Maximilian's Earthen Grasp

• Level: 2nd-level
• School: Transmutation
• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: 30 feet
• Components: V, S, M (a miniature hand sculpted from clay)
• Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute

Description

Maximilian's Earthen Grasp allows you to summon a medium-sized hand made of compacted soil to emerge from the ground at a point within range. This hand can grapple and crush creatures, offering both control and damage potential in combat.

Effects:

• Summoning the Hand:

  • You choose a 5-foot-square unoccupied space on the ground that you can see within range.
  • A Medium hand made from compacted soil rises there and reaches for one creature you choose within 5 feet of the hand.
  • The target must make a Strength saving throw.

• Grabbing the Target:

  • On a failed save, the target takes 2d6 bludgeoning damage and is restrained for the spell's duration.
  • On a successful save, the target avoids the hand and is not restrained.

• Actions While Restrained:

  • As an action, the restrained target can make a Strength check against your spell save DC to break free. On a success, the target escapes and is no longer restrained.
  • While restrained by the hand, the target takes 2d6 bludgeoning damage at the start of each of its turns.

• Moving the Hand:

  • As an action on your turn, you can cause the hand to reach for a different creature or move to a different unoccupied space within range. If the hand moves, the previous target is released.
  • The hand can only attempt to grab a new target that is within 5 feet of its new location.

Strategic Applications:

• Battlefield Control:

  • Maximilian's Earthen Grasp is effective at controlling the battlefield by restraining a single enemy. This can prevent foes from moving, attacking effectively, or escaping.

• Damage Over Time:

  • The spell provides consistent damage each round to a restrained target, which can add up quickly over the duration of the spell.

• Targeting Weaknesses:

  • This spell is particularly effective against creatures with low Strength or those that rely on mobility, as it restricts their movement and forces them to spend actions attempting to break free.

• Tactical Positioning:

  • You can use the spell to block a chokepoint, hold back a powerful enemy, or protect an ally by keeping an attacker restrained at a distance.

Limitations:

• Concentration:

  • The spell requires concentration, so it can be disrupted if the caster takes damage or casts another concentration spell.

• Single Target:

  • Maximilian's Earthen Grasp only affects one creature at a time, which limits its effectiveness in large-scale battles with multiple enemies.

• Strength Saving Throw:

  • Creatures with high Strength saving throws are more likely to resist the spell, reducing its effectiveness against certain enemies.

Notes:

• Roleplaying Opportunities:

  • This spell has a strong visual component, allowing for creative descriptions of how the earthen hand emerges and interacts with the environment. It can be a great choice for characters who want to emphasize their connection to the earth or nature.

• Synergy with Other Spells:

  • Combine this spell with other effects that hinder movement or lower saving throws to increase its effectiveness, such as Entangle or Bane.

• Ideal For:

  • Maximilian's Earthen Grasp is ideal for spellcasters who want to focus on control and disruption in combat. It’s particularly useful for wizards, sorcerers, and druids who can use it to protect their allies or isolate key enemies.