Enlarge Person question

[calypso15]

So, in the spell Enlarge Person it says:

"This spell causes instant growth of a humanoid creature, doubling its height and multiplying its weight by 8. This increase changes the creature’s size category to the next larger one. The target gains a +2 size bonus to Strength, a -2 size penalty to Dexterity (to a minimum of 1), and a -1 penalty on attack rolls and AC due to its increased size."

Then, there is this:

"A size increase affects any special ability the creature has that is affected by size. Increased size also affects a creature’s ability scores, AC, attack bonuses, and damage values as indicated on the tables below.

Medium Large +8 -2 +4 +2 -1"

So, is the +2/-2 from Enlarge Person in addition to that? Instead of that? If it's instead of, why is it?

Thanks,
Calypso

EDIT: A secondary question is, assuming it's the first (+2/-2), how is this better than Magic Weapon? I mean, they stack, yeah, but if I had to pick one, why would I pick Enlarge Person over Magic Weapon?

 

[Quez The Lame]

You get only the +2 STR, not the standard size adjustments. You become bigger, but not that big. But behind that it's a balance thing. +8 STR alone would be ar out for a 1st level spell.

Well, I would pick Enlarge Person. You get reach, increased weapon damage...and you look much more impressive ("Oh my god, it's a 10 foot dwarf!!!").

 

[Geoff Watson]

So, in the spell Enlarge Person it says:

"This spell causes instant growth of a humanoid creature, doubling its height and multiplying its weight by 8. This increase changes the creature’s size category to the next larger one. The target gains a +2 size bonus to Strength, a -2 size penalty to Dexterity (to a minimum of 1), and a -1 penalty on attack rolls and AC due to its increased size."

Then, there is this:

"A size increase affects any special ability the creature has that is affected by size. Increased size also affects a creature’s ability scores, AC, attack bonuses, and damage values as indicated on the tables below.

Medium Large +8 -2 +4 +2 -1"

So, is the +2/-2 from Enlarge Person in addition to that? Instead of that? If it's instead of, why is it?

Thanks,
Calypso

EDIT: A secondary question is, assuming it's the first (+2/-2), how is this better than Magic Weapon? I mean, they stack, yeah, but if I had to pick one, why would I pick Enlarge Person over Magic Weapon?

Instead of.
Why? Because +8 would be too powerful for a first level spell.

(reply to edit):
It increases weapon damage through size increase (a greatsword changes from 2d6 to 3d6).
You get reach.
Bonuses to Trip, Grapple, etc.

Geoff.

 

[isoChron]

EDIT: A secondary question is, assuming it's the first (+2/-2), how is this better than Magic Weapon? I mean, they stack, yeah, but if I had to pick one, why would I pick Enlarge Person over Magic Weapon?

Enlarge gives bonuses to: grapple (+4) trip (+5) disarm (+4) and your reach is doubled.

I think Enlarge person does only cover the changes that are described in the text of the spell.

EDIT: To slow ... again :\ and I forgot the weapon damage dice... bad me.

 

[calypso15]

Ahhh, I didn't know about the increase in damage! Thanks guys

Calypso

 

[Caliban]

Enlarge gives bonuses to: grapple (+4) trip (+5) disarm (+4) and your reach is doubled.

I think Enlarge person does only cover the changes that are described in the text of the spell.

EDIT: To slow ... again :\ and I forgot the weapon damage dice... bad me.

You actually get a +5 to Grapple, +4 size modifier, and a +1 from the increased Strength.

 

[isoChron]

Yup, another error. #looks at own character sheet#
Ups ! I forgot it on my own character sheet, too.

 

[Tric]

As I recall, you can get Enlarge Person permanentilizized... Am I right?

 

[Staffan]

Yes, assuming you can get a wizard to pay 500 XP.

 

[Thanee]

LOL, who in his (or her) right mind would do that!? And I do not speak of the 500 XP.

Bye
Thanee