Author Topic: Confusion Spell  (Read 1206 times)

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Offline Siltur

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Confusion Spell
« on: January 21, 2013, 07:36:47 AM »
Hello all,
i need a clarification on how the spell Confusion works.
The spell from Harper 's Sphere states that a single target cannot initiate any action other than defend with half OB.

As far as i understand the target cannot do any action requiring a maneuver (even flee from battle) as he's confused and must (no other choice) parry with half OB, right? Or the term initiate means something different an i am missing the obvious?

In case that the increase confusion scaling option is used the target cannot do anything and stay under incoming attack defending with his DB until some event breaks the concentration of the caster?



Offline Thom @ ICE

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Re: Confusion Spell
« Reply #1 on: January 21, 2013, 06:45:35 PM »
Agreed - the target cannot do any action requiring a maneuver (even flee from battle).  I would even go so far as to say, they cannot perform any action (even if it doesn't require a maneuver).  The only exception is the ability to parry (at half OB) if he wants to.  If a "friend" walks towards him and suddenly attacks (catching the guy by surprise) then I would not permit the parry.

Increase confusion can't even defend himself.  His base DB and instinctive defense are active (not including bonus that requires conscious effort and thought - quickness, parry, dodge, shield use, etc.).
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Offline Pat

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Re: Confusion Spell
« Reply #2 on: January 22, 2013, 05:35:30 AM »
I never realised how good this spell could be until I read this post. Imagine having a mounted knight charging at you, you could either cast the spell at the knight having him fall from the horse or cast at the horse (greater chance of success) and have the horse immediately go from 30 odd mph to (I assume) crash. The same could be done to a flying attacking griffin (crash) or a free climber on a mountain ledge (bungeeee).

It's always good to read the posts and get new insights.

Offline Thom @ ICE

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Re: Confusion Spell
« Reply #3 on: January 22, 2013, 06:02:22 AM »
If that is what you got from my previous reply, my apologies, as neither case would be my interpretation and my explanation must not have been clear.

For the standard version of the spell...
The mounted knight could continue riding, just nothing fancy and no initiating new actions.  He would be able to even attempt a parry (at half OB).

Casting on the horse would lead to the horse slowing his pace until he is traveling at a walk.

A flying griffin in a dive attack would end up doing a "fly by" - no attack - and would continue to remain aware of the foe (now behind him) and probably loop around.

Free climber standing on a mountain ledge simply remains standing there. Hanging on the side of the mountain remains hanging there - stops moving.

For the increased confusion version....
Knight - simply holds onto his mount to keep from falling off, at a loss of most of his DB benefit.
Horse - Quick slow to a stop, knight needs to make a riding check (Hard) to remain on his mount.
Griffin - in a dive attack - make a hard flying maneuver to avoid flying into the ground (assuming target is on the ground), if successful just a fly by (but no consideration for foe after the fly by)
Climber - remains standing on ledge or if his position is precarious to begin with, allow a hard check to see if he can hold on - but he won't be moving.

Sorry if my previous explanation led to confusion.
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Offline Pat

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Re: Confusion Spell
« Reply #4 on: January 25, 2013, 09:48:50 PM »
Thanks for the clarification. That does make more sense.

Offline Siltur

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Re: Confusion Spell
« Reply #5 on: February 23, 2013, 03:30:43 PM »
Thanks Thom for the explanation, the spell works as i figure but with your examples all is clear.

@Pat, IMHO the spell is really powerful and interesting if some prerequisite are met:
  • the PG is not alone (he must have at least one companion to advantage from the spell, more is better)
  • there is just one (or maybe two) opponents facing many PGs so the ratio is many vs one
In this case it's really possible to kill a very powerful creature: my 4 players (all 4th level) won against a manticore!  ;)