Difference between revisions of "Phantasmal Killer (spell)"

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[[File:Phantom Killer (spell).jpg|right|490px|thumb]]
 
[[File:Phantom Killer (spell).jpg|right|490px|thumb]]
'''Phantasmal Killer''' is a spell that conjures a featureless figure of an [[Assassin (class)|assassin]] equal in levels to that of the caster, able to approach and [[Assassination (sage ability)|attempt to kill]] exactly as an assassin would.  Once brought into existence, the phantasmal killer can travel as far as the duration allows, moving at [[Movement (stride)|stride-1]] and no faster — but the caster need not maintain line-of-sight with the killer while it does its work. The caster can intuitively sense where the phantasmal killer is, while directing its actions for game purposes.
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'''Phantasmal Killer''' is a spell that conjures a featureless figure of an [[Assassin (class)|assassin]] equal in levels to that of the caster, able to approach and [[Assassination (sage ability)|attempt to kill]] exactly as an assassin would.  Once summoned into existence, the phantasmal killer can travel within the boundaries of its duration, moving at a [[Movement (stride)|stride-1]] pace and no faster.  The caster need not maintain line-of-sight with the killer while it carries out its tasks. The caster possesses an intuitive awareness of the phantasmal killer's location and can influence its actions for game purposes.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The phantasmal killer cannot move beyond 60 feet from the caster (ten [[Combat Hex|hexes]]), so to some extent the caster must risk exposure themselves in order to move the killer to a vantage point where assassination is possible. However, at the moment when the killer is seen (see [[Stealth (sage ability)|stealth]]), the spellcaster can move forward to bring the victim into the killer's reach.
 
 
 
  
 
{{Spelltable
 
{{Spelltable
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| level = [[Illusionist 4th Level Spells|illusionist (4th)]]
 
| level = [[Illusionist 4th Level Spells|illusionist (4th)]]
 
}}
 
}}
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Because the phantasmal killer cannot venture that far away, the caster must assume some degree of risk in being near the assassination attempt when it occurs.
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== Assassination Event ==
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In calculating the killer's nearness to it's victim, [[Stealth (sage ability)|stealth]] is calculated according to the caster's level, as if he or she were an assassin.  Potential victims are granted a [[Surprise (combat)|surprise]] roll as always.
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Once the assassination is successful, the spell ends and the phantasmal killer disappears.  If, however, the attempt fails, the victim suffers damage equal to 25% of his or her current hit points, sufficient to [[Stun Lock|stun]].  Thereafter, the dweomer persists until the spell's duration ends, should the intended victim take up arms against the killer or flee.  While the phantasmal killer cannot be hurt at this time, nor can it do damage; but it may divert the attention of the victim long enough for the caster or others to succeed where the killer failed.
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== Distraction ==
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Since the phantasmal killer's position can be determined by the caster, a clever player could arrange to redirect the intended victim's attention at the right moment, even acting as "bait" to draw the victim out, moving past where the killer is hidden, waiting.
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Note that while the killer can approach to a number of hexes as an assassin of that level would, the spellcaster's approach must be determined separately — so that while the assassin may not be noticed, the caster might. This could work in the spellcaster's favor, since the caster would potentially serve as "bait," bringing the victim past the assassin's location (particularly effective if the assassin's stealth distance is less than 1).
 
  
Once the assassination attempt is made, the phantasmal killer will vanish.
 
  
 
[[Category: Illusionary Spells]]
 
[[Category: Illusionary Spells]]

Revision as of 23:54, 25 October 2023

Phantom Killer (spell).jpg

Phantasmal Killer is a spell that conjures a featureless figure of an assassin equal in levels to that of the caster, able to approach and attempt to kill exactly as an assassin would. Once summoned into existence, the phantasmal killer can travel within the boundaries of its duration, moving at a stride-1 pace and no faster. The caster need not maintain line-of-sight with the killer while it carries out its tasks. The caster possesses an intuitive awareness of the phantasmal killer's location and can influence its actions for game purposes.

Phantasmal Killer
Range 10 ft.
Duration 1 round/level; see text
Area of Effect 1 killer
Casting Time 2 rounds
Saving Throw none
Level illusionist (4th)

Because the phantasmal killer cannot venture that far away, the caster must assume some degree of risk in being near the assassination attempt when it occurs.

Assassination Event

In calculating the killer's nearness to it's victim, stealth is calculated according to the caster's level, as if he or she were an assassin. Potential victims are granted a surprise roll as always.

Once the assassination is successful, the spell ends and the phantasmal killer disappears. If, however, the attempt fails, the victim suffers damage equal to 25% of his or her current hit points, sufficient to stun. Thereafter, the dweomer persists until the spell's duration ends, should the intended victim take up arms against the killer or flee. While the phantasmal killer cannot be hurt at this time, nor can it do damage; but it may divert the attention of the victim long enough for the caster or others to succeed where the killer failed.

Distraction

Since the phantasmal killer's position can be determined by the caster, a clever player could arrange to redirect the intended victim's attention at the right moment, even acting as "bait" to draw the victim out, moving past where the killer is hidden, waiting.