So I made a higher level shield spell that works in a 5ft. radius, it's probably a bit on the strong side, but personally I like the idea of a wizard or other (half)caster shielding the party from for example a breath attack or arrow rain. I have been thinking of making it 4th level, though still on the fence for that, and some feedback regarding the spell is certainly appreciated!
EDIT: I have changed the spell slightly, it is now 5th level and requires a contested roll instead of giving advantage.
This is cool. It does seem like a lot though. Advantage AND half/no damage without even any kind of roll makes this very strong against things like dragon breath which don't really have much in the way of other counters. Maybe there should be some kind of contested roll to see if an AOE can penetrate it? Also could play around with it just working for one action rather than the rest of the round. As it is, I think it might even be level 5.
I was indeed on the fence for advantage on the roll, and a contested roll sounds like a good alternative for it. Making the caster roll a contested roll with their spell modifier to see if it mitigates all the damage or only does half damage does both help bringing down the amount of rolls tremendously while keeping it relatively strong versus AOE or breath attacks.
As for the level I will bump it to a level 5 as well :)
I like the idea, but I wonder if a simpler way to implement it might be to just have the same +5 bonus apply to the saving throws as well, in the same way that three-quarters cover works but as a reaction? This would let you keep it at a lower level, because otherwise I think 5th-level, while probably balanced as the spell is now, may be too high.
Parties don't usually want to bunch up, so the benefit of this spell is for when you're ambushed, you need to bunch up to take advantage of something else (like a Paladin's aura, a healing totem or whatever), or you are specifically trying to defend someone else. This makes it somewhat situational, and I'm just not sure if I'd personally spend a 5th-level pick to take it even in its stronger "evasion bubble" form?
It's something to think about anyway; balance is hard, and you'll almost always find people can't agree on if something should be stronger or weaker, I almost always need play-testing to get a real sense of whether I've got it right or not.
Former D&D Beyond Customer of six years: With the axing of piecemeal purchasing, lack of meaningful development, and toxic moderation the site isn't worth paying for anymore. I remain a free user only until my groups are done migrating from DDB, and if necessary D&D, after which I'm done. There are better systems owned by better companies out there.
I have unsubscribed from all topics and will not reply to messages. My homebrew is now 100% unsupported.
How about it starts as a 4th level spell and scales every even level there after. It starts as a 5 ft diameter and adds another 5ft each scale.
As for effects, give everyone inside the dome your personal save first against any effect and then they get their own save to mitigate any damage or effect that gets through.
Centered on the caster. 10 minute duration with concentration.
This spell covers everyone, friend or enemy inside the dome.
Your idea is good though.
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https://www.dndbeyond.com/spells/1560288-greater-shield
So I made a higher level shield spell that works in a 5ft. radius, it's probably a bit on the strong side, but personally I like the idea of a wizard or other (half)caster shielding the party from for example a breath attack or arrow rain. I have been thinking of making it 4th level, though still on the fence for that, and some feedback regarding the spell is certainly appreciated!
EDIT: I have changed the spell slightly, it is now 5th level and requires a contested roll instead of giving advantage.
Homebrews!
Subclasses: The Agrippa | Oath of the Gambler | Isekai Domain | Path of the Starcallers | Oath of Nature | Vanguard
Spells: Lyneus' Chained Dance | Lyneus' Aftershock | Hex of Inversion | Zone of Inversion | Defenestrate Creature | Greater Shield | Merle's Revealing Web | Merle's Wavelength Manipulation | Merle's Burning Muscles
Feats: Mobile Retriever | Dual Mind | Tenacious
Items: Ring of the Spectral Rider | Cursed Mocking Sword
This is cool. It does seem like a lot though. Advantage AND half/no damage without even any kind of roll makes this very strong against things like dragon breath which don't really have much in the way of other counters. Maybe there should be some kind of contested roll to see if an AOE can penetrate it? Also could play around with it just working for one action rather than the rest of the round. As it is, I think it might even be level 5.
My homebrew subclasses (full list here)
(Artificer) Swordmage | Glasswright | (Barbarian) Path of the Savage Embrace
(Bard) College of Dance | (Fighter) Warlord | Cannoneer
(Monk) Way of the Elements | (Ranger) Blade Dancer
(Rogue) DaggerMaster | Inquisitor | (Sorcerer) Riftwalker | Spellfist
(Warlock) The Swarm
Thanks for the feedback!
I was indeed on the fence for advantage on the roll, and a contested roll sounds like a good alternative for it. Making the caster roll a contested roll with their spell modifier to see if it mitigates all the damage or only does half damage does both help bringing down the amount of rolls tremendously while keeping it relatively strong versus AOE or breath attacks.
As for the level I will bump it to a level 5 as well :)
Homebrews!
Subclasses: The Agrippa | Oath of the Gambler | Isekai Domain | Path of the Starcallers | Oath of Nature | Vanguard
Spells: Lyneus' Chained Dance | Lyneus' Aftershock | Hex of Inversion | Zone of Inversion | Defenestrate Creature | Greater Shield | Merle's Revealing Web | Merle's Wavelength Manipulation | Merle's Burning Muscles
Feats: Mobile Retriever | Dual Mind | Tenacious
Items: Ring of the Spectral Rider | Cursed Mocking Sword
I like the idea, but I wonder if a simpler way to implement it might be to just have the same +5 bonus apply to the saving throws as well, in the same way that three-quarters cover works but as a reaction? This would let you keep it at a lower level, because otherwise I think 5th-level, while probably balanced as the spell is now, may be too high.
Parties don't usually want to bunch up, so the benefit of this spell is for when you're ambushed, you need to bunch up to take advantage of something else (like a Paladin's aura, a healing totem or whatever), or you are specifically trying to defend someone else. This makes it somewhat situational, and I'm just not sure if I'd personally spend a 5th-level pick to take it even in its stronger "evasion bubble" form?
It's something to think about anyway; balance is hard, and you'll almost always find people can't agree on if something should be stronger or weaker, I almost always need play-testing to get a real sense of whether I've got it right or not.
Former D&D Beyond Customer of six years: With the axing of piecemeal purchasing, lack of meaningful development, and toxic moderation the site isn't worth paying for anymore. I remain a free user only until my groups are done migrating from DDB, and if necessary D&D, after which I'm done. There are better systems owned by better companies out there.
I have unsubscribed from all topics and will not reply to messages. My homebrew is now 100% unsupported.
How about it starts as a 4th level spell and scales every even level there after. It starts as a 5 ft diameter and adds another 5ft each scale.
As for effects, give everyone inside the dome your personal save first against any effect and then they get their own save to mitigate any damage or effect that gets through.
Centered on the caster. 10 minute duration with concentration.
This spell covers everyone, friend or enemy inside the dome.
Your idea is good though.