Phantasmal killer - incorrect saves

Reports on bugs, and questions on if something is a bug.
Post Reply
User avatar
Tamryn
Sword Master
Sword Master
Posts: 238
Joined: Tue Dec 04, 2012 1:37 am
Location: Zhentil Keep

Phantasmal killer - incorrect saves

Post by Tamryn » Sat May 25, 2013 8:23 pm

According to SRD, phantasmal killer allows the target two saves. It first makes a will save, and if it succeeds, it is unaffected by the spell. If it fails, it then makes a fortitude save. If it succeeds, it takes 3d6 damage. Otherwise, it dies instantly.

In FK, the target only gets a will save. If it succeeds, it takes damage; if it fails, it dies.
User avatar
Hrosskell
Staff
Staff
Posts: 599
Joined: Wed Jun 30, 2004 9:14 pm
Location: Silverymoon

Re: Phantasmal killer - incorrect saves

Post by Hrosskell » Sun May 26, 2013 12:11 am

I believe that the double saves is what allows this pretty terrifying spell to have such a low caster level. As it stands, though, it can be employed in both PvE and PvP situations to utterly destroy most characters at the exciting level of 16. Definitely think this needs to be looked at.
Jamais arriere.
User avatar
Raona
Staff
Staff
Posts: 4944
Joined: Fri Aug 19, 2005 3:40 pm
Location: Waterdeep - Halls of Justice
Contact:

Re: Phantasmal killer - incorrect saves

Post by Raona » Wed May 29, 2013 11:24 am

I'm quite sure the current situation is the result of the standard spell code only allowing for one save of one type. Rather than a hardcode fix, I'm wondering if a spell chain could accomplish what we need here...casting Phantasmal Killer would check for a save against will and either let the target off the hook or cast/invoke Phantasmal Killer Part Deux, which would check for a save against fortitude and tenderise you appropriately. Anyone know for a fact that's a no-go before I spend time experimenting with making it work? (I'm talking to you, spell-coding gurus!) Would the lack of skill in the second part be a blocker? (Could it be made a separate skill that trains with the spell itself, if a non-zero value was really required?)
Post Reply