Question about Races of the Dragon spell conversion

[Eric Hinkle]

What should be done to reign in the staggering power of the Power Word: Pain spell from 3.5's Races of the Dragon?

For the unwary, it's an Enchantment spell, 1st level, no save or spell resistance, that inflicts 1d6 damage a round for as much as 16 rounds. Yes, potentially 96 points of damage from a first level spell.

Is there any way to bring this spell over to Pathfinder without letting the party sorcerer basically become an unstoppable killer?

[kyrt-ryder]

The thing about that spell, is that it's damage over time. Sure you could potentially deal that much damage, but combats don't last nearly that long. Said sorcerer would be better off casting grease or color spray or sleep.

[tumbler]

Depends on whether you want a conversion or a new version.

Conversion: Have it do 1d6 in the first round, then 1 dmg each round after. Or 1d6 per round, but offer a fort save to end the effect each round after the first.

[Arakhor]

Eric Hinkle wrote:

For the unwary, it's an Enchantment spell, 1st level, no save or spell resistance, that inflicts 1d6 damage a round for as much as 16 rounds. Yes, potentially 96 points of damage from a first level spell.

Frankly, anyone capable of rolling 70+ damage is doing really well and anyone who managed to roll sixteen sixes deserves to be at a casino (or not using loaded dice)!

[Freesword]

Perhaps change it to nonlethal damage. Turns it into a wonderful way to take prisoners.