Anyone have experience with the Shock and Awe spell? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Anyone have experience with the Shock and Awe spell? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
tafkamhokie
10-15-07, 12:33 PM I have a gnome beguiler getting ready to hit 3rd level and get his first advance learning spell.

I had assumed that distract assailant was the best choice (swift cast, opponent is flat footed until the start of their turn), but it is only a 1st level spell that allows a save. May not be very useful at higher levels.

Then I stumbled into Shock and Awe from the Spell Compendium. Swift cast, flat footed opponents take a -10 to initiative, no save (allows SR, though), and affects multiple opponents. At most any level, pushing the bad guys to the bottom of the initiative order can really change the complexion of a fight. With no save, it seems like it would be useful all the way to 20th level.

The only catch is it only works on flat footed opponents during a surprise round, or in the first round before they have acted. My question is, is that so situational that it will not be useful very often?

If I go with this, I will probably take Improved Initiative as my 3rd level feat (not a bad choice anyway with a beguiler, but doubly so with this spell in the arsenal), but my dex is only 12.

Is Shock and Awe a good 1st level spell that will stand the test of time to higher levels, or is there a better choice?
Nephlite
10-15-07, 01:26 PM I have a gnome beguiler getting ready to hit 3rd level and get his first advance learning spell.

I had assumed that distract assailant was the best choice (swift cast, opponent is flat footed until the start of their turn), but it is only a 1st level spell that allows a save. May not be very useful at higher levels.

Then I stumbled into Shock and Awe from the Spell Compendium. Swift cast, flat footed opponents take a -10 to initiative, no save (allows SR, though), and affects multiple opponents. At most any level, pushing the bad guys to the bottom of the initiative order can really change the complexion of a fight. With no save, it seems like it would be useful all the way to 20th level.

The only catch is it only works on flat footed opponents during a surprise round, or in the first round before they have acted. My question is, is that so situational that it will not be useful very often?

If I go with this, I will probably take Improved Initiative as my 3rd level feat (not a bad choice anyway with a beguiler, but doubly so with this spell in the arsenal), but my dex is only 12.

Is Shock and Awe a good 1st level spell that will stand the test of time to higher levels, or is there a better choice?

Really, it depends on your Initiative: when you have a high then the party has a good chance of going before enemies (very useful). But when you roll low: not as good.
nightwyrm
10-16-07, 12:21 AM It would also depend on the other members of your party. If you have party members who likes flatfooted opponents more than usual (ie. multiple ppl with sneak atk) then it's an even better spell.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
tafkamhokie 10-15-07, 12:33 PM	I have a gnome beguiler getting ready to hit 3rd level and get his first advance learning spell. I had assumed that distract assailant was the best choice (swift cast, opponent is flat footed until the start of their turn), but it is only a 1st level spell that allows a save. May not be very useful at higher levels. Then I stumbled into Shock and Awe from the Spell Compendium. Swift cast, flat footed opponents take a -10 to initiative, no save (allows SR, though), and affects multiple opponents. At most any level, pushing the bad guys to the bottom of the initiative order can really change the complexion of a fight. With no save, it seems like it would be useful all the way to 20th level. The only catch is it only works on flat footed opponents during a surprise round, or in the first round before they have acted. My question is, is that so situational that it will not be useful very often? If I go with this, I will probably take Improved Initiative as my 3rd level feat (not a bad choice anyway with a beguiler, but doubly so with this spell in the arsenal), but my dex is only 12. Is Shock and Awe a good 1st level spell that will stand the test of time to higher levels, or is there a better choice?
Nephlite 10-15-07, 01:26 PM	I have a gnome beguiler getting ready to hit 3rd level and get his first advance learning spell. I had assumed that distract assailant was the best choice (swift cast, opponent is flat footed until the start of their turn), but it is only a 1st level spell that allows a save. May not be very useful at higher levels. Then I stumbled into Shock and Awe from the Spell Compendium. Swift cast, flat footed opponents take a -10 to initiative, no save (allows SR, though), and affects multiple opponents. At most any level, pushing the bad guys to the bottom of the initiative order can really change the complexion of a fight. With no save, it seems like it would be useful all the way to 20th level. The only catch is it only works on flat footed opponents during a surprise round, or in the first round before they have acted. My question is, is that so situational that it will not be useful very often? If I go with this, I will probably take Improved Initiative as my 3rd level feat (not a bad choice anyway with a beguiler, but doubly so with this spell in the arsenal), but my dex is only 12. Is Shock and Awe a good 1st level spell that will stand the test of time to higher levels, or is there a better choice? Really, it depends on your Initiative: when you have a high then the party has a good chance of going before enemies (very useful). But when you roll low: not as good.
nightwyrm 10-16-07, 12:21 AM	It would also depend on the other members of your party. If you have party members who likes flatfooted opponents more than usual (ie. multiple ppl with sneak atk) then it's an even better spell.