What is the Vomit Spell in Pathfinder?
In the world of Pathfinder, a fascinating and often chaotic spell can turn the tide of battle in favor of a caster. The Vomit Spell, also known as Swarm Spell, is a 2nd-level evocation spell that creates a swarm of spiders (Bestiary, page 258) that attack all other creatures within its area.
Key Features of the Vomit Spell
- 2nd-level evocation spell, making it a moderate-level spell
- Duration: 1 minute (can be extended with additional casting)
- Radius: 10-foot-radius sphere around the caster
- Creatures affected: All other creatures within the area, including constructs, but not undead
- Initiation: The caster is under the same conditions as the other creatures (e.g., it’s an enemy)
Effects of the Vomit Spell
Upon casting the Vomit Spell, a 10-foot-radius sphere appears around the caster. Within this area, all other creatures become the target of a swarm of spiders. These spiders attack with their short sword and bite attacks.
Here’s a breakdown of the statistics of the Spider Swarm:
- Hit Dice: 1d10 + 5 (10 HP per spider)
- Initiative: +4
- Speed: 40 ft.
- Armor Class: 15 (-2 size, +5 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 10
- Attack:
- Short sword +5 (1d6+5)
- Bite +5 (1d4+2 plus disease)
- Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
- Special Attacks:
- Disease: Spider strike, Fortitude DC 16, incubation period 1 minute, damage 1d4
- Paralysis (DC 15, 1 round)
- Special Qualities:
- Swarm (DC 15 to disperse, cannot be moved)
- Regeneration: 5 HP per round
The spiders are Medium-size beasts, so they can be carried by stronger creatures like a bear or an elephant, adding an extra layer of strategy to battles.
Strategic Applications
The Vomit Spell offers flexibility in combat, depending on the caster’s level and the situation:
- Suppress enemy forces: Target enemies are slowed and become less effective in combat, allowing friendly forces to capitalize on the chaos.
- Take the initiative: When casting in a surprise attack or an initiative-advantaged situation, you can quickly swarm an area and gain an advantage in the fight.
- Protect allies: Casting Vomit Spell near an ally being attacked can force the attacker to pause and deal with the spider swarm, giving your ally space to regroup or counterattack.
- Break morale: The sudden onset of chaos created by the Vomit Spell can deter enemies or even break their morale, resulting in surrender or retreat.
In conclusion, the Vomit Spell, or Swarm Spell, is an impactful evocation spell in Pathfinder that creates a challenging area effect, engaging enemies with an unpredictable and dangerous spider swarm. Mastery of this spell demands strategy and adaptability, making it an excellent choice for casters willing to adapt and think on their feet.