Post/Author/DateTime	Post
hughman 02-28-05, 10:23 PM	Cloak Spell Enchantment Level: Sor/Wiz 1 (?2?) Components: S Casting Time: 1 standard action Range: Touch Targets: One Being/Object Effect: Makes the Caster unremarkable Duration: 1/2 hour/level (D) Saving Throw: None (?will saves?) Spell Resistance: None When cast the target becomes excedingly unremarkable, allowing them to fit into any setting and seem to belong there. This effect adds a situational bonus of +8 to hide and Move silently skill checks by the target. Additionally, any spot listen, scent and other detection checks to notice or discover the object are at a -4 disadvantage as long as the person performs no out of the ordinarly actions within the last 3 rounds. Out of the ordinary actions are situationally based, at the discression of the DM, but can include slowly searching a long hall (whereas the ordinary action would be to walk down it), Attacking (though calm, slow readying of a weapon woudl be ordinary in many situations), Damaging an object in a peaceful setting (though sitting there watching would be ordinary) and movement other than walking (in areas where walking is the norm). Anyone that spots/notices the target must make a Will save or they will accept the person as belonging in the area, rendering them effectively invisible. Characters under the Cloak spell can attempt to make a bluff check to hide in plain sight, as they attempt to act in a "normal" manner. Inanimate objects with the cloak spell placed on them require a spot check at a situational -8 disadvantage to the check. Moving the object (whether inadvertently or in conjunction with moving another object (cloaked book on a table) creates an immediate spot check at a -4 to notice the object. This is a mind affecting spell, unintellligent creatures (undead for example) are not affected by this spell. Creator's note: Those who are familiar with Barbara Hambly's Darwath trilogy will recognize this spell. Ever look for your keys (or something else) for a long time only to find them in broad daylight? You probably looked at/over them several times during your search. This spell creates an aura on the object/person that encourages you to overlook them and accept them as normally there, and not what they are looking for. The idea isn't to make a superior invisiblity, but to make an alternative to invisibility. Invisibility, in and of itself is Very powerful, but also very fragile. Many things can break it, (see invis, Blindsense, Sent ability, hearing etc) so it is really kind of a one hit wonder, sort of. I am looking to make a spell that, while not as powerful in one instance, is broader. The cloak spell, while still strong, is sturdier than invisiblity... not as many things could break it, but an observant creature would be able to penetrate it easily. I am playing a Sorcerer/Rogue and looking for spells with greater adaptability. This spell will allow greater flexibilty to his Stealth side, and allow other functionality to his sorcerer side. (Cloak a body, so the guards don't see it lettimg me sneak in farther undetected, for instance) What do you think? what is needed to balance this properly? I am looking for ideas constructive criticism to make this ability better. Hughman
Vatras 03-01-05, 12:23 AM	I think it belongs into the realm of enchantments or illusions, not evocations, and should maybe be 2nd level. I would place duration at 10 minutes per level, too. While you could say its not as good as being invisible, in many situations it is stronger, especially when creatures able to see invisible are around. The concept for such a spell is even older than the book you mentioned; it was first introduced in "Murder and Magic" by Randall Garrett. Its a pity he didnt write as many stories as I would like.
hughman 03-01-05, 01:09 AM	Evocation? what was I thinking.... acutally had planned it to be an enchantment. And thanks for the History lesson... haven't read much Garret so I hadn't encountered it there. Fell in love with the concept when I read it from Hambly and have never forgotten it. 10 mins/level eh? hmmm... was looking for something a bit longer lasting. Something that might be practical to keep up most of the time. hmmmm.... Guess that would work, though, give her just enough time to get in and find a hiding spot. Any others have suggestions? Hughman
Nom 03-01-05, 01:26 AM	Compare sanctuary. Is it supposed to be a sor/wiz version of sanctuary? More powerful? Less powerful? Although I haven't done a point by point comparison (yet), it seems more powerful, and thus is not appropriate for level 1.
hughman 03-01-05, 09:27 PM	Uh, no. There is nothing in the proposed spell that prevents people from attacking you. Well, nothing more than your old Garden variety Invisible spell will. [for those with reading impairments: invisibility provides 100% protection, but only as long as you aren't detected] There is nothing in my proposed spell that would protect the character or object from being attacked once it is Spotted. If there is, please let me know, as that was never my intent, would indeed make it WAY too powerful and must be reworded immediately. The intent of this spell is, as I said, to provide a broader, less fragile, and perhaps slightly less effective alternative to invisibility. Notice that invisibility provides concealment, (a form of defense) whereas the Cloak spell wouldn't. Likewise, if a person lacks some special abilities (tremor sense, See invis, clear sight, scenting, etc) invisibilty is practically absolute denying all ability to detect. On the other hand, anyone with a lucky enough roll can spot a cloaked person (natural 20 wins!) no matter what. While Generally more powerfull than an invis (i.e. it is effective in more situations) it is also fragile like invis, just with different techniques. OK, any helpful criticism? Hughman
hughman 03-06-05, 12:16 AM	Shameless Bump... aiming for prime time exposure Hughman