New Spells: Spellbind & Siphon Spell


Homebrew and House Rules


---
-------
I created these spells expecting some controversy. I placed a few limitations hoping they'd be enough, but I'd appreciate any feedback. Please remember that not every world has a plethora of magic-users, and therefore there's not always a mystic set of irons that can prevent spellcasting in a creature. Adventuresome mages are left with little recourse besides developing spells like these, when they want to capture others instead of killing them.
-------
---
-------
SPELLBIND
Abjuration
Level: Sor/Wiz 3
Components: V, S, F (carving of a shackled person–50gp)
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Medium
Target: One creature with spellcasting or spell-like abilities
Duration: Concentration, then 1hr/level, see text
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No

You create an insulating field tailored specifically for a single creature, which cuts them off from casting spells or using spell-like abilities. Items may still be used, as long as they’re not spell completion items. Magic from other sources can still affect them. Ongoing spells they've cast still have their full effect, such as contingency.

Before you cast this spell, you must observe the intended target for one round while using a divination spell such as detect magic or arcane sight. Only rounds in which the subject casts a spell count.

When you cast spellbind, make an opposed caster level check (each rolls 1d20 + caster level). Because you custom-make the field each time you cast the spell, spell resistance does not apply. Any feats or class features possessed either by you or the target which increase the DC of abjuration spells or give an advantage to caster level checks apply toward this check.

Once you’ve maintained concentration for one minute, you may secure this spell in such a way that it lasts for an hour per caster level. If you modify the original casting with the Extend Spell metamagic feat, it’s this second duration that is extended. Under arcane sight or similar effects which reveal spellcasting ability in a creature, you discern that creature’s ability normally, but perceive that a ward is blocking them.
-------
---
-------
SIPHON SPELL
Abjuration
Level: Sor/Wiz 1
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 swift action
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: Concentration until discharged, see text
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No

This spell allows you to siphon a portion of an enemy’s spell to graft on to your next casting of spellbind. You first cast this spell, then maintain concentration and a ready action to trigger when an enemy next casts a spell or uses a spell-like ability. Both the concentration and the ready action are held simultaneously. Since casting time is a swift action, concentration and the ready action begin in the same round as casting.

When this ready action triggers, you drain some of the spell’s energy. This portion you’ve siphoned you graft into spellbind, which eliminates the need to study an opponent, as described in that spell’s entry. This spell may only eliminate the requirement if the target of spellbind was the source of the energy you’ve taken with this spell.

If the spell or ability you siphon deals damage, you subtract 5hp of damage from it. If it does not deal damage, you do not subtract damage, though you still receive siphon spell's other benefits.

You must maintain concentration until you cast spellbind, even after you’ve siphoned a spell. After you’ve siphoned a spell, you cannot drain a second spell in the same casting. You must either use what you’ve taken or release it. This spell ends when either your concentration breaks or its effects are subsumed by spellbind.
-------
---


I've been meaning to reply to this thread for the last two days, but haven't had the chance for an in depth response until today. First off, I like the IDEAS behind each of these spells, but the execution needs work. Each could benefit from more solid wording.

Leonis472 wrote:

I created these spells expecting some controversy. I placed a few limitations hoping they'd be enough, but I'd appreciate any feedback. Please remember that not every world has a plethora of magic-users, and therefore there's not always a mystic set of irons that can prevent spellcasting in a creature. Adventuresome mages are left with little recourse besides developing spells like these, when they want to capture others instead of killing them.

SPELLBIND

You asked so here are my thoughts...

  • Spellbind... immediately I associated it with the word "spellbound" and it's enamoured description. So the name has to go.
  • Why is this only a Sorcerer/Wizard spell? Why can't a bard use the spell? Cleric? Ranger? Druid? Perhaps the spell should be described to work on arcane casters only? No? Then include Bard, Cleric and Druid. This is a good enough spell that Rangers & Paladins might want it, too.
  • I don't like that I need to waste another spell slot just to cast this spell. It should work if I make a Spellcraft check.
  • The casting time / duration is wrong. From what I understand from the spell description, the casting time is: 1 minute. The duration is: 1 hr/caster level.
  • 10 Rounds is... TOO LONG. Amount of time needed for casting needs to be more fluid. Example: A 20th level caster shouldn't need to stand around for 10 rounds (1 minute) waiting to spellbind a 1st level caster.
  • Spell duration should say that it only works with caster levels. And should include rules for multiple types of caster levels. Such as: wizard/bard, cleric/paladin, sorcerer/ranger ,etc.
  • Needs to include rules for breaking free of a successfully cast binding. Even if it is only once every hour.
  • If a Divine Caster is in a spellbind, how would this affect his connection to his deity?

    Leonis472 wrote:
    SIPHON SPELL

    Perhaps this should be called: Arcane Insight. It only has a minor siphoning ability.

    Leonis472 wrote:
    This spell allows you to siphon a portion of an enemy’s spell to graft on to your next casting of spellbind.

    What? I read this first sentence and it made no sense. It should read: This spell allows you to siphon off a portion of an enemy’s spell, which can be used to assist spellbind.

  • Again, why only sorcerer/wizards?
  • Casting time should be: 1 immediate action, allowing someone to respond to a spell being cast, thus eliminating the need to wait around for a Spellcraft check.
  • Duration should read: Until discharged. Concentration is an effect that happens no matter what. Concentration checks only happen: "If something interrupts your concentration while you’re casting, you must make a concentration check or lose the spell." (PFRPG, pg. 206) If you still want to keep the need to continue making Concentration checks after having cast the spell, just include that in the spell description.
  • Give it Spell Resistance!!! It should not be automatic. A targeted caster should have the ability to TRY to keep me from gaining insight into his spell. OR affect my spellbind attempt.
  • Don't use the word graft. It just confuses what this spell is trying to do.
  • The siphoning of damage is solid. BUT the next sentence, is unnecessary.
  • With the way spell reads, the siphon damage may be completely unnecessary.

    Over all, the idea behind Siphon Spell could be a TRAIT allowing you to immediately recognize a school of magic without having to make a Spellcraft check.

  • Community / Forums / Pathfinder / Pathfinder First Edition / Homebrew and House Rules / New Spells: Spellbind & Siphon Spell All Messageboards

    Want to post a reply? Sign in.
    Recent threads in Homebrew and House Rules
    Continents and Oceans.