Mind Spike

• Level: 2nd-level
• School: Divination
• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: 60 feet
• Components: V, S
• Duration: Concentration, up to 1 hour

Description

MIND SPIKE allows the caster to reach into the mind of a creature they can see within range and cause intense psychic pain, as well as gain knowledge of the creature's location for a limited time.

Effects:

• Target:

  • The caster selects one creature within 60 feet that they can see.

• Damage:

  • The target must make a Wisdom saving throw.
  • On a failed save, the target takes 3d8 psychic damage.
  • On a successful save, the target takes half as much damage.

• Tracking:

  • If the target fails the saving throw, the caster also gains the ability to know the target's location for the duration of the spell.
  • The caster always knows the target's location, as long as they are on the same plane of existence. This does not require line of sight or any additional effort from the caster.
  • While this effect lasts, the target cannot benefit from being invisible against the caster.

Higher Levels:

• Increased Damage:
  • When cast using a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, the psychic damage increases by 1d8 for each slot level above 2nd.

Strategic Applications:

• Damage and Tracking:

  • Mind Spike serves as both a damage-dealing spell and a way to track a target that might try to escape or hide from the caster.

• Invisibility Counter:

  • The ability to negate invisibility can be particularly useful against foes that rely on stealth or magic to avoid detection.

Roleplaying Opportunities:

• Mental Duel:

  • Mind Spike can be used in scenarios where a mental confrontation is thematically appropriate, such as against other spellcasters or in psychic battles.

• Interrogation:

  • The spell's tracking ability can be used creatively in interrogation scenes, where the caster threatens to locate the target even if they try to flee.

Notes:

• Concentration:

  • Since the spell requires concentration, it may limit the caster's ability to maintain other effects simultaneously.

• Saving Throw:

  • The spell's effectiveness is partially dependent on the target's Wisdom saving throw, which could make it less effective against creatures with strong mental defenses.

• Ideal For:

  • Mind Spike is particularly useful for characters who need to track or keep tabs on enemies, such as bounty hunters, investigators, or those facing opponents who frequently attempt to escape.