Topic: Nightblade (RM2) and Adrenal Focus spell (base list)

[JUNKdeLUXE]

Can anyone explain to me the idea behind the Adrenal Focus I-IV spells?

Adrenal Focus I (U*) In the round that this spell is cast, the caster may use a one-handed weapon or a Rank I Martial Arts attack form (strikes or sweeps) in combat. Instead of his normal OB, the caster's OB consists of:
1. Directed Spell skill rank for Adrenal Focus I PLUS
2. SD stat bonus PLUS
3. Any applicable weapon bonus MINUS
4. Modification from a roll on the General column of the Base Spell Attack Table.

What's the benefit here?

Assuming:
Normal weapon OB: +80 (10 ranks) + 20 (magic weapon)
SD Bonus: +30
Directed Spell Ranks: 10 (=50)
Weapon Bonus: +20
Roll on BSA: 50 (=0)

1. 50 PLUS
2. 30 PLUS
3. 20 MINUS
4. 0

WOW !! an OB of 100, just the same as if I had just used my normal weapon attack. This is only if I have a high SD and I wanted to spend (read: waste) 20 Development Points on Directed Spells...

I am sure I'm missing something vital here...

[Hurin]

I think it allows you to use a weapon or Martial Arts without having to develop it normally?

[yammahoper]

I always treated positive results on the BAR as negagtive and negative as positive, so up to +55 OB can be gained without an UM result.  Weapon bonus should also be a plus, not a penalty, assuming weapon has a bonus.  Probably another typo.

The ability to use any 1h weapon is very useful.

How do you get a +80 with 10 ranks?

[OLF, i.e. Olf Le Fol]

I am sure I'm missing something vital here...

Your weapon OB is for that weapon ONLY, or at best for similar weapons ONLY whereas the Adrenal Focus spell allows one to be proficient in any weapon of the specified type (one-handed for AFI, two-handed for AFII, thrown for AFIII and missile for AFIV)... including one you never even know it existed before you actually meet it.

[Malim]

The BAR is a as it read -/+  since there is spell that gives you +1 per lvl to the BAR

2 — PREPARATION (U) Allows caster to add 1 pt/lvl to his base attack
roll when using any of the Adrenal Focus spells. on the list!

[BeggarKing (Thomas)]

I loved this spell and played lots of characters that use it. It is equivalent to wielding a weapon, but at the skill dp cost of directed spell, and it works with ANY WEAPON.  So first, a nightblade can pick up just about anything and use it. Secondly, its cheaper than buying a weapon (if memory servers) Development point wise. Third, Certain character types (the highly disciplined + agile) will have be able to really shine in combat, without needing to be strong, or whatnot, for at least as long as they can power the effect. Fourth: its great for the improvisational weapon or when you have to scrounge something for combat.

The bar roll adds some randomness but if you have any background/special bonus to bar, this kicks the bonus into high gear.

The BEST though was the occasional pure spell user that got ahold of this list. Sure, the archmage can only wield the sword like a master until he runs out of power points, but usually that takes a while with a first level spell.

[Malim]

An Arcmage would use fireblade og lightning blade instead

[yammahoper]

No parry with a fire blade, however with a duration of 1/rnd a level, this allows other defensive spells to be used.  Fireblade is also level 8, and add the necessity of defensive spells for DB, it's a real pp drainer.  Yet Adrenal Focus must be cast every melee round.

Best bet would be to extend Adrenal Focus duration to 1/rnd per level with spell mastery.  A friendly GM may then allow the spell to be further augmented by duration enhancing spells and the like.

[BeggarKing (Thomas)]

Where Nightblades and their spells really shine are as antagonists. Imagine a villain who

1. sneaks up an ambushes/subdues a party member
2. You engage in melee, find him elusive but manage to disarm his dagger. He just picks up your fallen comrade's  axe a wields it like a master.
3. You disarm him again, he picks up a club and wields it just as well. You are starting to think "who is this guy"?
4. You finally manage to get a decent crit and he laughs it off (ala Mountainheart spell) - then, your blade still buried deep in his arm/leg/chest/whatever, he disappears in a puff of smoke (Smokeflash).

Now, imagine a clan of them pursuing your party. They make really great villains.

[OLF, i.e. Olf Le Fol]

As an assassin, the Nightblade is a good profession. Better than its RMSS equivalent, the Magent, who I never felt was good at assassination.

[Marrethiel]

Looking at say a 10th level night blade, seeing as weapon was quoted as 10 ranks.

1/ 10 Ranks Directed Spell + AG 10 = 60
2/ SD Stat bonus +10 (average?) = 10
3/ Weapon Bonus (from OP) = 20
4/ Minus a minus. At tenth level with +1 per level base spells and touch range +30 (you are touching your weapon) modifier and say a +5 spell casting item. = +45

135 OB... which is why Nighblades are a continual fave in our group.
Even if your GM baulks at the pretty obvious "touch range" it is still +15 on the base spell roll which is 105 OB

When the group has a Magus who can put this in as a constant spell it becomes really cool.
 

[OLF, i.e. Olf Le Fol]

4/ Minus a minus. At tenth level with +1 per level base spells and touch range +30 (you are touching your weapon) modifier and say a +5 spell casting item. = +45
(...)
Even if your GM baulks at the pretty obvious "touch range" it is still +15 on the base spell roll which is 105 OB

First, it's a bonus to the BAR, not to the OB. Second, the GM is right to refuse the "touch range" bonus, the same way he should refuse the +5 spell casting item. As stated in the Adrenal focus spells description, "NO MODIFICATIONS to the Base Spell Attack roll are allowed other than those given by a Preparation spell", which is pretty clear. No modifications, meaning neither the normal BAR's bonus, nor any kind of BAR bonus item, spell, etc. So the tenth level character would only get a +10 to his BAR roll. On a roll of 50, the modifier would be -10, for an OB total of 60+10+20-(-10)=+100, less than your initial +135...