Betraying Sting

[baleenwhale]

It seems like there's something missing from this spell, as it states "Will partial" as the save but doesn't go on to explain what those partial effects would be. Has this been addressed anywhere? I've had a hunt around but couldn't find anything.

https://www.aonprd.com/SpellDisplay.aspx?ItemName=Betraying%20Sting

My other reason for suspecting there's something missing is that it's extremely underwhelming: 1d8 damage per 2 levels, against a single creature, who is indifferent or better. While the long range is nice, this spell also seems to require that you spend time secretly ingratiating yourself with an enemy before you can cast it. There aren't that many situations I can think of where Medium to Long is a major advantage (close to medium is a different matter), and you've still got to have LOS to target them.

OK, I get that it's probably intended for treacherous NPCs... but it'd be nice to know how it's supposed to work and what the saving throw is for. It feels like there should be some significant betrayal-themed kicker that goes along with a failed save.

[Belafon]

The Pathfinder Society Campaign Clarifications included the following errata for the spell.

Quote:

Page 62—Change betraying sting’s saving throw line from “Saving Throw Will partial” to “Saving Throw none.”

I definitely suggest that if anyone ever comes across anything without a clear answer, you check the PFS Campaign Clarifications document. A few of those clarifications are specific to PFS (no crafting, no leadership, etc.) but the vast majority of them are "We got tired of waiting for the people over on the Design Team to get off their duffs and make needed/obvious FAQs and errata, so we did it ourselves."

Mandatory Disclaimer because someone is going to come in complaining about how "PFS has no authority to make changes to the Core Pathfinder Rules for everyone!" No, they do not. However if you find something like this spell - clearly missing some text or contradicts itself - that doesn't have a FAQ entry; then this document full of rulings made by Paizo employees who were in regular contact with the Pathfinder Rules Team is usually the best source you are going to find.

[baleenwhale]

Belafon wrote:

The Pathfinder Society Campaign Clarifications included the following errata for the spell.

Quote:

Page 62—Change betraying sting’s saving throw line from “Saving Throw Will partial” to “Saving Throw none.”

Thank you, that's helpful. I can't see our games using the spell if that's all it does, but I appreciate your help!

[Unbegreiflich]

it's the [CL/2]d8 Friends & Family plan.