Marionette Possession conditions

So I just hit level 5 as a witch in my game and I'm trying to pick my spells. I was really intrigued by Marionette Possession because it seems like it can be really useful until I get Magic Jar. However, the description says it can only be used on willing creatures. First of all this seems kind of pointless, especially for a 3rd level spell, but it also says that the spell requires a Will save to resist, which doesn't make sense if the target is willing. Likewise, the shortened description says "Like magic jar, but limited to line of sight" but magic jar doesn't have the willing target restriction. What's the deal?

What's the deal?

Good questions. Magic Jar is already problematic in its own right, but the write-up of Marionette Posession is indeed lacking any explanation for its listed Will Save. And why state its "like Magic Jar", only to repeat about half of that spell's properties?

Here's a question. Would it be broken if it DID allow involuntary possession on a will save?

Would it be broken if it DID allow involuntary possession on a will save?

Probably not. You need to know the name of your victim, and your own body becomes a liability while you're busy puppeteering. It would be a potent spell at its level, but not a game-breaking one.

lastspartacus wrote:

Would it be broken if it DID allow involuntary possession on a will save?

Probably not. You need to know the name of your victim, and your own body becomes a liability while you're busy puppeteering. It would be a potent spell at its level, but not a game-breaking one.

Those are my thoughts, since it does function as a weaker magic jar. You just get one victim then the spell ends, unlike magic jar where you can potentially affect every enemy in the fight. I guess I can let my DM make the final call. Thanks for the insight!