit to guts creates a dangerous condition while wrapping the subject in stolen fear aura.
Spelogrowth - Stalactites and stalagmites in the area grow very fast. More finicky than wall of stone, but potentially versatile.
Piercer Cloak - Enchants a cloak, giving it a single use to quickly disguise as a piercer, with abilities of the monster.
Cone of Mould - Spray of spores, as Myconid.
Waterfall Caul - Wear a part of waterfall like a cloak. On the outside as wet, noisy and cold as the original spot in that waterfall, and may emit mist, but at least the caster is not chilled. Unattached incoming objects instead of passing through the water to the caster pass through the water into the original waterfall. Attached ones are still slapped down by the stream. Equivalent of plate.
Dream Venom - Makes a magical poison. The description is not clear, but seems to acting as roughly an equivalent of Nightmare without the backfire problem, no effect in the waking world.
Vampire Counsel - Summon a vampire lawyer. Will work as a lawyer for one pint of blood a day.
Ghoul Pipes - Helps to turn bones into an enchanted wind instrument, usable by the caster only. The listeners are not repulsed by meals however those may look and smell.
Silent Speech - Like Tongues, but for sign languages.
Wait - The targets can respond to the obvious threats, but otherwise just stand around and do nothing for a while.
Pocket Ropes - As (Shrink) Item, for ropes only.
Optic Beast - Semi-illusory monster that can be shaped (with attendant attacks/AC/movement) as anything with HD up to the caster's, but doesn't get special abilities. Unlike Shadow Monsters, it's restricted to the area illuminated by a single fire-based light source, cannot be disbelieved, but does not affect creatures who don't see it. Blazes like fire.
Lens Weapon - Transforms a single weapon, stores as an image in a small lens. Later the caster can "give" it to someone in line of sight as a temporary weapon (requires concentration to maintain).
Monkey Guts - Divines the tunnel system, the haruspice way. Tricky, but shows even warded passages.
Levitating Brain - Makes a disembodied brain fly. Just the brain, not up-armored or anything. Utility, if any, is not clear.
Summon Mirth Elemental - Summon a loonie decoy with Taunt automatic vs. elementals.
Iron Eye - Temporarily replaces eye with a metal eye (needs to be crafted) that sees magnetic materials.
Dribbleganger - Creates an oligophrenic clone.
Un-suspectable Servant - Creates a glowing humanoid equivalent of unseen servant with intrinsic "supposed to be here and do this" effect.
Matchstick Men - A swarm of animated constructs made of kindling that is on fire. Their life expectancy and usefulness are limited accordingly.

People never wonder How the world goes round -Helloween
And even I make no pretense Of having more than common sense -R.W.Wood
It's not good, Eric. It's a gazebo. -Ed Whitchurch
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LordXenophon
Learned Scribe

USA
147 Posts

Posted - 24 Mar 2022 :  15:23:08  Show Profile Send LordXenophon a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

Again, not a rules person... But 3rd level for a permanent ability boost? That seems low, to me, even with the required sacrifices.

Personally, I think I'd make it 5th or 6th, and add some more caveats about having to stick with Gargauth's goals. Maybe the sacrifice and something akin to a paladin's alignment restrictions -- not as stringent, of course, but something like that as an inspiration.



9th.

Disintegration is in the eye of the Beholder.
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LordXenophon
Learned Scribe

USA
147 Posts

Posted - 24 Mar 2022 :  15:33:07  Show Profile Send LordXenophon a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by TBeholder
How it's much of a "limit"? Creation of permanent, portable, transferable magic items is the most powerful application of permanency.




Not even close. The most powerful documented application of Permanency was the successful use of it, by the Symbul, to make her Shape Change spell permanent.

Disintegration is in the eye of the Beholder.
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TheIriaeban
Master of Realmslore

USA
1289 Posts

Posted - 25 Mar 2022 :  01:47:20  Show Profile Send TheIriaeban a Private Message  Reply with Quote
A 2E spell based off of one of the effects of a Spell Engine spell.

Thander’s Learning Light
(Alteration)
Level: 3
Range: 10 feet
Components: V, S, M
Duration: 1 hour/level
Casting Time: 1 turn
Area of Effect: 1-foot/level radius
Saving Throw: None
This spell illuminates the area of effect with a light blue luminance that not only provides enough light to comfortably read written text but also provides the benefit of reducing the amount of time needed to memorize spells. The illuminated area is non-mobile and cannot be cast in a vehicle of any sort that is in motion (if it is attempted, the spell effect is anchored to the location the caster was at when the spell casting was complete with the vehicle and caster simply moving beyond the area of effect as dictated by the vehicle’s rate of movement).

For those within the lighted area, the amount of time required to memorize spells is reduced by half. The amount of rest required for spell memorization is not reduced. Similarly, it doesn’t allow a caster to memorize spells they couldn’t normally cast, nor does it increase the number of spells that can be memorized.

The light does not provide any benefit for non-magical writings beyond providing enough light to read them. It also does not provide any affect on being able to read any sort of writings that the reader wouldn’t already be able to read. Any symbols or the like are not inhibited or enhanced in any way.

The material component of this spell is a silver piece.

This spell is a common spell for members of the Guardian Wizards of Iriaebor. This spell was created by Thander Dawnstar, Lord High Mage of Iriaebor.

Edit: Fixed typo.

"Iriaebor is a fine city. So what if you can have violence between merchant groups break out at any moment. Not every city can offer dinner AND a show."

My FR writeups - http://www.mediafire.com/folder/um3liz6tqsf5n/Documents

Edited by - TheIriaeban on 25 Mar 2022 01:52:36
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36800 Posts

Posted - 25 Mar 2022 :  02:11:55  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Rary's Mnemonic Enhancer was a 4th-level spell. Based on that, I'd make Thander’s Learning Light 4th at the lowest, more likely 5th. Reducing spell memorization times is huge, especially in 2E when it could take hours for a wizard to top back off, RAW.

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TheIriaeban
Master of Realmslore

USA
1289 Posts

Posted - 25 Mar 2022 :  05:26:52  Show Profile Send TheIriaeban a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

Rary's Mnemonic Enhancer was a 4th-level spell. Based on that, I'd make Thander’s Learning Light 4th at the lowest, more likely 5th. Reducing spell memorization times is huge, especially in 2E when it could take hours for a wizard to top back off, RAW.



I would argue that Rary's is more powerful. It allows you to memorize more spells than what you would normally have so that is an actual increase in power.

All this spell does is allow you to basically speed read. It is a convenience is all. At level 5, it is going to take almost 2 full hours to memorize a full load of spells. Doing that in just under an hour allows more time for adventuring and allows the wizards of the group to be more flexible in spell choice from day to day as situations change.

Finally, I got the idea from the 8th level spell Spell Engine (WSC vol 3 pg 844). It can essentially be used as a permanent form of Learning Light and it will affect both wizards and priests. So, a temporary version that doesn't absorb magic and only affects wizards sounds to be about level 3 to me.




"Iriaebor is a fine city. So what if you can have violence between merchant groups break out at any moment. Not every city can offer dinner AND a show."

My FR writeups - http://www.mediafire.com/folder/um3liz6tqsf5n/Documents
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Delnyn
Senior Scribe

USA
921 Posts

Posted - 25 Mar 2022 :  08:28:27  Show Profile Send Delnyn a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Does the disagreement about Learning Light focus on the memorization time of spells for a 5th level wizard versus the time required for an 18th+ level wizard? 2 hours for a 5th level wizard per TheIriaeban is not the same scale of time as days per assertion by Wooly.

Perhaps Learning Light as a 3rd level spell has a spell level cap and/or a caster level cap of number of spells allowed for expedited learning. I see both sides of the argument and I think a few more clarifications will make the spell workable for all parties.

Great job, TheIriaeban! I wish I thought of this spell when I played 2e.



Edited by - Delnyn on 25 Mar 2022 08:32:24
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36800 Posts

Posted - 25 Mar 2022 :  10:53:18  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by TheIriaeban

quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

Rary's Mnemonic Enhancer was a 4th-level spell. Based on that, I'd make Thander’s Learning Light 4th at the lowest, more likely 5th. Reducing spell memorization times is huge, especially in 2E when it could take hours for a wizard to top back off, RAW.



I would argue that Rary's is more powerful. It allows you to memorize more spells than what you would normally have so that is an actual increase in power.

All this spell does is allow you to basically speed read. It is a convenience is all. At level 5, it is going to take almost 2 full hours to memorize a full load of spells. Doing that in just under an hour allows more time for adventuring and allows the wizards of the group to be more flexible in spell choice from day to day as situations change.

Finally, I got the idea from the 8th level spell Spell Engine (WSC vol 3 pg 844). It can essentially be used as a permanent form of Learning Light and it will affect both wizards and priests. So, a temporary version that doesn't absorb magic and only affects wizards sounds to be about level 3 to me.







Rary's spell does up a caster's potential power, but it's by a set amount, and it's more useful to mid-level mages than higher level ones.

Still, I selected that one because it's a spell that affects spell memorization, as yours does.

I just did the math. A 12th-level wizard, fully tapped out, is going to need a full 11 hours to memorize spells, RAW. Shortening that to 5.5 hours is huge.

And that memorization time just gets longer and longer, as a wizard goes up in level -- by 16th level, it's over 19 hours to go from tapped out to full up. Sure, most wizards won't get tapped out, but a single 6th level spell takes an hour to memorize, under 2E rules.

That's why I think this spell is over-powered for 3rd level. It takes one effect of a 8th-level spell and has a huge impact on wizards, the higher they are in level.

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Edited by - Wooly Rupert on 25 Mar 2022 11:17:16
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TheIriaeban
Master of Realmslore

USA
1289 Posts

Posted - 25 Mar 2022 :  14:24:59  Show Profile Send TheIriaeban a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

quote:
Originally posted by TheIriaeban

quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

Rary's Mnemonic Enhancer was a 4th-level spell. Based on that, I'd make Thander’s Learning Light 4th at the lowest, more likely 5th. Reducing spell memorization times is huge, especially in 2E when it could take hours for a wizard to top back off, RAW.



I would argue that Rary's is more powerful. It allows you to memorize more spells than what you would normally have so that is an actual increase in power.

All this spell does is allow you to basically speed read. It is a convenience is all. At level 5, it is going to take almost 2 full hours to memorize a full load of spells. Doing that in just under an hour allows more time for adventuring and allows the wizards of the group to be more flexible in spell choice from day to day as situations change.

Finally, I got the idea from the 8th level spell Spell Engine (WSC vol 3 pg 844). It can essentially be used as a permanent form of Learning Light and it will affect both wizards and priests. So, a temporary version that doesn't absorb magic and only affects wizards sounds to be about level 3 to me.







Rary's spell does up a caster's potential power, but it's by a set amount, and it's more useful to mid-level mages than higher level ones.

Still, I selected that one because it's a spell that affects spell memorization, as yours does.

I just did the math. A 12th-level wizard, fully tapped out, is going to need a full 11 hours to memorize spells, RAW. Shortening that to 5.5 hours is huge.

And that memorization time just gets longer and longer, as a wizard goes up in level -- by 16th level, it's over 19 hours to go from tapped out to full up. Sure, most wizards won't get tapped out, but a single 6th level spell takes an hour to memorize, under 2E rules.

That's why I think this spell is over-powered for 3rd level. It takes one effect of a 8th-level spell and has a huge impact on wizards, the higher they are in level.



At 16th and higher levels, this question becomes moot. A wizard of that level can already do this by casting the 8th level Spell Engine spell from the Wizard's Spell Compendium. So, really, the base question is should a 5th or 6th level wizard be able to shorten their memorization times or should the spell be level 4 and you have to be level 7 or higher? And if the effect is limited, at what level does a wizard lose this capability only to regain it when they hit level 16 (this is assuming that a particular wizard even has access to these spells).

"Iriaebor is a fine city. So what if you can have violence between merchant groups break out at any moment. Not every city can offer dinner AND a show."

My FR writeups - http://www.mediafire.com/folder/um3liz6tqsf5n/Documents
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TBeholder
Great Reader

2424 Posts

Posted - 07 Apr 2022 :  03:32:26  Show Profile Send TBeholder a Private Message  Reply with Quote
[Redacted]'s Stinging Wyvern
Level: 4?
Range: Touch. Target: 1 javelin.
Duration: 1 round/CL
Components: VSM, M: a palm-sized piece of wyvern's wing membrane (fresh or preserved in any way that keeps it as organic material).
Effect:
Transforms one javelin or other throwing spear when hurled into a wyvern, fearless and attacking whichever targets the caster chooses (as usual, "sting and bite"/"sting or bite" depending whether on the ground or in flight). The sting does not produce venom, but retains any poisons already on the javelin. If the javelin was magical, the wyvern's sting attack has the same effects; range multiplier (if any) is applied to the wyvern's speed; if it has drastic or transformation effect (such as javelin of lightning), the wyvern is destroyed when it hits, but there are still benefits of range and guidance. Other attacks don't have bonus (but count as magical and +2 for weapon immunity purpose due to construct's HD). If the spear is magical and reusable, it's left behind after the wyvern disappears, return to the thrower (not caster) if returning, counts as a missed throw if every stinger attack missed.
Needs an actual corporeal weapon, not magical effect. Works with spells that enhance the spear (such as Enchanted Weapon or Firebrand, rather than transforming it into something else or animating) or that can affect both the inanimate object and construct, but unlike magic item properties those work to their own duration rather than the construct's entire lifetime (e.g. if Muffling Blow was cast on the javelin, the first target hit by the construct cannot shout an alarm during the next round and drops noiselessly if killed, but that's all), and can be separately dispelled even if the wyvern wasn't.

Level 4? Iron Maiden is level 4, has range and makes a much tougher construct with SLA, good Int and meaningful communication, but also limit on memorization. Maybe, double the duration?

A more powerful derivative of Tenser’s Hunting Hawk (L2 Alteration; Duration: 1 round/CL; Components: VSM, M: a wing feather) which transforms 1 arrow (except arrow of slaying) upon shot into a hawk that swoops (charges) the target, then attacks whatever the caster orders (if the arrow was magical its bonuses apply to normal hawk's attack, every round) until slain or out of duration.
Inspired by Bag of Beans effect.

[Redacted]'s Freezing Wyvern
Level: 6?
Duration: 2 rounds/CL ?
Components: VSM; M: a palm-sized piece of wyvern's wing membrane (fresh or preserved in any way that keeps it as organic material); a scale from white dragon or a piece of hide from winter wolf; 2 translucent gems (500 gp each) for eyes (not consumed).
Effect:
Creates a wyvern. The wyvern can detect invisible objects and breathe a cone of cold (for 6d4+6 hp damage) every other round. When slain or the duration expires, it transforms into harmless blue smoke, but leaves the gems behind.

Inspired by Dragon magazine #171 version of Bag of Beans (effect #40).

People never wonder How the world goes round -Helloween
And even I make no pretense Of having more than common sense -R.W.Wood
It's not good, Eric. It's a gazebo. -Ed Whitchurch

Edited by - TBeholder on 07 Apr 2022 11:11:24
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TBeholder
Great Reader

2424 Posts

Posted - 06 Oct 2022 :  01:58:35  Show Profile Send TBeholder a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Almost forgot!
Alarm token for a flying dagger (or death dart) construct.
Typically a little bell, a ring (that does not count against magical ring limit, as it's merely there for convenience) or earring, linked with a ring put on the pommel of the construct. When the construct activates, the token attracts attention with a sound or "buzzing" sensation on the wearer's skin, and continues to do report the construct's status this way.
Variants: 1 activation per day or with multiple charges and rechargeable.

Beam-globes.
The basic beam-globe looks and functions just like a common glowglobe (including the pseudo-curse link). It also can be commanded to shoot (as if a ranged attack by the user) beams like those of a radiance quasielemental, of the color chosen by the user. Charges are limited, but regenerate 1 per hour.
A summoned quasielemental is used in the creation process (repeatedly shooting beams).

Guard-globe is a semi-autonomous beam-globe, linked with a control ring.
This ring uses charges, typically either one activation per day automatically regenerated or rechargeable (commonly with Prismatic Eye spell).
The control ring can be used in two ways:
- worn by the user, in which case the globe acts much like an easily transferable beam-globe; or
- put on the pommel of a flying dagger (or death dart) construct, in which case the globe activates when the primary construct does, to attack its current target (while avoids hitting the construct or other visible intervening objects), lying or hanging dormant until then. If the ring and/or primary construct is destroyed or disabled, the globe will keep attacking the same target as long as it's in sight, but will not re-acquire on its own. A guard-globe slaved to a construct can be also pre-set for keeping certain altitude, cycling through a specific sequence of beams (to disable beams dishing out heat and electric damage in a flammable environment, or beams dangerous only to plant/fungal monsters or undead if such intruders are deemed unlikely) and brightness levels when active and inactive. It floats to wherever it was before the activation.
An active guard-globe avoids contact with other objects, unless ordered otherwise by the user via control ring.
The ring and the globe have simplified version of mutual location: the globe can do so on its own and float toward the ring (while avoiding collisions) when ordered, and the ring upon command lets the user sense direction to the globe. Either part of the set can be used to pinpoint (or scry) another with spells.

A globe can be linked to two control rings. In this case they usually are specialized: one works only for the user (with a gem), another for a guard construct (plain). If both rings are in use, the user receives alarm on construct activation and general status of both construct (inactive/moving/attacking) and globe (including the current beam color, using a gem), it also allows the user to override the guard mode and order the globe directly or choose a specific beam type and leave it to act on its own.

Improved variants:
- Mirror Image spell as a defense, on command or on triggered activation.
- or Image Trap spell (Mirror Image, but with decoys emitting Color Spray-like beam in the direction of attack when popped).
- glassteeled globe.
- the ring allows its owner to look through the globe.
- blinding flash as an additional attack type (i.e. can be selected instead of a beam).
- aggressive defense: uses selected beam(s) to free itself if touched by anything other than the ring-wearer while "armed" (usually left on yellow, as corrosive damage does the job in most cases).
- linkages to other types of guardian constructs.

Attempts to significantly enhance damage are mostly unsuccessful, in that spells like Prismatic Spray tend to destroys an item, often on the first discharge.

And on the subject of glowglobes...
Fog-light globe:
A reinforced glowglobe (controlled via touch or a token more often than pseudo-curse attunement), that does not float in air, but has Fog Light spell (Dragon #235), Adhesion (on command, indefinitely), and a self-cleaning cantrip. Intended for ships, of course.

People never wonder How the world goes round -Helloween
And even I make no pretense Of having more than common sense -R.W.Wood
It's not good, Eric. It's a gazebo. -Ed Whitchurch
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TheIriaeban
Master of Realmslore

USA
1289 Posts

Posted - 09 Oct 2022 :  19:20:47  Show Profile Send TheIriaeban a Private Message  Reply with Quote
This 2e but should be easy enough to adjust for other editions.

Mantle Blade: A mantle blade is a very rare elvenblade that has been enchanted to tie into and enhance the wielder’s Cormanthan mantle. This blade will not function (beyond just being an elvenblade with no bonuses) for anyone that is not an elf or half-elf. The bonus for the weapon is rolled for like any other magic sword ignoring any result indicating a cursed weapon.

If the elf or half-elf is currently protected by a Cormanthan mantle, the sword has the following functions:
• If the weapon was not present during the creation/update of the Cormanthan mantle, the weapon can be tied into the mantle by the new wielder meditating for a full turn (if it is interrupted by anything, it has to be started over again). This does not take up an item tie in slot in any way. However, if the weapon is currently tied into someone else’s mantle, the new wielder will learn if the old wielder is still alive at the beginning of the process. The old wielder will also become aware of the process and can decide to oppose the new tuning. If this happens, each round during the one turn tuning period, each individual will roll a d20 and add in any Wisdom adjustment to the roll. Whomever has the highest roll is considered the winner for that round and whomever has the most wins during the turn has the weapon tied to them (if it is a tie at the end of 10 rounds, an additional, tie-breaker round is had, with the winner of that round gaining control of the sword). If the new wielder lost the tuning contest, they cannot try to attune the weapon to their mantle until they gain another level or experience. If the weapon is present during the casting of the Cormanthan mantle spell, there is no contest, and the old wielder can feel the link being severed but does not gain any more information (this process supersedes the requirement to gain a level before being able to reattune a weapon whose link had been broken).

• Once the weapon is tied into the wielder’s mantle, the range that items can be tied to the mantle increases by 20 times the current range with a minimum of 1 mile. As an example, a level 8 mantle wearer normally has a range of 80 feet. Since that is less than 1 mile (20 x 80 feet = 1,600 feet), the new range is 1 mile.

• As long as the weapon is within the mantle item tie in range, it can be summoned back to the wielders hand at will. This is a free action that does not provide an attack of opportunity, nor does it count against any actions in that round so that the wielder could cast a spell in the same round if desired. The summoning can happen even if the weapon is in someone else’s possession as long the weapon is still tied into the wielder’s mantle. If prevented, the wielder will know exactly where the weapon is relative to the wielder’s current location.

• The wielder gets one additional usage of each spell that is linked to the mantle per day. This additional usage is regained the next time the mantle “renews” itself. That day’s usage of any spell in the mantle comes first from the extra usage provided by the sword. The sword does not need to be drawn or even on the elf’s person as long as the weapon is within the tie-in range of the mantle.

Since an elvenblade is mentioned, here is the information for elvenblades:

Elvenblade: While this weapon was originally designed for the royal guard, elven blacksmiths were the ones who made it popular. The elvenblade has design elements from the common long sword mixed in with the chisled tip of a katana and the wider blade of the falchion. Together, these elements give the weapon a distinctive look with a base damage of 2d4 for small to medium targets and 2d6 for large. All elvenblades have the everbright treatment making them immune to tarnish, rust, or corrosion and the bonus is randomly determined like any magic sword (while ignoring any result that indicates a cursed item).

When wielded by an elf or half-elf, elvenblades have the following powers (if the Player’s Option rules are used):
• Based on the character’s dexterity score, their reaction adjustment is subtracted from the threat range of the weapon (a character with a Dexterity of 18 has a reaction adjustment of +2 giving a threat range of 16 to 20 instead of 18 to 20). If for some reason, the character’s dexterity is really low, a negative reaction adjustment has no effect.

• The character’s reaction adjustment is also used for the amount that a successful attack has to hit by for it to be considered a critical hit. Typically, the amount needed to hit by is 5 but, using the example character above, a +2 reaction adjustment would mean that the character would only need to hit by 3.

The combined outcome of the above powers means that, for an elf or half-elf, this weapon would be more likely to get a critical hit than a regular weapon. The maximum adjustment made is 3 points no matter how high the
character’s Dexterity/reaction adjustment may be.

"Iriaebor is a fine city. So what if you can have violence between merchant groups break out at any moment. Not every city can offer dinner AND a show."

My FR writeups - http://www.mediafire.com/folder/um3liz6tqsf5n/Documents
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Vinzor Burrow
Acolyte

8 Posts

Posted - 16 Apr 2023 :  11:07:59  Show Profile Send Vinzor Burrow a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Whipped this together with the help of chatgpt:

Amulet of Undying Hope
Rarity: Legendary

Attunement: Attuning to this amulet requires a ritual that takes 1 hour to perform and can only be performed by a creature capable of casting divine magic.

Description: This amulet is made of a dark, polished metal and adorned with a small, glowing gemstone.
Activation: The wearer of the amulet can activate it by speaking a command word and touching the gemstone. The amulet can be used once per day. When activated, it can cast the death ward spell on up to five creatures of the wearer's choice, granting them temporary immunity to death from certain effects.

Signed,
Vinzor Burrow of Chavyondat
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Delnyn
Senior Scribe

USA
921 Posts

Posted - 19 Aug 2023 :  01:26:24  Show Profile Send Delnyn a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by LordXenophon

quote:
Originally posted by TBeholder
How it's much of a "limit"? Creation of permanent, portable, transferable magic items is the most powerful application of permanency.




Not even close. The most powerful documented application of Permanency was the successful use of it, by the Symbul, to make her Shape Change spell permanent.


This smacks of Chosen Cheater of Mystra shenanigans. Permanency spell got external boost.
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Delnyn
Senior Scribe

USA
921 Posts

Posted - 02 Mar 2024 :  16:12:38  Show Profile Send Delnyn a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Scribes,
My old PC used the following weapon back in the early to mid 1980's. I tried to convert the weapon to 5th edition rules, although I admit I am far from a subject matter expert in this regard.

Light hammer, rare (requires attunement)

You gain a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls made with this magic weapon. Against minotaurs, the bonus increases to +3. You are immune to the maze spell. Once per tenday (or week), the hammer may cast find the path.

Edited by - Delnyn on 02 Mar 2024 16:14:02
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TBeholder
Great Reader

2424 Posts

Posted - 03 Jul 2024 :  14:27:14  Show Profile Send TBeholder a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Dispel Vortex
Range: ? 10 yd
Duration: 1 rd/level +1
Effect: Creates a magic vortex, radius 5 ft height 7 ft or less. Takes 1 round to form. Contact with it is equal to a dispel magic attempt at the caster's level on its current area, every round. The caster can command it to move (up to 30 ft/rd).
Special:
Most magical barriers (globes of invulnerability, etc) stop it from moving through (blocked at least for 1 round, even if the barrier is dispelled).
Dispel Shunt on contact causes the vortex to scatter in a random direction; a dispel contest against the vortex, takes effect after 1 round of movement: if successfully dispelled, fades out, otherwise the caster regains control.
Otiluke’s Dispelling Screen immediately deflects it back, without loss of control or other damage to either spell.
Vortex (L5 wild magic spell): mutually cancel on contact.

Escalating Dispel
Duration: 1 rd/level
Otherwise as dispel magic.
Effect: Acts like dispel magic in most regards, but the level contest on the first round is at level 1, and repeats, raising by +1/round until reaches full caster's level (and stays at this level if the duration is increased).
Only continues to attack effects was present at the initial casting, does not prevent new spells from being cast after the first round (like repeated dispel magic spells would). The caster can end it at will.
Special: Despite level contests repeating until success or duration ends, the entire sequence counts as a single dispel attempt whenever this matters (including Sha’irs trying to reset tasked genies).
Permanent effects or items that were successfully dispelled remain suppressed while under effect (i.e. start countdown to reactivation only after removed from the spell's area or its duration ends).
Dispel Shunt redirects as usual at casting (though mostly harmless, as the first round is at level 1 and the caster retains control, thus can immediately end the spell if the new position is disagreeable), no effect in subsequent rounds.

People never wonder How the world goes round -Helloween
And even I make no pretense Of having more than common sense -R.W.Wood
It's not good, Eric. It's a gazebo. -Ed Whitchurch

Edited by - TBeholder on 03 Jul 2024 15:55:36
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TBeholder
Great Reader

2424 Posts

Posted - 05 Sep 2024 :  18:30:56  Show Profile Send TBeholder a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Coal to Diamond
Transforms modest amount of coals into diamond, without helping significant gems to grow. That is, produces finer and purer dust from soot, mostly dirty flakes from charcoal, often fragile lumps or wool of welded diamond powder from dense coals.
Diamonds are recrystallized into more perfect states (flawed to average, average to fine), but break if saving throw fails (with penalty for flawed ones).

People never wonder How the world goes round -Helloween
And even I make no pretense Of having more than common sense -R.W.Wood
It's not good, Eric. It's a gazebo. -Ed Whitchurch
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TBeholder
Great Reader

2424 Posts

Posted - 04 Oct 2024 :  00:22:35  Show Profile Send TBeholder a Private Message  Reply with Quote
One of my ideas from another thread.
Detect Lifelinks
Level 1 Divination.
ST: Negates.
Effect: This spell detects connections between the target creature or object and something else. Such as wizard with familiar, dryad with her tree, hamatree caster with the target tree, one elven spirit-link participant with another, cursed/bound item with the owner, lich with phylactery, or the other way around.
This spell discerns Positive (lifeforce) and Negative (unlife) components on the other end with a level check (equal to school identification probability with Detect Magic, non-living object is indistinguishable from a false negative), but otherwise does not return any information about the other entity, and only allows to identify the state and type of each connection with samples the caster explored before. For example, if an elf who has a familiar and is bound to a tree via hamatree spell fails saving throw, but the caster only did successfully probe some wizard with a familiar before (and knows it was a familiar link), the elf is revealed as having the familiar empathic link (but not what or where the familiar is, other than "close enough to issue commands") and one link of another, unknown type.

Track Lifelinks
Level 3 Divination.
Range: Touch
Duration: 1 round /CL
ST: Negates, repeated.
Effect: as Detect Lifelinks spell, but after successful detection also allows once per round to push probe through any of the links, equivalent to Absolute Location (L1 Divination, "Mage on Deck!" by Ted Zuvich in Dragon#235) spell cast at the remote end. This returns the direction and distance from the place occupied by the remote entity to any known landmark (including the caster's own position), unless the landmark is protected from location magic or spell discharge at the remote end fails (the remote entity is entirely within Antimagic Shell, or partially within draining area of Energy Transformation, Spell Engine, and so on).
Accuracy is 200 yards or 1/5 of the current distance, whichever is less. Two fixes allow triangulation, change of direction or distance to the same point in repeated probes gives away movement, etc.
The spell otherwise reveals about the remote entity nothing than Detect Lifelinks would not.
Magic resistance and saving throw are checked for each query separately (for the local entity vs detection, both entities vs probes) if applicable. Whether successful or not, the caster can repeat attempts once per round until the spell expires. The caster cannot simultaneously query links and cast other spells or perform other activities incompatible with casting spells (the spell persist, but does nothing this round).

People never wonder How the world goes round -Helloween
And even I make no pretense Of having more than common sense -R.W.Wood
It's not good, Eric. It's a gazebo. -Ed Whitchurch
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