Jim’s Glowing Coin: Pay for Attention
Usable By: Wizard
Spell Level: 2
School: Enchantment
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 60 feet
Duration: 1 minute
Components: S, M (a coin, 2 gold coins, which is consumed as tax for using the spell)
When you cast the spell, you hurl the coin that is the spell's material component to any spot within range. The coin lights up as if under the effect of a light spell. Each creature of your choice that you can see within 30 feet of the coin must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or be distracted for the duration. While distracted, a creature has disadvantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks and initiative rolls.
Review by Sam West, Twitter:@CrierKobold
Enthrall is a 2nd level spell whose primary purpose is drawing attention to yourself for a short duration. It imposes disadvantage on Perception checks to see anything other than you. Jim’s Glowing Coin is a 2nd level spell whose primary purpose is drawing attention to a tiny glowing coin; it imposes disadvantage on Perception checks and initiative rolls to creatures that fail a save. I’m not crazy about Enthrall; I’m not a fan of Jim’s Glowing Coin, either.
Fundamentally, their mechanics aren’t all that interesting, nor powerful. Enthrall at least tells a pretty clear story; you become the center of attention, drawing all eyes in the room to you while your rogue buddy robs the register. Jim’s Glowing Coin evokes the imagery of a shiny distraction getting all heads to turn and glare, but mechanically, it just works as a pseudo-blind. Everything has a harder time seeing, and a slightly slower reaction time. The fantasy doesn’t really line up too well with the mechanics.
The mechanics themselves are lackluster to boot. One of my favorite elements of TTRPGs is coming up with convoluted preposterous plans involving somebody dressed in a giant banana costume getting chased by a squad of armed chimpanzees all to act as a simple distraction while somebody does the letter stealing the DM wanted you all to do. Having a 2nd level spell acts as the most mild distraction is just boring. Why waste a 2nd level spell on this when a buck-naked half-orc streaking through town will draw WAY more eyes, and is hilarious too? This spell encourages people to just use the spell instead of getting wacky; that’s not what D&D is about to me.
If you’re looking for discreet distractions to assist a hiding ally, sure, Jim’s Glowing Coin can help you. I think you’re almost always better off using other deceptive measures to cause meaningful distractions, and will have a more engaging time for it. Jim’s Glowing Coin feels like you’d get nearly the same impact by actually just casting Light on a coin and chucking it at somebody. Why spend a 2nd level slot on that?
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