[Spell]Earthen Pillar

[MetalKelt]

I'm not sure if there's a spell like this already. I did some looking but couldn't find anything, but I have this nagging feeling still. If someone could clarify that for me, I woudl greatly appreciate it. Also, I'm not entirely sure I like the exact mechanics of this, if anyone has comments/suggestions, please let me know.

Earthen Pillar
Transmutation [Earth]
Level: Clr 4, Drd 3, Earth 3, Sor/Wiz 3
Components: V, S, M/DF
Casting Time: 1 Standard Action
Range: Close (25' + 5'/2 levels)
Effect: 5'x5' column of earth erupts from the ground
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Reflex half
Spell Resistance: No

In a 5 foot square you designate within range of the spell,
which contains solid ground, a 20' pillar of earth erupts
from the ground and quickly recedes. The exact speed of
the eruption is determined by caster level. If a creature
is standing on the square where the pillar erupts and there is
a solid ceiling of some sort less than 20' from the ground, the pillar
will stop upon reaching the ceiling and the creature sustains
1d6 points of bludgeoning damage per caster level (max 10d6). If there is no
ceiling within 20' of the ground, any creature caught by an
erupting Earthen Pillar is giving enough upwards velocity to
reach a height of 10' per caster level (max 100'). A successful Reflex Save
means the creature has partially gotten out of the way of the pillar
and is subject to only half damage or half altitude depending
on the circumstances.

Note: If a creature is flung into the air the total height also
includes the 20' pillar. Thus a creature flung into the air by
this spell at a 5th CL would sustain 5d6 points of falling damage
upon falling back to the ground.

Material Component: A small, cylindrical piece of rock.

[NullAshton]

So a level 3 spell that a level 5 wizard can use to deal 14d6 falling damage? 24.5 average damage on a failed save? Outside only, but still... A level 5 fighter has a good chance of dying on this spell with average damage only.

[MetalKelt]

Sorry, I should have mentioned that it capped at 10d6 crushing damage and 100 feet vertical height. I'll edit the original to reflect this. Also, isn't falling damage 1d6 per 10'?

[martyboy74]

Sorry, I should have mentioned that it capped at 10d6 crushing damage and 100 feet vertical height. I'll edit the original to reflect this. Also, isn't falling damage 1d6 per 10'?
Yep, with a maximum of 20d6.

[NullAshton]

Thought it was 5 feet? Hmmm.

[The Vorpal Tribble]

There is a spell from Frostburn very much like this, even the same level, but its called Column of Ice. You have to make a DC 10 balance check each time you try to move on it.

An earthen version would be cool though, with maybe instead of you having to make a balance check against slipping you have to make one to keep from falling off from the rumbling of the unstable ground beneath it.

[MetalKelt]

I'll have to check out that spell. I was trying to keep in the d6 per level damage range with this spell. While a little limited in some respects, it does get around SR and has some ancillary (oooh!) benefits, e.g. I could see a spellcaster using this spell to propel himself or another party member up to a hard to reach ledge, over a wall, or just do something completely unexpected as the PCs are wont to do.