Terror (3.5 randomized fear spell)

[Frathe]

Terror

Necromancy (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/magicOverview/spellDescriptions.htm#necromancy) [Fear, Mind-Affecting (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/magicOverview/spellDescriptions.htm#descriptor)]

{table=head]
Level (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/magicOverview/spellDescriptions.htm#level): | Sor/Wiz 4 (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spellLists/sorcererWizardSpells.htm#fourthLevelSorcererWizard Spells)


Components (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/magicOverview/spellDescriptions.htm#components): | V, S


Casting Time (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/magicOverview/spellDescriptions.htm#castingTime): | 1 standard action (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/combat/actionsInCombat.htm#standardActions)


Range (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/magicOverview/spellDescriptions.htm#range): | 30 ft.


Area (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/magicOverview/spellDescriptions.htm#area): | Cone-shaped burst


Duration (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/magicOverview/spellDescriptions.htm#duration): | 1 round/level or 1 round; see text


Saving Throw (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/magicOverview/spellDescriptions.htm#savingThrow): | Will partial


Spell Resistance (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/magicOverview/spellDescriptions.htm#spellResistance): | Yes [/table]

Every living creature in the area is struck by intense terror, an emotion that expresses itself in varied ways. A creature might become frightened, panicked, cowering, or fascinated unless it succeeds on a Will save (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/combat/combatStatistics.htm#will). If the Will save succeeds, the creature is instead shaken (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#shaken) for 1 round.

{table=head]
d4 | Effect


1 | Fascinated (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#fascinated) (in their extreme horror, unable to look away)


2 | Frightened (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#frightened)


3 | Panicked (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#panicked)


4 | Cowering (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#cowering) [/table]

[Dumbledore lives]

It seems fine. On average it will be a little bit better than fear but not so much so that there is no reason to take fear. The only thing is compared to other fear effects fascinated is actually pretty bad so I find it odd that it is at the top of the table.

[Frathe]

It seems fine. On average it will be a little bit better than fear but not so much so that there is no reason to take fear. The only thing is compared to other fear effects fascinated is actually pretty bad so I find it odd that it is at the top of the table.

The order in the table didn't have any special meaning. I'll reorder it, though. Is cowering or panicked worse?

Edit: How's the table look now?

Also, another question. If it's better than fear, should I bump it up to Level 5?

[Dumbledore lives]

Cowering is worse than panicked because they stand still. A panicked person has a chance to flee and come back later seeking revenge, and you can't loot the corpse anywhere near as easily.

On second thought I think it's about as good as fear, with a little bit more interesting effects, I think it's fine at level 4.