Cantrip design: Unmake - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Cantrip design: Unmake

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
Neely
May 19, 2008 13:46:20 Hi folks! I'd like to get some feedback on following spell design ^^
The idea is that the spell forms an opposite to Mending. I thus started from Mending and adapted a couple of properties.

Unmake
Transmutation
Level: Sorc/Wiz 0
Components: S
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: 10ft
Target: One object of up to 1lb/clvl (max 5lb)
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Will negates (for attended objects)
Spell Resistance: Yes (for attended objects)

Unmake breaks, shatters or tears objects (but not warps, such as might be caused by a warp wood spell). It will break metal objects such as a ring, a chain link, a medallion or even a weapon within weight limit. Ceramic, glass or wooden objects are shattered. Cloth and leather are torn. The spell cannot unmake any magical object of any kind, nor does it affect creatures (including constructs and undead). It cannot unmake a specific part of larger object that is defined as one object (for instance the axis of a chariot, or the lock of a door).
#2
Diffan
May 20, 2008 11:15:52 It might be a bit powerful since it can break weapons. Though with the 0 level spell Mending, it could balance it out. Though with say a quickened spell that somehow makes an opponent drop his weapon, then this spell, auto-matically shatters the weapon, magical or no.
#3
Neely
May 20, 2008 12:37:07 Thanks for your reply Diffan.

"It might be a bit powerful since it can break weapons."

The weight limit prevents it from weapons anything more than simple light weapons to be shattered. A real fighter's weapon is far above that weight limit. This ability is more designed to disarm an opponent mage who most often wield light weapons (like staff, sling, sickle or daggers).
And once you go above lvl 5, the magic items are gonna start to kick in. ^^

I hope this explains my thoughts behind it
#4
Diffan
May 20, 2008 15:58:29 right, i can understand that. But many one handed weapons such as the longsword and warhammer are only 5 lbs. Being magical doesn't help in that reguard. Unattended magical weapons get saving throws equal to 2 plus 1/2 the caster level if not attented to (ie being carried, worn, or in possession of a person). It's not very high and wizards can have their fighter type friend attempt to disarm or cast certain spells that make the opponent drop their weapon, making it unattended and bam, weapon destroyed. It's a cool spell, one that i'll incorporate into my campaign and give you some feed back on it's balance.
#5
Neely
May 21, 2008 13:02:12
It's a cool spell, one that i'll incorporate into my campaign and give you some feed back on it's balance.

I'll be looking forward hearing from your testing results ^^
#6
Therise
May 21, 2008 13:11:23 I love the idea. Excellent for not only a combat application at low level, but also for all the interesting roleplaying things one might do with it. Doing a Houdini and escaping from ropes (being tied up) or being chained to a wall with cuffs (and breaking a chain link) would be cool.

Hi folks! I'd like to get some feedback on following spell design ^^
The idea is that the spell forms an opposite to Mending. I thus started from Mending and adapted a couple of properties.

Unmake
Transmutation
Level: Sorc/Wiz 0
Components: S
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: 10ft
Target: One object of up to 1lb/clvl (max 5lb)
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Will negates (for attended objects)
Spell Resistance: Yes (for attended objects)

Unmake breaks, shatters or tears objects (but not warps, such as might be caused by a warp wood spell). It will break metal objects such as a ring, a chain link, a medallion or even a weapon within weight limit. Ceramic, glass or wooden objects are shattered. Cloth and leather are torn. The spell cannot unmake any magical object of any kind, nor does it affect creatures (including constructs and undead). It cannot unmake a specific part of larger object that is defined as one object (for instance the axis of a chariot, or the lock of a door).

#7
lord_typhus
May 21, 2008 13:29:47
Hi folks! I'd like to get some feedback on following spell design ^^
The idea is that the spell forms an opposite to Mending. I thus started from Mending and adapted a couple of properties.

Unmake
Transmutation
Level: Sorc/Wiz 0
Components: S
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: 10ft
Target: One object of up to 1lb/clvl (max 5lb)
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Will negates (for attended objects)
Spell Resistance: Yes (for attended objects)

Unmake breaks, shatters or tears objects (but not warps, such as might be caused by a warp wood spell). It will break metal objects such as a ring, a chain link, a medallion or even a weapon within weight limit. Ceramic, glass or wooden objects are shattered. Cloth and leather are torn. The spell cannot unmake any magical object of any kind, nor does it affect creatures (including constructs and undead). It cannot unmake a specific part of larger object that is defined as one object (for instance the axis of a chariot, or the lock of a door).

Already used it to free some Thayan slaves from an encampment near Waterdeep. Our DM set up an enclave (north?) of Waterdeep where a small group of Reds & their slavers (fighters, not the actual Thayan Slaver PrC) had begun trafficing their illicit 'cargo'. Our party's wizard "unmade" the chains which bound them and the rope holding a chandelier(sp?) which torched the place as we left...fun times, really. Great work on the spell, very useful...
#8
Neely
May 22, 2008 12:59:41 wow thank you both ^^

Therise, I designed the spell for roleplayings sake mainly. My character who's gonna make use of it is already way way past early character stages. She's multiclassing and has 4 levels in sorceress so I'm filling her cantrips in with usefull spells that are still fun to use even at higher level. I doubt she'll ever use it in combat, with maybe the exception to intimidate commoners.

Lord Typhus, now that's what I call quick action! ^^
Did your DM make no fuss about the spell and its abilities?
#9
Khaelieth
May 22, 2008 13:11:38
I love the idea. Excellent for not only a combat application at low level, but also for all the interesting roleplaying things one might do with it. Doing a Houdini and escaping from ropes (being tied up) or being chained to a wall with cuffs (and breaking a chain link) would be cool.

Don't teach Stigger that spell! it would ruin our fun!

But it looks like a pretty cool spell. i like it=)
#10
lord_typhus
May 22, 2008 15:15:16
Lord Typhus, now that's what I call quick action! ^^
Did your DM make no fuss about the spell and its abilities?

Not a bit, said it was a sound and adequate adjustment to Mending, and it was a fine spell to have on hand.

If you come up with anymore ideas, run em' past me and I'll let you know how they turn out cuz' we'll use em' in our game.
#11
Stigger
May 22, 2008 16:30:14 This is pretty spiffy... can think of several uses a mage-thief could put it towards to make life slightly easier and more profitable. Gonna use this one I think.

Oh, and :P @ Khaelieth
#12
Therise
May 22, 2008 19:10:45
wow thank you both ^^
Therise, I designed the spell for roleplayings sake mainly. My character who's gonna make use of it is already way way past early character stages. She's multiclassing and has 4 levels in sorceress so I'm filling her cantrips in with usefull spells that are still fun to use even at higher level. I doubt she'll ever use it in combat, with maybe the exception to intimidate commoners.

No problem. Heh, I like that.

Lord Typhus, now that's what I call quick action! ^^
Did your DM make no fuss about the spell and its abilities?

Also as a DM, I wouldn't have any issues with it. I love the creative application of new spells. This one doesn't seem unbalanced, as Typhus also indicated, as it has the Mending counterpart.

I'd even let someone use Stigger's idea for a mage-thief who uses it for thieving (no need for a razorblade to cut purse-strings, for example). Good, solid application.
#13
Mr_Miscellany
May 22, 2008 20:16:12 I could see someone trying to ready an action to zap the dagger of a thief as they try to make a sneak attack. This one has potential on both sides of the DM screen.

It's spells like these that can give even high level characters fits.

More, please? ;)
#14
Stigger
May 22, 2008 23:53:49 Now that's a good idea... gonna sneak that one in on my players tomorrow night I think.
#15
Mr_Miscellany
May 23, 2008 0:49:21 Drop this cantrip via permanency onto an otherwise unmagical lock and make sure the spell resets each round.

Then, every time a thief tries to pick the lock, unmake ruins his/her mundane thieving tools as they're being used on that lock.

Heh....
#16
Mr_Miscellany
May 23, 2008 1:35:24 This is EXACTLY the spell that every mischievous and/or devious fey creature should be able to cast at will.

I can imagine two circles of fey dancing and singing in twittery voices, each focused on one of a pair of long chains holding an upright drawbridge in place, with the guards who tend the chains and gatehouse all deeply asleep by the magic of those same fey.

With a shout of glee the fey circles break apart into pairs that quickly move to each end of the two chains as a glowing wave of lively magical energy forms over the center of each chain in the fey's wake.

The fey begin singing a song of mischief and doom born of the darkest parts of the feywild that causes the waves of magic to travel up and down each chain. As a result, audible pops and pings herald the rapid breaking of each link in the chain as the magical waves move up and down the iron links, until the weight of the drawbridge rends the links apart and causes the drawbridge to come crashing down.....

.....where a horde of hungry orcs waits to come charging across, thoughts of slaughter, plunder and fresh meat fueling their howls of thanks to the fey as terrified cries of alarm from the just roused gatehouse guards echo into the keep beyond.

And when dwarven traders from the nearby mountains come calling some weeks later to find the human trading fort a ruined shambles, one wise old dwarf looks at the broken chains scattered amongst the bodies and says out loud, “....there’s a reason why you build chains thick and heavy! Poor fools don’t even live long enough to know better.”

All that from one cantrip. SWEET!
#17
Stigger
May 23, 2008 2:05:02 Never thought of unseelie types as twittery voiced... but I like the idea otherwise. :D
#18
valgard
May 23, 2008 3:47:37 Very good and funny uses for this new spell. And in combat it may be as useful as a chill touch. Good idea Neely.
#19
Therise
May 23, 2008 17:27:48
Never thought of unseelie types as twittery voiced... but I like the idea otherwise. :D

I like to think of some unseelies as being similar to the "evil', water-poisoned gremlins of the Gremlins movie.

IMAGE(http://www.movieprop.com/tvandmovie/reviews/gremlinsspike2.jpg)
#20
lord_typhus
May 23, 2008 18:25:29
I like to think of some unseelies as being similar to the "evil', water-poisoned gremlins of the Gremlins movie.

That's freaking hilarious....i loved that movie lol

Neely how you been? Anymore ideas in the works?
#21
lord_typhus
May 25, 2008 10:57:01
#22
markustay63
May 25, 2008 11:20:49 I will definately use this, but I'm going to change the amount affected to 1lb + ½lb per level (meaning it scales with spell levls, rather then Char levels, per pound). This would prevent it from being too powerful at low levels, and I would keep the 5lb max.

This falls into the category of a cantrip that a high-level mage would still use - great job.

Just one question - would this work on the 4e FRCG?

Sorry... couldn't resist. :P
#23
lord_typhus
May 25, 2008 13:08:37 Neely, found another use for it the other night; unmade a pulley which held a gate open, turned some orcs under it into pincushions (gate had a spiked bottom to anchor it in place when it was lowered to the ground) and skewered a worg through the spine...half went one way, the other end went another, lol. Great times...gotta love cantrips that can completely own a terrible situation Haha.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Neely May 19, 2008 13:46:20	Hi folks! I'd like to get some feedback on following spell design ^^ The idea is that the spell forms an opposite to Mending. I thus started from Mending and adapted a couple of properties. Unmake Transmutation Level: Sorc/Wiz 0 Components: S Casting Time: 1 standard action Range: 10ft Target: One object of up to 1lb/clvl (max 5lb) Duration: Instantaneous Saving Throw: Will negates (for attended objects) Spell Resistance: Yes (for attended objects) Unmake breaks, shatters or tears objects (but not warps, such as might be caused by a warp wood spell). It will break metal objects such as a ring, a chain link, a medallion or even a weapon within weight limit. Ceramic, glass or wooden objects are shattered. Cloth and leather are torn. The spell cannot unmake any magical object of any kind, nor does it affect creatures (including constructs and undead). It cannot unmake a specific part of larger object that is defined as one object (for instance the axis of a chariot, or the lock of a door).
#2 Diffan May 20, 2008 11:15:52	It might be a bit powerful since it can break weapons. Though with the 0 level spell Mending, it could balance it out. Though with say a quickened spell that somehow makes an opponent drop his weapon, then this spell, auto-matically shatters the weapon, magical or no.
#3 Neely May 20, 2008 12:37:07	Thanks for your reply Diffan. "It might be a bit powerful since it can break weapons." The weight limit prevents it from weapons anything more than simple light weapons to be shattered. A real fighter's weapon is far above that weight limit. This ability is more designed to disarm an opponent mage who most often wield light weapons (like staff, sling, sickle or daggers). And once you go above lvl 5, the magic items are gonna start to kick in. ^^ I hope this explains my thoughts behind it
#4 Diffan May 20, 2008 15:58:29	right, i can understand that. But many one handed weapons such as the longsword and warhammer are only 5 lbs. Being magical doesn't help in that reguard. Unattended magical weapons get saving throws equal to 2 plus 1/2 the caster level if not attented to (ie being carried, worn, or in possession of a person). It's not very high and wizards can have their fighter type friend attempt to disarm or cast certain spells that make the opponent drop their weapon, making it unattended and bam, weapon destroyed. It's a cool spell, one that i'll incorporate into my campaign and give you some feed back on it's balance.
#5 Neely May 21, 2008 13:02:12	It's a cool spell, one that i'll incorporate into my campaign and give you some feed back on it's balance. I'll be looking forward hearing from your testing results ^^
#6 Therise May 21, 2008 13:11:23	I love the idea. Excellent for not only a combat application at low level, but also for all the interesting roleplaying things one might do with it. Doing a Houdini and escaping from ropes (being tied up) or being chained to a wall with cuffs (and breaking a chain link) would be cool. Hi folks! I'd like to get some feedback on following spell design ^^ The idea is that the spell forms an opposite to Mending. I thus started from Mending and adapted a couple of properties. Unmake Transmutation Level: Sorc/Wiz 0 Components: S Casting Time: 1 standard action Range: 10ft Target: One object of up to 1lb/clvl (max 5lb) Duration: Instantaneous Saving Throw: Will negates (for attended objects) Spell Resistance: Yes (for attended objects) Unmake breaks, shatters or tears objects (but not warps, such as might be caused by a warp wood spell). It will break metal objects such as a ring, a chain link, a medallion or even a weapon within weight limit. Ceramic, glass or wooden objects are shattered. Cloth and leather are torn. The spell cannot unmake any magical object of any kind, nor does it affect creatures (including constructs and undead). It cannot unmake a specific part of larger object that is defined as one object (for instance the axis of a chariot, or the lock of a door).
#7 lord_typhus May 21, 2008 13:29:47	Hi folks! I'd like to get some feedback on following spell design ^^ The idea is that the spell forms an opposite to Mending. I thus started from Mending and adapted a couple of properties. Unmake Transmutation Level: Sorc/Wiz 0 Components: S Casting Time: 1 standard action Range: 10ft Target: One object of up to 1lb/clvl (max 5lb) Duration: Instantaneous Saving Throw: Will negates (for attended objects) Spell Resistance: Yes (for attended objects) Unmake breaks, shatters or tears objects (but not warps, such as might be caused by a warp wood spell). It will break metal objects such as a ring, a chain link, a medallion or even a weapon within weight limit. Ceramic, glass or wooden objects are shattered. Cloth and leather are torn. The spell cannot unmake any magical object of any kind, nor does it affect creatures (including constructs and undead). It cannot unmake a specific part of larger object that is defined as one object (for instance the axis of a chariot, or the lock of a door). Already used it to free some Thayan slaves from an encampment near Waterdeep. Our DM set up an enclave (north?) of Waterdeep where a small group of Reds & their slavers (fighters, not the actual Thayan Slaver PrC) had begun trafficing their illicit 'cargo'. Our party's wizard "unmade" the chains which bound them and the rope holding a chandelier(sp?) which torched the place as we left...fun times, really. Great work on the spell, very useful...
#8 Neely May 22, 2008 12:59:41	wow thank you both ^^ Therise, I designed the spell for roleplayings sake mainly. My character who's gonna make use of it is already way way past early character stages. She's multiclassing and has 4 levels in sorceress so I'm filling her cantrips in with usefull spells that are still fun to use even at higher level. I doubt she'll ever use it in combat, with maybe the exception to intimidate commoners. Lord Typhus, now that's what I call quick action! ^^ Did your DM make no fuss about the spell and its abilities?
#9 Khaelieth May 22, 2008 13:11:38	I love the idea. Excellent for not only a combat application at low level, but also for all the interesting roleplaying things one might do with it. Doing a Houdini and escaping from ropes (being tied up) or being chained to a wall with cuffs (and breaking a chain link) would be cool. Don't teach Stigger that spell! it would ruin our fun! But it looks like a pretty cool spell. i like it=)
#10 lord_typhus May 22, 2008 15:15:16	Lord Typhus, now that's what I call quick action! ^^ Did your DM make no fuss about the spell and its abilities? Not a bit, said it was a sound and adequate adjustment to Mending, and it was a fine spell to have on hand. If you come up with anymore ideas, run em' past me and I'll let you know how they turn out cuz' we'll use em' in our game.
#11 Stigger May 22, 2008 16:30:14	This is pretty spiffy... can think of several uses a mage-thief could put it towards to make life slightly easier and more profitable. Gonna use this one I think. Oh, and :P @ Khaelieth
#12 Therise May 22, 2008 19:10:45	wow thank you both ^^ Therise, I designed the spell for roleplayings sake mainly. My character who's gonna make use of it is already way way past early character stages. She's multiclassing and has 4 levels in sorceress so I'm filling her cantrips in with usefull spells that are still fun to use even at higher level. I doubt she'll ever use it in combat, with maybe the exception to intimidate commoners. No problem. Heh, I like that. Lord Typhus, now that's what I call quick action! ^^ Did your DM make no fuss about the spell and its abilities? Also as a DM, I wouldn't have any issues with it. I love the creative application of new spells. This one doesn't seem unbalanced, as Typhus also indicated, as it has the Mending counterpart. I'd even let someone use Stigger's idea for a mage-thief who uses it for thieving (no need for a razorblade to cut purse-strings, for example). Good, solid application.
#13 Mr_Miscellany May 22, 2008 20:16:12	I could see someone trying to ready an action to zap the dagger of a thief as they try to make a sneak attack. This one has potential on both sides of the DM screen. It's spells like these that can give even high level characters fits. More, please? ;)
#14 Stigger May 22, 2008 23:53:49	Now that's a good idea... gonna sneak that one in on my players tomorrow night I think.
#15 Mr_Miscellany May 23, 2008 0:49:21	Drop this cantrip via permanency onto an otherwise unmagical lock and make sure the spell resets each round. Then, every time a thief tries to pick the lock, unmake ruins his/her mundane thieving tools as they're being used on that lock. Heh....
#16 Mr_Miscellany May 23, 2008 1:35:24	This is EXACTLY the spell that every mischievous and/or devious fey creature should be able to cast at will. I can imagine two circles of fey dancing and singing in twittery voices, each focused on one of a pair of long chains holding an upright drawbridge in place, with the guards who tend the chains and gatehouse all deeply asleep by the magic of those same fey. With a shout of glee the fey circles break apart into pairs that quickly move to each end of the two chains as a glowing wave of lively magical energy forms over the center of each chain in the fey's wake. The fey begin singing a song of mischief and doom born of the darkest parts of the feywild that causes the waves of magic to travel up and down each chain. As a result, audible pops and pings herald the rapid breaking of each link in the chain as the magical waves move up and down the iron links, until the weight of the drawbridge rends the links apart and causes the drawbridge to come crashing down..... .....where a horde of hungry orcs waits to come charging across, thoughts of slaughter, plunder and fresh meat fueling their howls of thanks to the fey as terrified cries of alarm from the just roused gatehouse guards echo into the keep beyond. And when dwarven traders from the nearby mountains come calling some weeks later to find the human trading fort a ruined shambles, one wise old dwarf looks at the broken chains scattered amongst the bodies and says out loud, “....there’s a reason why you build chains thick and heavy! Poor fools don’t even live long enough to know better.” All that from one cantrip. SWEET!
#17 Stigger May 23, 2008 2:05:02	Never thought of unseelie types as twittery voiced... but I like the idea otherwise. :D
#18 valgard May 23, 2008 3:47:37	Very good and funny uses for this new spell. And in combat it may be as useful as a chill touch. Good idea Neely.
#19 Therise May 23, 2008 17:27:48	Never thought of unseelie types as twittery voiced... but I like the idea otherwise. :D I like to think of some unseelies as being similar to the "evil', water-poisoned gremlins of the Gremlins movie.
#20 lord_typhus May 23, 2008 18:25:29	I like to think of some unseelies as being similar to the "evil', water-poisoned gremlins of the Gremlins movie. That's freaking hilarious....i loved that movie lol Neely how you been? Anymore ideas in the works?
#21 lord_typhus May 25, 2008 10:57:01
#22 markustay63 May 25, 2008 11:20:49	I will definately use this, but I'm going to change the amount affected to 1lb + ½lb per level (meaning it scales with spell levls, rather then Char levels, per pound). This would prevent it from being too powerful at low levels, and I would keep the 5lb max. This falls into the category of a cantrip that a high-level mage would still use - great job. Just one question - would this work on the 4e FRCG? Sorry... couldn't resist. :P
#23 lord_typhus May 25, 2008 13:08:37	Neely, found another use for it the other night; unmade a pulley which held a gate open, turned some orcs under it into pincushions (gate had a spiked bottom to anchor it in place when it was lowered to the ground) and skewered a worg through the spine...half went one way, the other end went another, lol. Great times...gotta love cantrips that can completely own a terrible situation Haha.