Berserk Spell?

[SamuraiY]

This just popped into my head and seemed an interesting enough idea to post for comments.

BERSERK
Transmutation [Element]
Level: ?
Components: V,S
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: 2 rounds/level

Your hair and various other features become pure [element] and you sprout claws of [element]. In additition to this, you fly into a rage, causing you to gain +4 strength and constitution, but -4 to wisdom. You deal 1d6/level with your claws, and always attack with them. You have no real control over yourself, but retain enough sense to attack your enemies first. However, after the enemies are defeated, you will turn upon the nearest target available, even if he is a friend. When the rage ends, you suffer a -4 to Strength and constitution for 1 day.

Not exactly perfect (understatement), but I thought I'd post it anyway. Suggestions would be very appreciated. Also feel free to tell me that this is a stupid idea, just so long as you don't tell me that I'm stupid.

 

[Khorod]

I generally don't like spells that try to balance themselves with internal penalties.

Basically, you are granting a variant Barbarian Rage and Improved Unarmed Strike with elemental damage for 2 rounds per level.

Trade-off is Xtreme Fatigue & uncontrollable actions.


Given what this is, I would guess it to be 3rd or 4th level, but its not worth casting since whoever it is WILL turn on you if he is too successful.

 

[SamuraiY]

Oops...

You know, this spell made perfect sense when it was midnight and I was really tired, but now that I see it when I'm wide awake... It's a really really stupid idea. I can't believe I wrote this.

 

[Andion Isurand]

from the WotC website linked below:

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/article.asp?x=dnd/sb/sb20030308x

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Mindless Rage
Enchantment (Compulsion) [Mind-Affecting]
Level: Brd 2, Sor/Wiz 2
Components: V, S, F
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft/2 levels)
Targets: One person or creature
Duration: 1 round/level
Saving Throw: Will negates
Spell Resistance: Yes

Creatures affected by the spell mindless rage become so filled with rage that they can do nothing but focus on engaging the caster in personal physical combat. The affected creature cannot use any spells, spell-like or supernatural abilities, or ranged weapons while attacking the caster. The subject's only thoughts are of killing the caster -- if not with bare hands, then with a hand-held melee weapon at best.

It's worth noting that the recipient of this spell, though overcome with rage, is by no means rendered an idiot or suicidal. For example, an affected creature will not charge off a cliff in an attempt to reach the target.

While under the effect of a mindless rage spell, the subject can make use of all normal melee combat skills, abilities, and feats -- either offensive or defensive. However, the affected creature cannot use any ability that requires activation or concentration.

An interesting side effect of mindless rage occurs when the spell is cast upon any character capable of the rage ability (such as a barbarian). In these cases, the mindless rage episode counts as one of the character's uses of rage for that day.

Mindless rage is a fairly uncommon spell. It’s believed to have been developed by dwarven fighter/wizards who preferred to face their opponents in melee combat over magical conflicts. Of course, many of the stories tracing this spell's origins to the battle-mages also note that this dwarven method of ensuring melee combat against spellcasters backfired when the group ran afoul of a band of sorcerer/barbarians.

Arcane Focus: Successful casting of mindless rage requires the caster to utilize a scarlet handkerchief or similar piece of cloth, which is waved in the target's direction while the caster vocalizes the verbal component.