RPG Superstar 2008 Top 32, 2011 Top 16
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Phantom Steed should have its speed capped at 200 feet (at caster level 10). This would put it in line with other 3rd level spells with a cap, such as fireball and lightning bolt, and phantom steed is still the fastest thing in the game other than wind walking or shadow walking. (For nitpickers, teleportation effects don't grant a speed or speed bonus, though they do get you somewhere very quickly.)
This is one of the few travel spells for a Bard so changing it really hurts a class that does not need nerfing. We are talking about a Bard being able to travel at 24 mph for 1 hour per level. Since I am assuming 12th level for the speed, our bard can travel a distance of 288 miles in a 12 hour day. Half way from Denver to Kansas City. Not a huge game breaker espcially since the bard will need to make Fort saves after 8 hours.
If Jason does go along with limiting Phatom Steed then we need a spell like City Stride from Races of Destiny. This is a Bard spell which allows a bard to teleport somewhere within a small town or above the bard has visited in the past. Material component is a stone or rock from the city wall. The random aspect of not being able to specify where in the city you appear is very colorful goes along with dabbler side of the bard.
Doug
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RPG Superstar 2008 Top 32, 2011 Top 16
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This is one of the few travel spells for a Bard so changing it really hurts a class that does not need nerfing. We are talking about a Bard being able to travel at 24 mph for 1 hour per level. Since I am assuming 12th level for the speed, our bard can travel a distance of 288 miles in a 12 hour day. Half way from Denver to Kansas City. Not a huge game breaker espcially since the bard will need to make Fort saves after 8 hours.
If Jason does go along with limiting Phatom Steed then we need a spell like City Stride from Races of Destiny. This is a Bard spell which allows a bard to teleport somewhere within a small town or above the bard has visited in the past. Material component is a stone or rock from the city wall. The random aspect of not being able to specify where in the city you appear is very colorful goes along with dabbler side of the bard.
Doug
I get more like 55 mph using double move actions, but my concern is in combat, where a speed of 240 is almost the fastest thing in the game. Consider that an air elemental flys at 100, and gold dragon flys at 200 until it hits the old age category, when it goes up to 250. I think lowering the cap to 10th level (and 200) is still an incredibly generous speed for a 3rd level spell.
Neve seen Phantom Steed used in combat but I can see your point. Given how fragile they are at AC 18 and 19 hit points at 12th level I would not want to go into aerial combat with a dragon on one. Even at limiting it to a speed of 200 it would make a good inceptor. Should be able to catch almost anything. One hit though and it is gone.
Doug
If your concern is in combat only, just change the casting time to one minute. That would stop it from being used as a reaction to something in combat. If it was already up when combat started... as the other posted stated they are fragile and will not last long in a fight. Smart opponents will target the mount if they see a player using the movement to thier advantage.
RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8
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only time I've used it in combat was when I had a battle sorcerer with orb of force. Staying 200'+ away and chucking orbs at the target was good.
Of course the rest of my party was in melee, and provided better, um, targets.
It's a nice spell, but I don't think it's too good. Mass fly or overland flight are going to be better 'bang for the buck'. Or do you not want a mage more than willing to get far far away from his party?
If your concern is in combat only, just change the casting time to one minute. That would stop it from being used as a reaction to something in combat. If it was already up when combat started... as the other posted stated they are fragile and will not last long in a fight. Smart opponents will target the mount if they see a player using the movement to thier advantage.
I agree to limiting it. Not just for a game mechanic reason but due to the fact it goes too fast- why does the phantom speed go so fast when the 5th level fly spell goes at 40? Why can you outrun a dragon with this spell (or anything else really).
If it meant for cross country travel it should be similar to overland flight.
I like the idea of shadow step or some such for travel, something that bypasses. But the idea of a low level spell creature that goes so fast just seems broken
Phantom Steed has a casting time of 10 minutes, an AC of 18, and 7 hit points +1 per caster level. Bring this thing into combat and you're basically wasting a 3rd level spell slot and leaving you without a ride.