PDA

View Full Version : Pathfinder Does Cheliax Diva get a no-save Frighten ability?



Frosty
2014-08-03, 03:08 PM
So I just saw the Cheliax Diva (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/bard/archetypes/paizo---bard-archetypes/diva) archetype for Bards, and its Scathing Tirade (Su) performance seems to plainly be an improved version of Dirge of Doom (which it replaces). I see no save listed, so does that it's a standard action, no-save, Frighten effect?

With the Lingering Performance feat, it'll even last 1d4+2 rounds after she switches targets, she she can probably have 3 targets frightened at a time if she wants. Splitting half the enemy away from the fight seems very very powerful.

StreamOfTheSky
2014-08-03, 03:16 PM
Yup, it's no save. The trade-off is single target vs. dirge's ability to affect many foes. Of course usually you're more worried about one tough boss than a group of mooks, so it is better. Without Lingering Performance, it's just a matter of the foe moving away from it to be not affected anymore (though you can stay on him to renew it). If anything, it should probably have some clause about not being able to work on someone again within 24 hours like with witch hexes. And maybe double the range to compensate for the big nerf.

As written...it's very strong, not sure if it ruins game balance completely. Compared to what the full casters can pull off by level 8 (notably, Dazing Spell with level adjustment reducers), it's not nearly the most insane thing a PC can throw at the DM. Certainly is just one more class ability (Slumber hex, smite evil, etc...) that makes solo boss encounters not work so well in D&D/PF.