Is it correct that wordcasters have no equivalent to the Wish or Miracle spells?
I've looked at several ways and just don't seen any combination of meta or effect that can equal wish or miracle. Seems to be a major drawback of the system.
That is correct. Keep in mind that WoP is considered a primitive precursor to standard casting, so it's not entirely unreasonable to have such an analog left out.
Also, keep in mind that there is a Wordspell that deals 300+ damage at level 20 that forces a double save, and that save can be either Will or Fort at the caster's discretion.
Find a comparable spell in standard casting.
Also, keep in mind that there is a Wordspell that deals 300+ damage at level 20 that forces a double save, and that save can be either Will or Fort at the caster's discretion.
Find a comparable spell in standard casting.
Which one is that?
Irresistable Selected Horror Slay
Throw in Mind Warp if you're targeting a Warrior type target. Yes, it's 2 Meta Words if you do that, but that's usually a guaranteed kill.
It's 350 damage at level 20. I couldn't remember if both Effect Words had a damage cap or not. Horror does not.
Also, this particular Effect Word is very, VERY powerful.
Corrosive Bolt (Acid)
School conjuration (creation) [acid]; Level magus 2, sorcerer/wizard 2
Duration 1 round/level (see text)
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no
Target Restrictions selected
A wordspell with this effect word deals 1d4 points of acid damage per level of the wordcaster (maximum 5d4). On the following round, the target takes this damage again. Hitting a target with a wordspell with this effect word requires a ranged touch attack.
The duration is listed incorrectly, as it's supposed to be 2 rounds. You can make it Lengthy for a Meta Word use and drag it out to 4 rounds. Intensify can bring it up to 10d4/round at level 10 (total 40d4 over 4 rounds), making the spell still quite relevant even through mid-high levels as a 3rd level damage Wordspell given that it allows no save or SR.
How do you know it's supposed to be 2 rounds?
How do you know it's supposed to be 2 rounds?
Reread the text.
The misprint could also be missing the "s" from "following round," correct?
The other reason is that it's horrendously overpowered that way. The original printing shows it as 2 rounds, as well.
Another thing to keep in mind with WoP is that certain Effect Words are straight-up better than their standard counterparts. Enhance Body, for example, which allows you to choose the physical stat you are boosting instead of having a separate casting for STR, CON, or DEX. Additionally, for the benefit of Sorcerors, since it utilizes the Selected Target Word, you can Boost for a Mass version without wasting a Word known.
WoP was designed for Sorcerors because of things like this. I'll maintain this until they provide more support for other classes (hint: JJ has specifically stated that WoP will receive no additional support from Paizo).
A couple other niceties: A non-Cold, non-Acid set of cantrip damage options (including "spray bottle" varieties with Cone as the Target Word), standard action summons (though the Servitor line is a little odd compared to Summon Monster), and LOCK WARD (this is the most powerful Effect Word in the entire system).
If your GM approves Words of Power, but didn't read Lock Ward, then they are made of fail.
Personally, I like my feat-equivalent spell and its "I'm going to impersonate Brew Potion for 7th level spells" goodness. Truth be told, though, it's much more fun to use it with buff spells. Lock Ward + Perfect Form + Boost Monstrous Form attached to a small vial or locket as a handy 8th level Wordspell, or even using your 4th level and up slots on off days to prep Enhance Form + Lock Ward items for use during adventures.
"How many days did I have off, again?" is suddenly THE question for the character. ;-)