Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Dirty Dan the Laundry Man 01-19-04, 09:18 PM	I've been checking out this 8th level Wiz/Sorc spell in the BoVD called "Phantasmal Thief" (pg. 100). I believe it is also reprinted in a recent Forgotten Realms sourcebook also (can't recall the name). For being amongst somewhat broken material (the BoVD in general), this spell seems very weak for an 8th level spell. I like the concept of the spell, but am afraid to take it as an 8th level spell for my stealthy Sorceror (who has a high Hide skill [Cosmopolitan] and is invisible a lot). Can anyone give me their professional opinion on whether this spell is a worth the 8th level slot? I know - I know - Polymorph Any Object is the own as far as 8th level spells go. But I really want Phantasmal Thief for the concept fit. Questions: .... 1. Is the Hide & Move Silently (both @ 20) of the "Unseen Servant" a bit low? Opposed Listen & Spot checks at 18th level playing should be able to find my servant, yes? 2. Why is there no Sleight of Hand / Pick Pockets skill rank for the Unseen Servant? 3. The Imp. Disarm aspect looks decent. As if the Servant had the Imp. Disarm feat and +20 STR. ==== Thanks for looking this over and offering me some insight on the mechanical structure and benefits of this spell. Sincerely, Dirty Dan, the Laundry Man. 3.
Bloodtide_the_Red 01-19-04, 10:24 PM	Well, guess this is worth a 8th level spot. It's has four big points to give it a high level...it automatical steals, can enter extradimesonal places, can't be harmed and can be directed as a free action. Your questions- 1) Well +20 looks a bit low......but, your 'average' character may have a hard time here. Anyone who does not have listen/spot as a class skill is at a big disadvantage. You could max out your ranks and feats and get items, but your 'average folks' wouldn't stand a chance. Many of the sample NPC's in the DMG don't even have theas skills...and the 15th level sorcerer has a big listen and spot of +3. Even a basic minotaur only has +7.. 2)No sleight of hand. It automaticaly gabs the object(this bosts the spell level as if you don't see the phantasm they it steals from you with no resistance. 3)The improved disarm looks good, and a +20 strgenth bonus is high enuff to make it 8th level. So lets see, this invisable theif can steal around eight items from an unlucky victim.(That's eight one steal and carry to you-2 rounds for 16 rounds). The disarm is nice too..knock that pesky item out of thier hand...and even better, as you don't need to concentrate you can zap the now unattened item with a whole bunch of spells....like say shatter, for example. Sneakly, the thief can put the item back too....with any old 'trap' spell you want to toss on it. BT