I think Astral Rain is intended to have a duration, but RAW it looks like it can get Unleash Psyche bonus damage. Would it get only get bonus damage on both the initial cast or would the triggers on entering creatures also get the bonus?
For the amp version, would the added sustain option mean it doesn't get bonus damage altogether or can the initial cast get the bonus but not the follow-up sustains?
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I agree that the spell should have a duration of 1 round by default, replaced by Sustained up to 1 minute.
Anyway, the Amp version doesn't get the bonus damage, that's for sure. The issue is with the unamped version.
So, if you want to apply RAW to the strictest despite the quite obvious error you have to apply the bonus damage to both the initial damage and the damage when creatures enter the area. These are both effects from the spell so I don't see a reason why they would not benefit from the damage bonus (even if we are in a situation that is quite unique as the damage when creatures enter the area is not a direct effect of the spell but an ongoing one).
Right, I forgot that sustained details are always specified as a duration in every other spell. The rest makes sense, thank you.
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As written it doesn't technically need a duration. It describes exactly what the spell does, including how long it can have an effect:
"Any creature that's in the area or enters the area before the start of your next turn..."
It would probably be a good idea for them to give the spell a duration for clarity, but it isn't really necessary.
And then, yeah, for the Amped version it specifies how long it can be sustained, so all good there.
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It would probably be a good idea for them to give the spell a duration for clarity, but it isn't really necessary.
Because of the psychic's mechanics though, adding a duration would significant nerf its potential damage output, so it might very well be on purpose that it doesn't.
To be fair, a listed duration does more than clarity or unleash psyche synergy. It also signifies if a spell's effect is magical or not.
There could very well be an intention that unamped Astral Rain's affected area is meant to be not magical and therefore can't be dispelled, and my assumption is completely wrong.
Just like Daze having a duration. I don't think it needs one listed but it being listed does make it magical and that may be the intent.