Lokey,
This is such a complicated subject. As politely as possible, I disagree.
My char is Mnk6, Pal8, Sorc26. My BAB is 25 and a lvl 40 fighter would be 30. By using Divine Power script for AB I only gain 5 vs 13.
To your point tho, at 15 levels ago the spell was awesome. At level 25 picking up 5 ab, str, dex, etc can make a huge difference. Unfortunately, the spell diminishes in value as a player progresses toward 40. Like you state, Epic AB progression is 1 for 2 levels making all classes more even as you approach 40. **Really a pure fighter on NS4 gets 5 extra AB by 40 for being "pure" but this is not considered in the equation.
The intent of the spell is that an arcane caster uses this spell to become a powerful fighter. As the caster gets more powerful so should his spell. Just like Cone of Cold or Earthquake do. Currently Tensers loses power. The AC becomes useless as it doesn't stack (Natural Armor). I’ve reach the ability cap already with gear and stat buffs. The main point of the spell is the increase to AB. At level 25 I received a +5 ab and this has never increased. Its unfortunate that this is the part that is so drastically changed.
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I don’t think there is concern with regard to players casting Tensers from scrolls. First, the scrolls are not craftable. I tried to make some for those times that Tenser’s expires in long battles. As they are not craftable, Tenser’s can only be obtained by finding a scroll in a drop like Bigbys. Also, correct me if i'm wrong but if cast from a scroll a spell is at base power, correct? i.e. +5 ab and 11d6 temp hp and the duration would be for 30 seconds. This is the same effect currently and not have any change if the spell were modified as written. For example:
Ftr35/Rog5 might find a scroll and cast it upon himself at a critical point.
With Divine Power Version as a base he would get:
0 AB (already at 30 ab) 2d4 str and dex. +5 Fort and 11d6 HP (~39hp)
With AB calc at 1 per 2 caster levels he would get:
5 AB (11 lvls) 2d4 str and dex. +5 Fort and 11d6 HP (~39hp)
A pure Rogue40 would get these benefits:
With Divine Power Version he would get:
5 AB (25 ab vs 30 ab) 2d4 str and dex. +5 Fort and 11d6 HP (~39hp)
With AB calc at 1 per 2 caster levels he would get:
5 AB (11 /2 =5 lvls) 2d4 str and dex. +5 Fort and 11d6 HP (~39hp)
I could list a bunch more examples but I just don’t see how changing the AB calculation would have any significant effect on those casting it from a scroll. A change to ab calculation would only benefit a player that can legitimately cast the spell AND who have many levels of caster. And keep in mind in order to have those many levels of Sorc I had to suffer the standard 1 per 2 levels BAB progression.
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I believe it inappropriate to model Tenser's calc based on a Cleric’s Divine Power spell. A pure cleric would get 5 ab from DP and extra attacks. But a cleric has other spells to improve his AB which a Sorc/Wiz does not. Further a Cleric gets weapon/armor proficiencies along with the spell casting ability. Sorc/Wiz do not. Other sacrifies would need to be made in order to effectively use Tenser’s as a Wiz. For a cleric these sacrifices are not as drastic. Further a Cleric can continue to use casting abilities while Divine Power is in effect. A Wiz with Tensers must be committed to the sword once he casts it. Remember that casting another spell cancels Tenser’s immediately. (I assume the same is true with the scrolls).
My concept was to make a unique character focusing in a seldom used spell. I feel like the concept had great potential but has failed to a degree. If my focus is the sword then I must be able to hit. I expected 13 ab from Tenser’s to compensate for the poor BAB progressions etc. 5 ab just isn’t enough to make it worth using the spell much and therefore defeats the purpose of the build.
I still struggle to see a scenario where this spell could be abused. Virtually no one uses it as is which supports my belief that it is underpowered.
All that said, I really appreciate the effort NS4 has put into the spell. I understand that many servers still use the Bioware version which is HORRIBLE. Unfortunately, ours is also practically useless. If casting from a scroll is the only concern then I would plead that you calculate AB as 1/2 levels and simply have the scrolls drop less often or never.
Best,
- Glow -
