Seeing as black tentacles gets a size bonus to its grapple check, I was wondering if anyone else house-rules that this bumps the size bonus up as well as the area of effect. I figure if they're willing to blow a 7th level spell slot on it, sure they can have an extra +1 to the grapple checks, by the time you're 13th level it will probably only be good for the mooks and humanoids anyway since enemy CMD starts to climb steeply right around then.
It's something so minor that I would have never thought of it, but if a player asked... sure. Why not? It's not a good use of that slot, regardless, as you say.
On a side note, are there any ways to actually boost the CMB of black tentacles?
For example, if you took improved grapple as a feat or if you tried to cast bull's strength on the tentacles, would either of those actually work?
Why not let the PC research a higher-level "improved evard's black tentacles"? Maybe even with a scaling grapple DC (CMB) based on caster level?
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You mean "Evan's Spiked Tentacles of Forced Intrusion"?
The tentacles already scale with caster level.
Ascendant Spell lets you use the Mythic version of the spell. Spell Specialization and Spell Perfection would increase the caster level by 4, and therefore the CMB/CMD. Spell Perfection would also allow you to apply the Ascendant Spell metamagic for free.
lol... im just picturing taking the Wayang Spellhunter/Magical Lineage/Spell perfection combo on Black tentacles xD. Become a tentacle master XD
You mean "Evan's Spiked Tentacles of Forced Intrusion"?
The tentacles already scale with caster level.
Ascendant Spell lets you use the Mythic version of the spell. Spell Specialization and Spell Perfection would increase the caster level by 4, and therefore the CMB/CMD. Spell Perfection would also allow you to apply the Ascendant Spell metamagic for free.
The only problem with that is that unless you are actually epic, ascendant spell wouldn't bump the CMB at all, although it would make it so you can grapple oozes.... I'm trying to visualize that and it's a little absurd lol
The only problem with that is that unless you are actually epic, ascendant spell wouldn't bump the CMB at all, although it would make it so you can grapple oozes.... I'm trying to visualize that and it's a little absurd lol
Whereas giant rubbery black tentacles growing suddenly out of a stone floor is perfectly reasonable :-)
True enough. On a side note, Wayang Spellhunter only works for Summoners who want to be the tentacle master :\
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Not sure why you'd bump the size bonus. You get a size bonus when you're smaller than usual, not larger (see small-sized races).
I'd also advise against a size penalty - widening makes it wider, not higher (or lower). You'd run into problems with other spells and possibly fliers. Better to leave it as it's intended - widening it.
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Not sure why you'd bump the size bonus. You get a size bonus when you're smaller than usual, not larger (see small-sized races).
I'd also advise against a size penalty - widening makes it wider, not higher (or lower). You'd run into problems with other spells and possibly fliers. Better to leave it as it's intended - widening it.
It's the opposite for CMB rolls. Large sizes get bonuses small sizes get penalties.
As a house rule I let spell focus boost things like this for spells with no save and no direct damage.
That seems like a very abusable house rule since spell specialization would already boost it up. Not for black tentacles in particular, but I can think of a few spells that fit that description that do not need the power boost
At this point that rule has seen little application in PF, mostly a holdover from 3.5, as my group gets more experience with optimization in PF I may need to revisit it.
Dazing black tentacles is much better for the slot. Kind of hard to escape a grapple when you are perpetually dazed each round.
Plus, it forces a Will save to screw over many of the physical types, and a grapple check to screw over many of the mental types. It's pretty much win/win.
Is it legal? You can't cast summon monster with dazing metamagic to daze everybody it attacks. Same for black tentacles?
Why wouldn't it be legal? Dazing wall of fire works even though it's the fire dealing the ongoing damage, thus dazing black tentacles should likely too.
I really don't know, think we both have a fair point. Anyone?
I was thinking of having the bbew in my homebrew story plot to have this for a spell. Oracle of Dark Tapestry.......
Incidentally, 4 out of the 5 partymembers are female........