Rolling Thunder
School Evocation (sonic) Level Sorcerer/Wizard 2
Casting Time One Standard Action
Components V, S
Range Medium (100 ft + 10 ft/level)
Target One Creature
Duration Instantaneous
Saving Throw Fortitude Partial
Spell Resistance Yes
This spell creates a powerful burst that causes minor damage and pushes the target away from the caster.
Rolling Thunder deals d6 Sonic damage to the target, and this damage can be negated with a Fortitude save. However, its main use is to create a Bull Rush effect. This attempt does not provoke attacks of opportunity, uses caster level in place of CMB, and adds your Intelligence or Charisma modifier (as appropriate) in place of Strength or Dexterity. No save affects the bull rush portion of the spell.
I have a player playing an Air Elemental Bloodline Sorcerer whose theme is essentially that of Storm. We worked together to create this spell, I'm balancing it at 2nd level based more or less on Telekinesis. This spell creates only one portion of that spell's many effects and is instantaneous rather than over a duration, so 2nd level seemed appropriate. The damage is honestly incidental, I'd probably be just as happy without it there at all. I didn't want to allow a save against the bull rush, as it's already going to have to beat the defender's CMD. I could see it at 3rd level, but that seems a bit much. We're also discussing a higher-level version that would work in a burst centered on the caster, something like a 10 or 20 ft radius and a 4th or 5th level spell. Haven't decided for sure yet.
Does it look balanced? How's the clarity? Does it look useful, fun? Feedback appreciated.
EDIT: I sort of guessed at the range. Short also seems appropriate. Not sure yet. Suggestions?
