Based on Colleptics thread for their homebrew spell, Mage Shielding, I tossed together a quick variant for consideration: Esoteric Ward.
The interesting aspect of this spell is that is creates magical Cover, rather than magical Armor or a flat bonus. This allows it to stack with spells like Mage Armor, but overlaps with other sources of cover, which makes it situationally useful, depending on the amount of natural cover that is available during combat.
This was just a quick mock-up, so I'm interested to hear opinions on how to make it suitable for play.
The spell text is included in the spoiler below:
LEVEL
2nd
CASTING TIME
1 Action
RANGE/AREA
Self
COMPONENTS
V, S, M *
DURATION
Concentration 1 Minute
SCHOOL
Abjuration
ATTACK/SAVE
None
DAMAGE/EFFECT
Buff (...)
A transparent sphere of protective magic surrounds you until the spell ends. For the duration, you are considered to have Half Cover, which grants +2 to AC and Dexterity Saving Throws. The cover produced by this spell overlaps with other sources of cover, such as trees and low walls.
You can also grant yourself Three-Quarter Cover until the start of your next turn as a Reaction¹, including against the triggering attack/effect, although doing so ends the spell.
¹ - which you take when you are hit by an attack or included in the effect of a spell.
So as a quick question, this would stay up unless concentration was broken correct? And in theory you could spam the 3/4 option if you happen to be in the thick of combat. I really like the idea of magical cover. I think it's one of the best options of the Artillerist is to be able to use their turret as half cover. Kudos on the cool theme, and like the early draft.
The Half-Cover effect would remain for the duration, unless concentration was broken or the secondary effect was triggered. The Three-Quarter cover option can only be activated once.
This spell basically acts like an Enhanced Shield of Faith that can be burned for an Enhanced Shield effect. It offers better protection than either, but needs to be activated at the start of combat, so it might be worth changing the Casting Time to 1 Bonus Action.
Based on Colleptics thread for their homebrew spell, Mage Shielding, I tossed together a quick variant for consideration: Esoteric Ward.
The interesting aspect of this spell is that is creates magical Cover, rather than magical Armor or a flat bonus. This allows it to stack with spells like Mage Armor, but overlaps with other sources of cover, which makes it situationally useful, depending on the amount of natural cover that is available during combat.
This was just a quick mock-up, so I'm interested to hear opinions on how to make it suitable for play.
The spell text is included in the spoiler below:
So as a quick question, this would stay up unless concentration was broken correct? And in theory you could spam the 3/4 option if you happen to be in the thick of combat. I really like the idea of magical cover. I think it's one of the best options of the Artillerist is to be able to use their turret as half cover. Kudos on the cool theme, and like the early draft.
The Half-Cover effect would remain for the duration, unless concentration was broken or the secondary effect was triggered. The Three-Quarter cover option can only be activated once.
This spell basically acts like an Enhanced Shield of Faith that can be burned for an Enhanced Shield effect. It offers better protection than either, but needs to be activated at the start of combat, so it might be worth changing the Casting Time to 1 Bonus Action.