Already a qualifying Patreon member? Refresh to access this content.
10 thoughts on “Frontiers of Eberron Preview: Medusa Characters ”
It seems a bit too strong for a bonus action cantrip to deal damage, however tiny, and also debuff the target’s next Dexterity saving throw. The opportunity cost is fairly low, and it is optimal use case is closer to “soften up the target for a fireball, a lightning bolt, an Otiluke’s resilient sphere, or a disintegrate” rather than anything medusa-like.
To clarify, I mean getting someone else to do the casting of the Dexterity-targeting spell. For a bonus action, the opportunity cost is low.
I’d be tempted to say the debuff to the saving throw should be Wisdom instead of Dex, since 3 of the Medusa Spells are wisdom based (hold person, hold monster, hypnotic pattern). I also agree that for a bonus action it’s quite strong.
Instead of imposing disadvatange, perhaps it can be like Mind Sliver, where it reduces the target’s next saving throw by 1d4 but restricted to saving throws in one stat (so wis, dex, what have you). This lowers its power more so it’s not just a better Mind Sliver with a bonus action cost.
I’d also probably explicitly state for a campaign where I am running this that it doesn’t stack with Bane and Mind Sliver to prevent too much power gaming.
I’d be tempted to say the debuff to the saving throw should be Wisdom instead of Dex, since 3 of the Medusa Spells are wisdom based (hold person, hold monster, hypnotic pattern)
The intent isn’t to particularly synergize with the other Medusa spells; it’s a suggestion that the victim is slightly petrified and can’t move as quickly. Making it a 1d4 penalty instead of disadvantage is definitely possible.
While it’s true that 1d4 is generally weaker than disadvantage it isn’t universally weaker. If the creature can succeed on the save on a 6 or better then 1d4 can be more impactful than disadvantage (depending on the roll).
That doesn’t mean it’s the wrong call, and it’s certainly worth considering, but the impact isn’t entirely towards weakening.
Keith, this is amazing! I can’t wait to see what Worgs got, and to get such a tasty infusion of new lore. It’s really lovely to see your DM’s Guild golden age continue to unfurl
Love seeing the tiers of Gazes, the cultural lore is wonderful. Thanks, Keith!
One of my favorite topics! This jives with house rules I’ve already been using: namely that for branding purposes, a PC medusa who reduces a target to 0 hit points can declare them petrified. Remember, folks, you can use class features to represent inherent abilities! The poison spray and primal savagery cantrips are cosmetically suited to the medusa’s mane, and sleep and color spray work well when that gaze needs to hit the whole room. (Not inherently lethal, but very dramatic.)
Love the lore. Love the mechanics. Love how they mesh. Keep it up 🙂
Very hyped to see this and for Frontiers in the future. 😀
Unlock with Patreon
It seems a bit too strong for a bonus action cantrip to deal damage, however tiny, and also debuff the target’s next Dexterity saving throw. The opportunity cost is fairly low, and it is optimal use case is closer to “soften up the target for a fireball, a lightning bolt, an Otiluke’s resilient sphere, or a disintegrate” rather than anything medusa-like.
To clarify, I mean getting someone else to do the casting of the Dexterity-targeting spell. For a bonus action, the opportunity cost is low.
I’d be tempted to say the debuff to the saving throw should be Wisdom instead of Dex, since 3 of the Medusa Spells are wisdom based (hold person, hold monster, hypnotic pattern). I also agree that for a bonus action it’s quite strong.
Instead of imposing disadvatange, perhaps it can be like Mind Sliver, where it reduces the target’s next saving throw by 1d4 but restricted to saving throws in one stat (so wis, dex, what have you). This lowers its power more so it’s not just a better Mind Sliver with a bonus action cost.
I’d also probably explicitly state for a campaign where I am running this that it doesn’t stack with Bane and Mind Sliver to prevent too much power gaming.
I’d be tempted to say the debuff to the saving throw should be Wisdom instead of Dex, since 3 of the Medusa Spells are wisdom based (hold person, hold monster, hypnotic pattern)
The intent isn’t to particularly synergize with the other Medusa spells; it’s a suggestion that the victim is slightly petrified and can’t move as quickly. Making it a 1d4 penalty instead of disadvantage is definitely possible.
While it’s true that 1d4 is generally weaker than disadvantage it isn’t universally weaker. If the creature can succeed on the save on a 6 or better then 1d4 can be more impactful than disadvantage (depending on the roll).
That doesn’t mean it’s the wrong call, and it’s certainly worth considering, but the impact isn’t entirely towards weakening.
The math: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Fc13506BaTxJAFBrHlUXRcK166d7iEvmyNOpKCh3emA/edit?usp=sharing
Keith, this is amazing! I can’t wait to see what Worgs got, and to get such a tasty infusion of new lore. It’s really lovely to see your DM’s Guild golden age continue to unfurl
Love seeing the tiers of Gazes, the cultural lore is wonderful. Thanks, Keith!
One of my favorite topics! This jives with house rules I’ve already been using: namely that for branding purposes, a PC medusa who reduces a target to 0 hit points can declare them petrified. Remember, folks, you can use class features to represent inherent abilities! The poison spray and primal savagery cantrips are cosmetically suited to the medusa’s mane, and sleep and color spray work well when that gaze needs to hit the whole room. (Not inherently lethal, but very dramatic.)
Love the lore. Love the mechanics. Love how they mesh. Keep it up 🙂
Very hyped to see this and for Frontiers in the future. 😀