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My question pertains to the level 1 wizard/sorcerer spell "ray of enfeeblement" that does 1d6 +1 per 2 caster levels of strength damage to your target (max 1d6 +5 at 10th level).
The rules state that this effect doesn't stack with itself and if YOU hit the target more than once it takes the worse effect. Seems pretty clear. (example: spellcaster A hit for 2 strength one round and hit again for 5 strength damage the second round the target would only take 5 strength damage not 7 damage.)
However, what if there are TWO spellcasters shooting rays of enfeeblement at a target. Wouldn't the target suffer this effect per caster? If caster A hit for 4 strength damage and caster B hit for 5 strength damage, would the target be at -9 strength or is it just -5 strength? Just curious if a second caster's spell would stack with this effect.
Thoughts?
You could always use the "empower spell" feat, making your 1st level spell use a 3rd level spell slot for 1d6 +50% of your die roll.
Or you could use "maximize spell" feat, making your 1st level spell a 4th level spell for a flat "6" plus your 1 per two levels.
Or we could make this level 1 spell a level 6 spell by using both feats. By now you're a level 11 caster so it would be "6" for maximize +(1d6 x 50%) for empower +5 for your caster level, which would give you a range of 12-14 strength damage (empower doesn't seem like it's worth it for this spell).
You are correct. It does not do strength damage, just applies a penalty to strength.
However, I'm still looking for opinions on whether or not it stacks by multiple casters.
You are correct. It does not do strength damage, just applies a penalty to strength.
However, I'm still looking for opinions on whether or not it stacks by multiple casters.
Even though it is from two distinct spell casters, the "source" is still the spell, the same spell. Between the two, one spell might last longer, but only the largest numeric value at any time would be in effect.
hmm... for some reason I thought "penalties" always stacked!
Under normal circumstances, yes. However, the spell specifically states that they do not in this case.
I think the best way to think of this spell's effect would be as a "negative enhancement".
hmm... for some reason I thought "penalties" always stacked!
Normally you are right, that is the "Rule" however the spell puts an exception to the rule into effect, the last two sentances of the spell description state (PFRPG pg. 330):
"This penalty does not stack with itself. Apply the highest penalty instead."
Thanks everyone. I think you are right. The key words in the spell description being "does not stack with itself." no matter how many wizards cast it at you.
Thanks!