How useful is this spell? Shifting Sand

[Shorticus]

Shifting Sand!

I'm looking at this as a possible pick for my Fey Trickster Mesmerist (who has been a blast to play!) since she's working those Transmutation spells really well. I like that it's able to be used more frequently than the various Entangle spells...

...but I'm not clear on a few things. For instance, am I correct in interpreting this spell as NOT immediately demanding a Reflex saving throw from enemies when I move the sand into someone's square? And NOT demanding a saving throw when I initially cast it? It's specifically for enemies beginning their turn in it or entering it, right?

So, how useful is this spell exactly? I like that I can move it around. Would you use it?

Also, what is a 20 foot spread? Is that a 20 foot radius, or a 20 foot diameter, or...?

[Quixote]

The area of a spread or burst is always a radius unless specified as otherwise, I do believe.

Spread: "Some effects, notably clouds and fogs, spread out from a point of origin, which must be a grid intersection. The effect can extend around corners and into areas that you can’t see. Figure distance by actual distance traveled, taking into account turns the spell effect takes. When determining distance for spread effects, count around walls, not through them. As with movement, do not trace diagonals across corners. You must designate the point of origin for such an effect, but you need not have line of effect (see below) to all portions of the effect."

It looks like a decent control spell. Doesn't have the range or duration of Entangle, but it's more flexible and less restricted and has some other effects. The fact that you can move entangled targets with it is awesome.

[Shorticus]

Hey, thanks for the insight.

Do you think this would let me drop people off cliffs or the like? Entangle someone, pull the sand over a cliff?

[Quixote]

Yeah, looks like it to me.