Re: What can you do with... (Current topic: BRISTLE)

[Talore]

I love Disintegrate for firing at things that aren't living. A few ranks in Knowledge (Architecture and Engineering) in game and in real life can go a long way. From the obvious removal of support pillars, to hitting roofs in such a way that is causes material above to fall, to impromptu doorways, to luring an opponent to a ledge and giving them an unsaveable fall, to giving yourself total cover in a brand new foxhole in the floor... the spell is limited only by your imagination.

[Garryl]

It is well known as the "Frenzied Berserker Killer"

How is it a FB-killer? It has a Fort save, which is his (really) good save.

If he saves, he still takes 5d6 damage, which is enough to trigger the clause about disintegrating creatures below 0 hp (a hit point total that Frenzied Berserkers love to flaunt with Deathless Frenzy).

[zioth]

to luring an opponent to a ledge and giving them an unsaveable fall

He should get a reflex save, Elmer Fudd style.

[Captnq]

FLAMING SPHERE

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- PLAYER’S HANDBOOK (3.0)
- PLAYER’S HANDBOOK 1 (3.5)
Evocation [Fire]
Level: Blighter 2, Druid 2, Shugenja 2, Sorcerer/Wizard 2, Warmage 2
Components: V, S, M/DF
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)
Effect: 5-ft.-diameter sphere
Duration: 1 round/level
Saving Throw: Reflex negates
Spell Resistance: Yes
A burning globe of fire rolls in whichever direction you point and burns those it strikes. It moves 30 feet per round. As part of this movement, it can ascend or jump up to 30 feet to strike a target. If it enters a space with a creature, it stops moving for the round and deals 2d6 points of fire damage to that creature, though a successful Reflex save negates that damage. A flaming sphere rolls over barriers less than 4 feet tall, such as furniture and low walls. It ignites flammable substances it touches and illuminates the same area as a torch would. The sphere moves as long as you actively direct it (a move action for you); otherwise, it merely stays at rest and burns. It can be extinguished by any means that would put out a normal fire of its size. The surface of the sphere has a spongy, yielding consistency and so does not cause damage except by its flame. It cannot push aside unwilling creatures or batter down large obstacles. A flaming sphere winks out if it exceeds the spell’s range.
Arcane Material Component: A bit of tallow, a pinch of brimstone, and a dusting of powdered iron.
Alternate Material Component: Powdered cold iron [Enlarged] (450 gp)
Editor (Blaster): This is one of the most useless spells available at 2nd level. Yes, I can feel how underwhelmed you are. The spell is damage over time and reflex negates entirely. Because of this, you might think burning hands is a better choice. And in many respects, this is true. Flaming sphere is useful between 3rd and 4th level. After that, your caster level and greater selection of spells eclipses this rolling ember. While most people will automatically dismiss this spell, it’s use is in mass combats over long periods. You can never have too many attacks, and this turns your move action into an attack action.
Spell Synergy: While you are limited to 2nd level spells, the obvious synergy is with Web. Web immobilizes your enemies for a long time period. Flaming sphere works best with damage over time. True, the flaming sphere will burn your enemies free, it won’t be without 2d4 fire damage. You can make a case for entangled targets automatically failing their reflex saves. That means 2d6+2d4 or an average 12 points of damage. At 3rd level, your average 3 HD critter with a con of 14 only has 19 hp. This drops him to cleave range for sure. Also, you can burn them free one at a time, meaning your side can gang up on them and they can’t gang up on you.

Metamagic

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BLISTERING SPELL: A +1 level adjustment to add +2 damage. Normally I wouldn’t consider it, if it wasn’t for the mere 2d6 of damage. Then again, why not just cast fireball and be done with it?

BORN OF THE THREE THUNDERS: Normally I hate this feat because of the dazed side effect. But after the initial casting of the spell, this feat does stunning and prone, every round, to one target. Suddenly this goes from an annoyance to deadly. You do have to use Energy Substitution to make it electrical, but that comes with the feat. Especially nasty if you add it to sculpted spell.

EARTHBOUND SPELL: Here’s the problem, the way it reads, you have to remain within the casting range, or it will wink out after being triggered. Next.

EMPOWER SPELL: Empowering low levels of damage doesn’t usually get you far. You’d give up a 4th level spell to do 3d6 damage? Thought so.

ENERGIZE SPELL: Would you give up a 3rd level spell to do 3d6 against the undead? Maybe. See the scrolls below for the point spred.

ENERGY ADMIXTURE: HA!

ENTANGLING SPELL: +2 level adjustment so you can halve one enemy’s movement for one round? Thank you, but no.

EXPLOSIVE SPELL: While technically you can add this spell, the only extra damage will be if your enemy is blown into someone else or a wall. He will fall prone, but fall out of the area of effect. Might work well with sculpt.

EXTEND SPELL: I hate damage over time, but if you are in a mass battle that might last forever, then you might as well put your move action to use and burn a bunch of people.

FELL DRAIN: Draining someone of a level is like doing an extra 5 hit points of damage that he can’t get back along with some debuffing. The problem is, that since the damage is all from the same spell, the level loss only happens once per target. If you keep switching targets, or drop a target in a round or two, then it might be useful, but not by much.

FIERY SPELL: A +1 level adjustment to add +2 damage, per die, so this at least beats blistering because it will do damage every round. Still, you’re better off with fireball at the same level.

INVISIBLE SPELL: I know it sounds cool, an invisible ball of rolling flame, but there is no tactical advantage to this.

LINGERING SPELL: On a spell that does damage over time, adding more damage over time isn’t bad. I’d still cast fireball instead.

MAXIMIZE SPELL: What level spell are you giving up to maximize this?

SCULPT SPELL: Ah, now we come to the sweet spot. Sculpt your spell into four cubes. They won’t roll, but you can create a poor man’s wall of fire. Make a 40 foot wide ball. True, it won’t roll any further when it hit’s it’s first target, and it will be 40 feet high, which means that only a ten foot by ten foot square on the bottom will actually be a threat to anyone. But a forty foot tall ball of flame rolling around the battlefield just might cause a panic in the enemy ranks. It sure as hell will be visible for miles. The cylinder isn’t much use, and the cone would only be able to roll around a central point like a top on it’s side. I don’t recommend that one. No, the awesome power of this feet is reveled when you sculpt it into a line.
You too can have a 120 foot long log of fire rolling 30 feet a round back and forth, side to side and have it last for your level in rounds. No turns, please. Trying to round up a herd of cattle? Corral them with rolling walls of fire. Use a metamagic widen rod to make it 240 feet by 10 feet. Maybe you could add explosive. Anyone trying to cross makes a reflex save or burns and then is blown backwards.

WIDEN SPELL: Way too expensive to be cost effective. Use rod or sudden only.

Scrolls

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Flaming Sphere (SL2/CL3): 150 gp
Damage: 2d6 = Avg 7 hp (21.43 gp/hp)
Duration: 3 rounds (7.14 gp/hp)
Flaming Sphere (SL2/CL5): 250 gp
Damage: 2d6 = Avg 7 hp (35.71 gp/hp)
Duration: 5 rounds (7.14 gp/hp)
Flaming Sphere (SL2/CL10): 500 gp
Damage: 2d6 = Avg 7 hp (71.43 gp/hp)
Duration: 10 rounds (7.14 gp/hp)
Flaming Sphere (SL2/CL20): 1000 gp
Damage: 2d6 = Avg 7 hp (142.86 gp/hp)
Duration: 15 rounds (7.14 gp/hp)

As you can see the gold to damage ratio gets worse, the higher the caster level, but even when you damage someone every single round for the entire duration, the ratio never gets better. The advantage of this spell is to allow you to do a little extra damage as a move action. Or maybe to scare the pants out of everyone. Read on, true believer, read on.

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Pryrus Incendium’s Blazing Phallus of Hate and the Scrotum of DOOM! (9000 gp)
Flaming Sphere Explosive/Sculpt/Quicken (SL9/CL20): 4500 gp
Damage: 2d6 = Avg 7 hp (642.86 gp/hp)
Duration: 20 rounds (32.14 gp/hp)
Flaming Sphere Born of the Three Thunders/Energy Substitution (Electricity)/Explosive/Sculpt/Twin (SL9/CL20): 4500 gp
Damage: 2d6 = Avg 7 hp (642.86 gp/hp)
Duration: 20 rounds (32.14 gp/hp)
The story behind this scroll is a little complicated. Originally, Pryrus Incendium was a professor at a university of magic who was known to be a no nonsense, gruff, and bombastic teacher who brooked no fools. Loudly berating a student who had played a prank on another student, Pryrus was struck dumb when the student shouted back, “You’re just a shriveled, limp dick with no sense of humor!” After being staring at for a good minute, Pryrus’ face getting redder and redder by the moment, the student was quite surprised to find the professor abruptly turn and stalk off without saying a word.
For the next three weeks, Pryrus didn’t yell at anyone. He was quiet, reserved, canceled all after class meetings, and became reclusive. The student wondered if he had really hurt the teacher’s feelings, but he never got reprimanded, and everyone else was just happy the professor wasn’t riding everyone so hard. That is, until scroll practice.
Everyone was practicing using scrolls, using up old first and second level spells that were languishing in the school vaults that nobody would buy or use. The prankster had gotten a scroll of flaming sphere. He was a little curious as to why the professor Incendium was watching from a tower window, as this wasn’t a class that Pryrus taught. However, the student only gave it a passing though, an action he would come to regret later.
Upon opening his scroll the secret page reveled itself and the magic of the scroll compelled him to read both spells in rapid succession. A Giant Burning Phallus, a hundred and twenty feet long shot straight up into the sky out of the student’s groin, a purplish helmet upon the top. On either side, appeared two giant, forty foot wide balls of crackling electricity and booming thunder. Stunned by the Born of the Three Thunders, the student was unable to do anything except stare in wonder, then horror, as a programmed illusion was triggered. A simple message, that boomed out across the practice field and echoed into the distance (an amazing imitation of the student’s voice, one might add), “BEHOLD! You all shall DIE at the hands of my Blazing Phallus of HATE, and crushed beneath the Scrotum of DOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!”

Where upon the giant penis came crashing down into the crowd of stunned on lookers.

In the aftermath, the student was almost tossed out of the school, if it wasn’t for Professor Incendium. He urged restraint and that it was just a prank, “After all, shouldn’t we all have a sense of humor?” The student never asked the professor if he was behind it, but told everyone else what he thought had happened. After that, Pryrus resumed after class meetings and went back to his usual self. All the students went back to fearing Pryrus’ rants, but they came to fear when he got quiet, more.

Game mechanics:
Technically, it’s cursed.

Since then, a few copies of his scroll have gotten out into general circulation. It always appears to be a normal Flaming Sphere spell, even detects as one, although a detect curse will show something is up. The actual spell can be deciphered with a DC 30 spellcraft check. Once you start reading it, both spells appear on the scroll and you are compelled to read both in rapid succession. You cannot cast it at range, as it always springs forth from the reader’s groin. The scroll imitates the reader’s voice to give the above speech, then the 120’ by 5’ penis comes crashing down directly in front of the user. Anyone on either side of him or in front has to make a DC 13 reflex save or take damage and be tossed to the side, by the explosive properties. The twin balls have a habit of catching the user’s allies by accident.
On the upside, after the one round of stun, the user is free to direct all three, ahem, “parts” in unison, not something normally allowed, as one move action, but each part can move independent of the others. The use of one of these scrolls has changed the tide of battle against a thousand orcs, as a 120 long tube of fire cut through their ranks and twin balls of electricity and sonic thunder rolled to the attack. While the damage was minimal, the psychological effect was stunning.
When used in an enclosed space, the three parts are compressed to fit without incident, and never occupy the square of the caster. Everyone else around him, however, has no such luck. One such accidental use resulted in half the people in the area trying to stand up and the other half being tossed into the walls over and over as they tried to escape the overlapping fields of energy. Alas, once wedged into an enclosed area, there is no room for the spell to roll, thus escape is only possible for those who make their saving throws and can run out of the area fast enough. Any DM sick enough to leave this lying around is encouraged to make sure it’s application is as humiliating as possible, not deadly, as that is the curse’s intent.

Yes, life is chock full of event when you have a giant, burning, phallic substitute that you can roll all over your enemies.

Flaming Sphere Empower (SL4/CL7): 700 gp
Damage: 2d6 x 1.5 = Avg 10.5 hp (66.67 gp/hp)
Duration: 7 rounds (9.52 gp/hp)
   You’d be better off with a ice storm, which is sad.

Flaming Sphere Energize (SL3/CL5): 375 gp
Damage: 2d6 x 1.5 = Avg 10.5 hp vs undead (35.71 gp/hp)
Duration: 5 rounds (7.14 gp/hp)
   Zombies are known to walk right though things that would kill them, so a ball of this in the path of advancing undead in a bottle neck may actually be more effective then a fireball. Maybe. We’ll see.

Flaming Sphere Empower/Energize (SL5/CL9): 1125 gp
Damage: 2d6 x 2 = Avg 14 hp vs undead (80.36 gp/hp)
Duration: 9 rounds (8.93 gp/hp)
   Again, undead killer. Meh.

Flaming Sphere Lingering (SL3/CL5): 375 gp
Damage: 2d6 + 1d6 = Avg 7 + 3.5 hp (35.71 gp/hp)
Duration: 5 rounds (7.14 gp/hp)
   Alas, we can’t seem to break that 7.14 barrier. Not a bad fan of damage over time, but lingering is just as good as empowering in this case.

Flaming Sphere Born of the Three Thunders/Explosive/Widen (SL7/CL13): 2275 gp
Damage: 2d6 = Avg 7 hp (325.00 gp/hp)
Duration: 13 rounds (25.00 gp/hp)
   What wizard in his right mind would scribe this? Maybe it’s an insane druid who spent too much time talking to trees and went all blighter. You are stunned the first round, then after that your targets have to make multiple saving throws or be stunned, thrown backwards, and knocked prone (Possibly twice). The widen allows you to block off a 10x10’ area, which is most corridors. Pity it stops rolling when it hits a target, but that doesn’t stop someone from running through it. Damage is only once a round, mind you. The widen makes sure that if you fail your saves entering it, you get knocked back the way you came. A normal explosive Flaming Sphere would have all sides the ‘closest’ side, thus ejection would be random.

Wands

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Flaming Sphere (SL2/CL3): 4500 gp
Damage: 2d6 = Avg 7 hp (12.86 gp/hp)
Duration: 5 rounds (4.28 gp/hp)

Flaming Sphere Sculpt (SL3/CL5): 11250 gp
Damage: 2d6 = Avg 7 hp (32.14 gp/hp)
Duration: 5 rounds (6.43 gp/hp)
   Now this has so many uses. A giant burning sphere, a Cylinder of flame into the sky, a rolling log of flame, a giant cone, or four ten foot cubes scattered about. The damage sucks, but the duration doesn’t. It allows you to control the field of battle with objects of flame.

Flaming Sphere Extended/Sculpt (SL4/CL20): 60000 gp
Damage: 2d6 = Avg 7 hp (171.43 gp/hp)
Duration: 40 rounds (4.28 gp/hp)
   Here we have the deluxe model. For a mere 60,000 gp, you too can drop 4 minute duration AoE all over the place Just make sure to keep everything within 300 feet or it will expire early. Create a literal maze of rolling, shifting fire for your enemies to experience. Remember, you can give up your standard action for a move action, and if you are hasted, that is another move action. You could, in theory, move three burning objects a round.

Potions

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Flaming Sphere Retributive (SL3/CL5): 750 gp
Damage: 2d6 = Avg 7 hp (107.14 gp/hp)
Duration: 5 rounds (21.43 gp/hp)
   Now, the way this spell reads, with this feat, is that it only effects the first person who hits you. So technically, it would be a burning effect that hit only the victim, thus wouldn’t be AoE. That means that he’d make a reflex save every round or take damage and the only way to stop the burning would be to run 150 feet away from you.

Flaming Sphere Born of the Three Thunders/Energy Substitution (Electricity)/Retributive (SL3/CL20): 3000 gp
Damage: 2d6 = Avg 7 hp (428.57 gp/hp)
Duration: 20 rounds (21.43 gp/hp)

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When you care to say “fuck you”, say it with the very best. You are stunned for one round when you drink it (since that’s when you ‘cast’ it). Considering the duration of 24 hours, you can drink it any time in the day before you expect to be hit in combat. After that, the next person to hit you has to make a DC 13 reflex save for 2d6 damage, a fortitude save to avoid being stunned, and if he fails that, another Reflex to not fall prone, EVERY ROUND. It lasts for twenty rounds. Fuck you, backstabbing assassin. Fuck. You.

That wraps up Flaming Sphere. I hope this helps to put new life into an old spell. And finally, a bonus spell for everyone who’s been following my thread so far (I’ve gone so far out of the bounds of good taste, I might as well go all the way):

SUMMON FLAMING SPHERE

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- The depths of my twisted id (3.5)
Conjuration (Summoning)
Level: Bard 6, Cleric 6, Sorcerer/Wizard 6, Wu Jen 6
Components: V, S, F/DF
Casting Time: 1 round
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Effect: One summoned Flaming Sphere
Duration: 1 round/level (D)
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No
   The spell summons a bright pink beholder named Chad. He has luscious ruby lips and red bows around every eyestalk. Yes, it is a beholder in drag, and he is a total flamer. He follows your commands, but the entire time makes comments about people’s clothes, asks if his body glitter makes him looks fat, and in general acts like the entire cast of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Usually this spell is found in a cursed scroll that compels you to summon him as soon as you glance at it, in which case he only attacks if he is attacked, and the spell then lasts 24 hours, or until it stops being funny.



Enjoy your nightmare fuel.

[Kethrian]

Oh!  Another few spells I'd like you to take a look at, all from the Dragonlance Campaign Setting book: Elemental Dart, Dalamar's Lightning Lance, and Shocking Spark.  They appear to be superior damage spells, and pretty low-level ones....

[skydragonknight]

I've really only used it with a Druid, as an alternative to summoning. Wild shape into something with a fly speed and maneuverability to hover, then use Flaming Sphere followed by Chain Lightning and have CL rounds of zapping things from relative safety while only having used two spell slots.

Bo3T looks interesting, and can be applied to other multi-round spells later in your career.

[Captnq]

Oh!  Another few spells I'd like you to take a look at, all from the Dragonlance Campaign Setting book: Elemental Dart, Dalamar's Lightning Lance, and Shocking Spark.  They appear to be superior damage spells, and pretty low-level ones....

*Gritting of teeth*

I really want to.

I have to avoid mission creep here. Perhaps when I finish everything else (I estimate several years right now.) I will return to update and include in a new section called: Licensed from, but not published by, WotC spells. This would include Dragon magazine, Dragonlance, Ravenloft, and anything else that was sold to someone else, but had theoretical WotC oversight.

As a side note, should anyone know of any metamagic feats from Dragonlance, Ravenloft, or other licenced from but not published by WotC sources, let me know. There arn't that many, so I don't mind including THAT section right awat. But, I will take a look at these spells as soon as work lightens up and toss some notes out. These spells will just not make it to THE SPELL BOOK. At least not the first edition.

Oh, side note, someone dropped a boatload of Rule clarification documents in my lap. I'm revising Spell Section I v2.01 as we speak for greater ease of reference. It will be chock full of new rule examples, alternates, explinations, and well defined loopholes to watch out for/abuse.

[Kethrian]

Interesting, looking forward to reading it!

And I just want to point out, the Dragonlance Campaign Setting book is (as far as I can tell) 1st party material.  It's the later Age of Mortals that isn't.

[skydragonknight]

I love Disintegrate for firing at things that aren't living.

Oh. Forgot about this. Against Undead and such Disintigrate is a very nice spell. Undead are immune to many, many save-or-dies (death effects) and even some save-or-sucks (mind-affecting), but they're immunity to spells that require a Fortitude save excludes spells that can affect objects, which Disintigrate can. Add on their very low Fort saves from type and lack of Constitution and you can reliably take down high-threat undead.

So what's after Flaming Sphere?

[Captnq]

So what's after Flaming Sphere?

Well, I have a list in the first post that I update from time to time, I try to stick to the list, but things jump out at me. Suffice to stay, I jump around so that it stays interesting and seems more the recreation, and less like a second job.

To sum up the process:

I work 50-80 hours a week, a good deal of that overtime in overnight. I scribble notes to myself to stay away.

I have a family/housework.They take up time as well.

I have a campaign, while I am the master of improv, I do have to put in some research.

Then I have Handbook: THE SPELL BOOK. I split my attention between researching the rules and arguing esoteric questions so I can get it just right, and number crunching the spells. The rules section of TSB has been eating up a bunch of my time thanks to someone pointing out over 80 pages of material on official rules for casting spells I missed. (Darn You! Darn you to Heck!) I wasn't happy with the Rules section layout anyways. I think once I get section 2.01 done, I'll be able to get back to the fun part of examing spells.

However, I am getting mandated for a 18 hour shift tomorrow, (yes, I know in advance when I'm going to get stuck.) I hope to have plenty of time to catch up on Acid Splash, Acid Fog, and The Lucky Charm Spells (Bear's Endurance! Bull's Strength! Owl's Wisdom! And Eagle's Splendor! All part of this magical Breakfast!)

Ya know, I really can't come up with any metamagic feats that make the lucky charm spells do... anything. Variable Numerical Values are so much more interesting. The only interesting thing is the low level some of the spells can be put into magic items.

[Captnq]

BEAR’S ENDURANCE

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- PLAYER’S HANDBOOK 1 (3.5)
Transmutation
Level: Adept 2, Apostle of Peace 2, Bone Collector (3.0) 2, Celestia Domain 2, Cleric 2, Corrupt Avenger 2, Death Delver 2, Druid 2, Duskblade 2, Dwarf Domain 2, Endurance Domain 2, Fatemaker 2, Fiend of Blasphemy (3.0) 2, Knight of the Chalice 2, Knight of the Weave 2, Ranger 2, Retribution Domain 2, Runescarred Berserker 2, Sand Shaper 1, Shade Hunter 2, Shugenja 2, Sorcerer/Wizard 2, Suffering Domain 2, Vassal of Bahamut 2, Windrider (3.0) 2, Wu Jen 2
Components: V, S, DF
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Touch
Target: Creature touched
Duration: 1 minute/level
Saving Throw: Will negates (harmless)
Spell Resistance: Yes
The affected creature gains greater vitality and stamina. The spell grants the subject a +4 enhancement bonus to Constitution, which adds the usual benefits to hit points, Fortitude saves, Constitution checks, and so forth. Hit points gained by a temporary increase in Constitution score are not temporary hit points. They go away when the subject’s Constitution drops back to normal. They are not lost first as temporary hit points are.
Alternate Material Component: Distilled alcohol [Extended] (340 gp)
Editor (Buff): The lucky charm spells, so called because it reminds me of the Lucky Charm commercials. (Bear’s Endurance, Bull’s Strength, Cat’s Grace, Fox’s Cunning, Eagle’s Splendor, Owl’s Wisdom, and Purple Horseshoes!) Each spell is effectively the same, except for the fact that each one gives +4 to a different ability score. Sand Shaper has this particular version at the lowest level, so a short duration 50gp potion is possible. Adding extra con is never a bad thing, but it’s not a good thing either. True, you get extra hit points, but those hit points go away when the spell wears off, so you’d had better be healed, or you’ll be dead. Many a barbarian riding high on this and rage has died when both wore off.

BEAR’S ENDURANCE, MASS
- PLAYER’S HANDBOOK 1 (3.5)
Transmutation
Level: Apostle of Peace 6, Celestia Domain 6, Cleric 6, Druid 6, Endurance Domain 6, Sorcerer/Wizard 6
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Target: One creature/level, no two of which can be more than 30 ft. apart
Mass bear’s endurance works like bear’s endurance, except that it affects multiple creatures.
Alternate Material Component: Distilled alcohol [Extended] (940 gp)
Editor (Buff): Compared to a reach/chain version of the normal version, this spell is superior. Again, con boosters have their place, but it can come back to bite you in the ass.

BULL’S STRENGTH

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- PLAYER’S HANDBOOK (3.0)
- PLAYER’S HANDBOOK 1 (3.5)
Transmutation
Level: Abyss Domain 2, Adept 2, Bestial Domain 2, Blackguard 2, Champion of Gwynharwyf 2, Cleric 2, Corrupt Avenger 2, Death Delver 2, Disciple of Thrym 2, Druid 2, Duskblade 2, Fatemaker 2, Fiend of Blasphemy (3.0) 2, Fury Domain 2, Hero Domain 2, Hexblade 2, Hunter of the Dead 2, Justiciar of Taiia (3.0) 2, Knight of the Chalice 2, Knight of the Weave 2, Paladin 2, Prime Underdark Guide 2, Runescarred Berserker 2, Sand Shaper 1, Shade Hunter 2, Shaman 2, Shugenja 2, Sohei (3.0) 2, Sorcerer/Wizard 2, Strength Domain 2, Vassal of Bahamut 2, Wu Jen 2
Components: V, S, M/DF
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Touch
Target: Creature touched
Duration: 1 minute/level
Saving Throw: Will negates (harmless)
Spell Resistance: Yes (harmless)
The subject becomes stronger. The spell grants a +4 enhancement bonus to Strength, adding the usual benefits to melee attack rolls, melee damage rolls, and other uses of the Strength modifier.
Arcane Material Component: A few hairs, or a pinch of dung, from a bull.
Alternate Material Component: Adamantine powder [Extended] (340 gp)
Editor (Buff): This becomes pointless once you start getting strength boosting items. When you first get it, it is a fairly good offensive buff. It starts to get long in the tooth about 5th level, but depending on your spell list, it might remain a good buff for a while longer then that. At low levels, you can slap this on the fighter and in the long run, do more damage then an acid arrow.

BULL’S STRENGTH, MASS
- PLAYER’S HANDBOOK 1 (3.5)
Transmutation
Level: Abyss Domain 6, Cleric 6, Druid 6, Sorcerer/Wizard 6
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Target: One creature/level, no two of which can be more than 30 ft. apart
This spell functions like bull’s strength, except that it affects multiple creatures.
Alternate Material Component: Adamantine powder [Extended] (940 gp)
Editor (Buff): At this point, most of your fighters have strength boosting items. What this is handy for is buffing summon monster spam.

CAT’S GRACE

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- PLAYER’S HANDBOOK (3.0)
- PLAYER’S HANDBOOK 1 (3.5)
Transmutation
Level: Adept 2, Assassin 2, Bard 2, Celebrant of Sharess 2, Celerity Domain 2, Druid 2, Duskblade 2, Ebonmar Infiltrator 2, Elf Domain 2, Emissary of Barachiel 2, Fatemaker 2, Halfling Domain 2, Harper Scout 2, Justice of Weald and Woe 2, Knight of the Weave 2, Prime Underdark Guide 2, Ranger 2, Sand Shaper 1, Shade Hunter 2, Shugenja 2, Sorcerer/Wizard 2, Temple Raider 2, Trapsmith 1, Vigilante 2, Wu Jen 2
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Touch
Target: Creature touched
Duration: 1 minute/level
Saving Throw: Will negates (harmless)
Spell Resistance: Yes
The transmuted creature becomes more graceful, agile, and coordinated. The spell grants a +4 enhancement bonus to Dexterity, adding the usual benefits to AC, Reflex saves, and other uses of the Dexterity modifier.
Material Component: A pinch of cat fur.
Alternate Material Component: Vial of quicksilver [Extended] (340 gp)
Editor (Buff): This is more a spell to drop on the archer or ray specialist.

CAT’S GRACE, MASS
- PLAYER’S HANDBOOK 1 (3.5)
Transmutation
Level: Bard 6, Celerity Domain 7, Druid 6, Sorcerer/Wizard 6
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Target: One creature/level, no two of which can be more than 30 ft. apart
This spell functions like cat’s grace, except that it affects multiple creatures.
Alternate Material Component: Vial of quicksilver [Extended] (940 gp)
Editor (Buff): Dexterity boosting items tend to be second or third tier items to pick up, unless your concept is dependant on dexterity. So most people in your party could benefit from this spell without the nasty hangover of Bear’s Endurance. Alas, most of the creatures per level will be wasted, so keep in mind to save this for when you are employing summon monster spam.

EAGLE’S SPLENDOR

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- FORGOTTEN REALMS CAMPAIGN SETTING (3.0)
- PLAYER’S HANDBOOK 1 (3.5)
- TOME AND BLOOD (3.0)
Transmutation
Level: Apostle of Peace 2, Arborea Domain 2, Bard 2, Beloved of Valarian 2, Blackguard 2, Celebrant of Sharess 2, Champion of Gwynharwyf 2, Cleric 2, Court Herald 2, Disciple of Thrym 2, Emissary of Barachiel 2, Fatemaker 2, Harper Scout 2, Hexblade 2, Knight of the Weave 2, Merchant Prince 3, Paladin 2, Pride Domain 2, Prime Underdark Guide 2, Sand Shaper 2, Sorcerer/Wizard 2, Trade Domain 3, Vigilante 2
Components: V, S, M/DF
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Touch
Target: Creature touched
Duration: 1 minute/level
Saving Throw: Will negates (harmless)
Spell Resistance: Yes
The transmuted creature becomes more poised, articulate, and personally forceful. The spell grants a +4 enhancement bonus to Charisma, adding the usual benefits to Charisma-based skill checks and other uses of the Charisma modifier. Sorcerers and bards (and other spellcasters who rely on Charisma) affected by this spell do not gain any additional bonus spells for the increased Charisma, but the save DCs for spells they cast while under this spell’s effect do increase.
Arcane Material Component: A few feathers or a pinch of droppings from an eagle.
Alternate Material Component: Emerald [Extended] (450 gp)
Editor (Buff): For most people, this buff is useless. For those of a charisma based spellcasting class, this buff is exactly what you need if you do spells where the damage is on the back end (Save DCs). Once you get your first cloak of charisma, this spell will fall to the wayside.

EAGLE’S SPLENDOR, MASS
- PLAYER’S HANDBOOK 1 (3.5)
Transmutation
Level: Apostle of Peace 6, Arborea Domain 6, Bard 6, Cleric 6, Court Herald 6, Pleasure Domain 5, Sorcerer/Wizard 6
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Target: One creature/level, no two of which can be more than 30 ft. apart
This spell functions like eagle’s splendor, except that it affects multiple creatures.
Alternate Material Component: Emerald [Extended] (1,250 gp)
Editor (Buff): You never have a second chance to make a first impression. The entire party can make a dramatic entrance while riding into town, otherwise I can’t think of a practical combat application for this spell.

FOX’S CUNNING

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- PLAYER’S HANDBOOK 1 (3.5)
- SAVAGE SPECIES (3.0)
- TOME AND BLOOD (3.0)
Transmutation
Level: Assassin 2, Baator Domain 2, Bard 2, Ebonmar Infiltrator 2, Emissary of Barachiel 2, Fatemaker 2, Merchant Prince 3, Sand Shaper 2, Sorcerer/Wizard 2, Trapsmith 1, Vigilante 2
Components: V, S, M/DF
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Touch
Target: Creature touched
Duration: 1 minute/level
Saving Throw: Will negates (harmless)
Spell Resistance: Yes
The transmuted creature becomes smarter. The spell grants a +4 enhancement bonus to Intelligence, adding the usual benefits to Intelligence-based skill checks and other uses of the Intelligence modifier. Wizards (and other spellcasters who rely on Intelligence) affected by this spell do not gain any additional bonus spells for the increased Intelligence, but the save DCs for spells they cast while under this spell’s effect do increase. This spell doesn’t grant extra skill points.
Arcane Material Component: A few hairs, or a pinch of dung, from a fox.
Alternate Material Component: Garnet [Extended] (450 gp)
Editor (Buff): Trapsmith has this at the lowest level for cheap potions, otherwise, this spell is a wizard’s best friend until he start picking up intelligence boosting magic items. Unlike the sorcerer, when this falls out of favor, it won’t take up a spell slot.

FOX’S CUNNING, MASS
- PLAYER’S HANDBOOK 1 (3.5)
Transmutation
Level: Baator Domain 6, Bard 6, Sorcerer/Wizard 6
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Target: One creature/level, no two of which can be more than 30 ft. apart
This spell functions like fox’s cunning, except that it affects multiple creatures.
Alternate Material Component: Garnet [Extended] (1,250 gp)
Editor (Buff): Alas, the mass version is far less useful. The chances of a mass of units needing +2 to int based skill checks is low. Furthermore, by the time you can cast this, I suspect you have a circlet of intelligence you could pass around.

OWL’S WISDOM

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- PLAYER’S HANDBOOK 1 (3.5)
- TOME AND BLOOD (3.0)
Transmutation
Level: Apostle of Peace 2, Beloved of Valarian 2, Champion of Gwynharwyf 2, Cleric 2, Court Herald 2, Druid 2, Ebonmar Infiltrator 2, Fatemaker 2, Merchant Prince 3, Paladin 2, Prime Underdark Guide 2, Ranger 2, Sand Shaper 2, Sorcerer/Wizard 2
Components: V, S, M/DF
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Touch
Target: Creature touched
Duration: 1 minute/level
Saving Throw: Will negates (harmless)
Spell Resistance: Yes
The transmuted creature becomes wiser. The spell grants a +4 enhancement bonus to Wisdom, adding the usual benefit to Wisdom-related skills. Clerics, druids, paladins, and rangers (and other Wisdom based spellcasters) who receive owl’s wisdom do not gain any additional bonus spells for the increased Wisdom, but the save DCs for their spells increase.
Arcane Material Component: A few feathers, or a pinch of droppings, from an owl.
Alternate Material Component: Opal [Extended] (450 gp)
Editor (Buff): For a divine spellcaster, it’s a good buff at low levels before you start to pick up wisdom enhancing magic items.

OWL’S WISDOM, MASS
- PLAYER’S HANDBOOK 1 (3.5)
Transmutation
Level: Apostle of Peace 6, Cleric 6, Druid 6, Sorcerer/Wizard 6
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Target: One creature/level, no two of which can be more than 30 ft. apart
This spell functions like owl’s wisdom, except that it affects multiple creatures.
Alternate Material Component: Opal [Extended] (1,250 gp)
Editor (Buff): The advantage of this spell is not the DC gain for spellcasters, but the +2 to will saves. A successful control spell at this level can change the entire dynamics of an encounter. +2 might not be much, but most fighter types skimp on the wisdom enhancing magic items.

Metamagic

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Overall, these spells suck for the purpose of blending with metamagic feats. I spent hours trying to figure out some way to create some tricky new way of looking at them, and I can’t. Reach and Chain can be used with the basic versions of these spells, but the resulting level is higher then the mass version. Of course, if you are a sorcerer, you might not have the mass version available, but I certainly would never bother to scribe such a combination into a scroll with a cheaper version available.

Extend Spell
The only metamagic feat to go with these spells is extend. Seriously. That’s it. I can put these spells together with a few other feats, but there is no advantage to doing so. Sorry, extend is the best you can do. With one exception…

Sanctum Spell
Alright, if you can con your DM (DM’s do not be conned) into accepting that a sanctum spell cast outside the sanctum is one spell level lower for the purpose of creating magic items, then you can shoe horn mass eagle’s splendor into a wand. If your DM is stupid enough to accept the wording of this feat without reading it closely, then you can reduce the cost of any magic item, simply by lowering the spell level. Sure, the save DCs will be lower, but the cost will drop significantly as well as make it possible to do things like put fifth level spells in wands. DM’s, the feat reads EFFECTIVE level. Not actual level. You can’t make cheaper magic items with this feat.

Scrolls

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Any Non-Mass (Spell Level 2 / Caster Level 3): 150 gp
Ability: +4 (37.5 gp/boost)
Duration: 3 minutes (1.25 gp/round)

Any Non-Mass Extended (Spell Level 3 / Caster Level 5): 375 gp
Ability: +4 (93.75 gp/boost)
Duration: 10 minutes (0.94 gp/round)
What we see here is a significant amount of additional cost, but a much better duration then the original. The cost over time is superior to the non-extended version. The amount of round you actually need the spell is situational.

Any Mass (Spell Level 6 / Caster Level 11): 1650 gp
Ability: +4 (37.5 gp/boost)
Duration: 11 minutes (37.5 gp/round)
Targets: 11 (3.41 gp/target)

Any Mass Extended (Spell Level 7 / Caster Level 13): 2275 gp
Ability: +4 (568.75 gp/boost)
Duration: 26 minutes (21.88 gp/round)
Targets: 13 (1.68 gp/target)
Again, if you need the spell for a longer time, the extended version is much more cost effective. The problem is, how often are you going to need enhance 10+ targets.

Wands

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   Bear, bull, cat and fox all have someone who can cast them as a level 1 spell. If you can convince your DM to allow you to buy a wand from such an individual, then TAKE IT.

Any Non-Mass (Spell Level 2 / Caster Level 3): 4500 gp
Ability: +4 (22.5 gp/boost)
Duration: 3 minutes (0.75 gp/round)

Any Non-Mass Trapsmith/Sand Shaper Only (Spell Level 1 / Caster Level 1): 750 gp
Ability: +4 (3.75 gp/boost)
Duration: 1 minute (0.38 gp/round)
Any Non-Mass Extended Trapsmith/Sand Shaper Only (Spell Level 2 / Caster Level 3): 4500 gp
Ability: +4 (22.5 gp/boost)
Duration: 6 minutes (0.38 gp/round)
   As we can see here, there is no savings when you extend a Trapsmith or sand shaper made wand. Chances are you don’t need the spell to last more then ten rounds anyways, so stick with the original, if you can find one.

Any Non-Mass Extended (Spell Level 3 / Caster Level 5): 11250 gp
Ability: +4 (56.25 gp/boost)
Duration: 10 minutes (0.56 gp/round)
   If you find yourself needing the boost for long periods of time, then this wand is superior. The chances of you needing the spell for 10 minutes at a time are low.

Potions

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   Chances are if you aren’t a spellcaster, you’ll consider holding onto one of these spells as a potion, just in case. You never know when you might be in the fight of your life and need just a little bit more.

Any Non-Mass (Spell Level 2 / Caster Level 3): 300 gp
Ability: +4 (75 gp/boost)
Duration: 3 minutes (2.5 gp/round)

Any Non-Mass Trapsmith/Sand Shaper Only (Spell Level 1 / Caster Level 1): 50 gp
Ability: +4 (12.5 gp/boost)
Duration: 1 minute (1.25 gp/round)
Nice if you can get it.

Any Non-Mass Extended (Spell Level 3 / Caster Level 5): 750 gp
Ability: +4 (75 gp/boost)
Duration: 10 minutes (2.5 gp/round)
   If you find yourself in for a protracted engagement, then this potion will serve you well.

Any Non-Mass Extended (Spell Level 3 / Caster Level 20): 3000 gp
Ability: +4 (750 gp/boost)
Duration: 40 minutes (1.87 gp/round)
   And here we have the extreme example of the longest lasting version of this spell you can get. I would like to point out, for another 1,000 gp, you could just buy a +2 ability enhancing magic item instead that will last as long as you wield it. Just keep that in mind when buying your potions.

[Amechra]

Ugh... those spells...

You can do amazing things with those spells if you know the right tricks (I can make 'em go up to +8 to any ability score by 6th level, and you probably can do better), but not with metamagic. Sad.

For what its worth, Animalistic Power, a 3rd level spell, ain't much better; it's a +2 enhancement bonus to all your physical ability scores.

[sirpercival]

Ugh... those spells...

You can do amazing things with those spells if you know the right tricks (I can make 'em go up to +8 to any ability score by 6th level, and you probably can do better), but not with metamagic. Sad.

For what its worth, Animalistic Power, a 3rd level spell, ain't much better; it's a +2 enhancement bonus to all your physical ability scores.

It could be nice with Ability Enhancer, I guess.

[skydragonknight]

The best use of said spells is not in casting them, but using them to craft. All the stat-boosting gear - which everyone gets at least two of (primary stat and Con) - are crafted using these spells. So in a low-magic campaign where magic marts don't sell the stuff, these are very, very nice spells to have since they can with one feat and experience being a river translate to a stronger party relative to the setting.

Artificers don't need the spell since they can emulate it, but they can do infusion shenanigans (Enhancement Alteration? something like that) with crafted items, turning, for example, your Warblade's Belt of Giant's Strength from a +6 Enhancement bonus to to +6 Sacred bonus. Then use a wand of Bull's Strength on him when you see the big door with the skulls on it to make sure his maneuvers land on the BBEG.

[dipolartech]

So what do you do once you've crafted the item with the + enhancement? You no longer need to cast this particular spell on the wearer of the item, and it lessens the "power" of higher spell slot + enhancement spells because you only get the difference between the stronger spell and the item as a "bonus". Bonus stacking always makes my brain hurt.

[skydragonknight]

Druids/Clerics simply prepare something else afterwards. Wizards are fine with spending 200 gold to save thousands. Sorcs...probably shouldn't be crafting.

Agreed that actually casting these spells isn't so useful once crafting/buying +enhancement bonus items becomes available. The Mass versions though have their place, particularly in a military campaign. Give your mooks +4 Strength, then +4 Constitution and then do your own business.

[Nytemare3701]

You can do amazing things with those spells if you know the right tricks (I can make 'em go up to +8 to any ability score by 6th level, and you probably can do better), but not with metamagic. Sad.

Do tell.

[Amechra]

Ability Enhancer from Dragon Compendium boosts the bonus from any Transmutation spell that gives you a bonus to an ability score by +2; one of the options for one of the Paragnostic classes (I do believe it is Paragnostic Adept, but don't quote me on that) increases the bonus for any beneficial stat-helping spell (so it would also boost stuff that heals your ability scores) by +2, while dropping the penalty/damage you take from any stat-harming spell by -2.

In other words, Animalistic Power gives you +6 to all physical ability scores, but only a +4 to everyone else. Build this onto a Duskblade, find a way to expand your spell list, and you are golden.

[Talore]

The Paragonistic Ability only applies to one physical attribute for spells (you can select it 3 different times for all physical stats, but it takes 3 levels in a class that doesn't grant spellcasting) and the bonus only applies to spells cast by someone else, not yourself.

That said, Ability Enhancer is still quite good for animalistic power or (my favourite) the Bite of the X spell line.

[Amechra]

Damn it, misremembered it from the last time I read that book, which was around a year ago, so... carry on citizens!

But you know what Ability Enhancer is REALLY sexy for? Crown of Might; an hour/level buff that gives you +2 to Str. You can expend it at any time to receive a +8 to Str for a round.

+10 Str when you need it is a good thing, me thinks.