mr-frog@sdamos.UUCP (Dave Pare) (01/19/85)
: I was just wondering if anyone out there has ever used the 8th level spell "Incendiary Cloud". When our group first saw the description, we thought it had to have been a mistake. The spell does a maximum of 2hp/level of the mage -- saving throw applies. This means that a 16th level mage casting this amazing spell will do 32 points of damage. Of course, the spell takes 5 rounds to do this damage, so it's likely that the monsters have either killed you, or you've killed them before it takes effect. For those of you who have run high level mages, would you rather write a symbol of stunning or use this silly spell? A symbol of stunning stuns 160 hp worth of nasties -- uncovering a shield (or similar large portable surface) and facing it in the general direction of your enemies is much more fun than waiting for two rounds to do your 8 hp of damage round #3, 16 hp round #4, and 8 hp again on round #5. Other spells of the same level are "mass charm", "maze", "poly any object", and "permanent". Two have no save, one can transmute flesh into iron (or vice versa), and of course permanent is epitome of magedom because it allows you to enchant items. "Incendiary cloud" just doesn't compare. Heck, a d-blast fireball (seventh level spell) would do much more damage (average 4.5 * 16 == 72 pts / 36 if save made) and get off a lot faster. Remember that burning hands (first level spell) does 1pt/level of the mage, and there is no saving throw. This spell does 2 pts/level and there is a save. It even requires a fire source!! Of course, the area is bigger, but the difference in level is ludicrous. What do you think the appropriate level for this spell should be? Any suggestions? Dave "fire-shield wall" Pare