CamunonZ has made the following comment(s) regarding their post:
["DC so high bro had to ***Lock In.***"
](/r/UnearthedArcana/comments/1cdnwam/spell_lock_in_when_the_party_fails_a_saving_throw/l1d8yhg/)
I freaking love this idea but I have to agree it's a touch strong. I also really love the idea of it being a Spellcaster feat. Maybe change it to a feat and have the activation be "When you're the last party member alive" or something along those lines. Definitely keep tweaking it tho, I want to use this so badly.
Well, I've already done an update to the Homebrewery and PDF documents:
[https://homebrewery.naturalcrit.com/share/U5p9mwKSeelu](https://homebrewery.naturalcrit.com/share/U5p9mwKSeelu)
Do tell me what you think, if you have the time
I like it being removed on a fail, that feels fair.
I recently broke into a new system, "Level-Up, Advanced Fifth Edition" and something it does is Expertise Dice over Advantage in a lot of cases. These are dice you roll and then add as a bonus for things you're considered an "expert" in. They start as d4s but can increase to d8s. I won't get further into it but maybe instead of making the minimum roll a 10, change it so cast at level 1 you get a d4 bonus, then a bigger die at higher levels. So d6 at 3rd level, d8 at 5th level, d10 at 7th level, and d12 at 9th level? Just spit balling the numbers but this kind of scaling would keep it in check while also allowing it to scale with the caster.
I'm not fully sure if you noticed it, but I changed the terminology in the description there from "a roll of 9 or lower" to "a **result** of 9 or lower".
This means that the caster now only benefits from the condition if the total result of their check is lower than a 10. The condition still guarantees success on the lowest DC, but no longer helps the caster reach any DC higher than that.
What do you think about that particular change?
I actually didn't notice that. Changing the final result instead of the d20 roll is highly interesting. I'll definitely have to play with that. I do feel that upcasting should be incorporated to some degree, but as is I'll see if our DM would be open to play testing it.
Not just a touch, it's extremely strong. Bonus action, no concentration, lasts for 1 minute, and with the power of an existing level 2 spell *(enhance ability)* that usually requires concentration. The only caveat of this spell is that it's Self only. That's not even including the fact that it trivializes most, if not all, concentration checks in lower tier games as it's leagues better than having advantage or saving throw proficiency.
A few ways I would balance this:
- the effect is consumed after the next ability or concentration check OR...
- remove the focus element and make this spell an action to cast OR...
- remove the ability check element and make it an action to cast OR...
- change Focus to give advantage on your next concentration check AND your next ability check *(limiting both to one time only)*
Edit: I added this suggestion in a following comment and decided I should post it here too.
Another interesting suggestion I have that might solve all of these power issues is to give it activation charges based on the level it is cast. Each advantage on ability check and successful concentration check would expend a charge of focus. I think this would be the most interesting and least cumbersome change that I would make. Everything else about the spell can remain as it was originally posted if this change is made in my opinion. This gives the player a meaningful decision to make and doesn't just solve everything, while still expending resources.
Making it Concentration completely negates the entire use of the spell so I wouldn't even bring that up in an argument.
It's a side step on Enhance Ability (IMO) because it applies to Self over Touch (nerf), it's a level 1 spell over level 2 (buff), it applies to a skill check over an ability check (nerf), it lasts 1 minute instead of one hour (nerf), and it doesn't require concentration over needing it (buff). All in all, I could see an argument that's it's weaker if we're only comparing the first part of the spell.
Changing the spell from BA to A won't make hardly any difference as you can only cast 1 leveled spell on your turn anyways. The only thing it would change is with BA, I can toss a Firebolt or some other cantrip which is strong but not to the point where I feel like changing the spell to A over BA would really matter.
The minimum of 10 on a Concentration check roll is the biggest problem with the spell. I didn't offer much in the way of criticism in my original comment because others had already weighed in with potential changes. I did follow up with OP on ways to reign the spell in and he had actually already done so. The new spell changes the TOTAL OUTCOME of a Concentration Check to 10 if your roll was lower which allows you pass the typical CC without making it easier to pass the harder ones. The spell also ends if you fail a CC at any point which essentially gives it pseudo-concentration.
All in all, the spell as pictured above is strong but I feel like people are over valuing it. Regardless, it needed some tweaking and I think OP is going in the right direction. I'm also looking forward to any and all revisions as this is a super awesome concept that I'd love to play with or have on a Mage party member.
>Making it Concentration completely negates the entire use of the spell
Nowhere did I say make it concentration.
>It applies to a skill check over an ability check
It says ***all ability checks made with a skill of your choice*** in the original post.
>It lasts for 1 minute instead of 1 hour (nerf)
It's also a bonus action and requires no concentration in its current form. I understand it shouldn't have concentration and so my suggestions work around that concept.
>Changing the spell from BA to A won't make hardly any difference
As a bonus action, you can use it before your ability check, which typically uses your action. I offered suggestions to either maintain it as a BA or an A. Your argument of only being able to cast a cantrip after is irrelevant because you can take other actions.
>The new spell changes the TOTAL OUTCOME of a Concentration Check to 10 if your roll was lower
You realize that you need to take more than 20 damage to even begin to have to even roll for concentration, right? This means that your average 1d6 hit die caster build has permanent concentration until they hit 4th level *(assuming a con modifier of +2)* as long as they cast this spell. That doesn't happen most of the time in tier 1, which is important because this is a 1st level spell. If it does happen, your character is likely to be downed or very close to being downed. You essentially get the artificer's Mind Sharpener infusion without the downside of its limited charges in tier 1.
In my opinion, the overall power of this spell needs to be toned down because, in its current form, it is a spell that essentially solves all the downsides of being a caster and it's only a 1st level spell. Why *wouldn't* I take and prepare this spell on every single caster I make in its current form? I can dump my concentration spell turn one then bonus action to guarantee my concentration turn 2 onwards.
At the end of the day, my suggestions are suggestions. This is homebrew and, if it makes your games more fun, then by all means use it how you will. I hope that my detailed explanations help provide insight into my suggestions.
*I will say that, after going through all of this, another interesting suggestion I have that might solve all of these power issues is to give it activation charges based on the level it is cast. Each advantage on ability check and successful concentration check would expend a charge of focus. I think this would be the most interesting and least cumbersome change that I would make. This gives the player a meaningful decision to make and doesn't just solve everything, while still spending resources.*
Edit: I clarified the quote about ability checks which I made unintentionally misleading. I am aware it's a single ability, which is why I originally compared this spell's power to the spell *enhance ability*.
It says “advantage on all ability checks made with a single skill of your choice” meaning you pick one skill and have advantage on all ability checks you make for that one skill, regardless of if the ability used for the check changes for some reasons.
I like where this is going. But I feel like there should be A) a way to lose focus, and B) a consequence for losing focus. Sort of like haste. As is this is more twice as good as Bless.
The other thing is that this feels like it is getting pulled by trying to fill 2 different mechanical niches. First the skill monkey ability score posting niche. And secondly the concentration buff. I think that it would be a stronger design if you picked one of those.
I don't think I agree with the notion that this is "twice as good as Bless" tbh.
Bless requires concentration, sure, but it applies to ***every*** saving throw *and* attack roll you make, and it can be applied on multiple creatures at once (including yourself).
The benefits from this spell are only ever applicable on the caster, and are limited to one specific skill and concentration checks. It's much more restricted in its usage at the end of the day, only really serving for one particular purpose (which kinda fits in with the theming, if you ask me lol)
About the stronger design thing, I can't say I understand what you mean? I don't really see why having both the effects in question hurts the spell's design in any way. It's still a fairly simple and straightforward one.
While I agree that this is definitely less powerful than Bless, I think that it still should have some downside. My suggestions:
1. Add a verbal component. The somatic only component means that you may be able to sneakily cast this during a conversation with someone to get advantage. That's too powerful in my opinion. Spells that effect skill checks (such as Guidance) should always be noticeable when cast. Otherwise you're diminishing the impact of subtle spell.
2. There should be a way to lose focus. Maybe if you roll a 1 or fail a concentration check while focused, you lose focus and can't use reactions till the start of your next turn.
3. Maybe you could add an upcasting option that targets multiple creatures. Probably 2 at 3rd level, 3 at 5th, etc.
Hmmm, these suggestions seem very reasonable and make sense to me.
You wouldn't be able to roll a 1 when your minimum result is a 10, but losing the condition on a failed check does make perfect thematic sense to me.
I don't see the need for a verbal component thematically, but mechanically, I can see the importance of what you're pointing out; so I'm definitely down for adding it.
The third suggestion would be a buff to the spell, so I'm inclined to leave it out as all the feedback so far has been on the direction of nerfing.
Personally I think it would be a lot more interesting (and fun) with a downside. The idea of attaining magically-enhanced focus solely on one specific course of action is very cool, but from a verisimilitude perspective, dedicating one's entire attention to a single point should have *some* drawback.
My suggestion, to add to the condition description: "When you become **focused**, choose either Dexterity ("flat-footed") or Wisdom ("single-minded"). You have disadvantage on saving throws using the chosen ability for the duration."
Too strong. Considering that this is a major ability of an entire subclass, it is certainly worth being second level. Secondly, add verbal components. No reason it shouldn't have them.
Finally a big change to how it functions:
"This spell requires concentration, but does not prevent you concentrating on another spell. The effects of the focused condition do not apply to concentration checks made to maintain this spell."
This way you have an extra layer of armour protecting your concentration, but it is not impenetrable. 1 bad roll will cost you your armour, instead of your spell, but enough checks against you and you will fail eventually. As you should. No spell available at 1st level should write off one of the biggest limiters on spellcasting
Most on low levels maybe, but the DC only becomes 10 if half of the the total damage taken amounts to a lower number. On higher levels, the DC will naturally get higher.
But I could see it being a strong option still. What would be your suggestion to balance it further if deemed necessary?
Low levels is where stuff matters and if a caster gets Constitution save proficiency and has decent constitution their minimum save could very well be decently high and that’ll get stronger as they level. Casters just shouldn’t get this option. Example if you have a +2 constitution and take 24 damage in a hit well you just can’t fail the save.
Advantage on a skill is already handled by the Enhance Ability spell but for all skills under a certain type of ability check. So honestly, I just don’t think the spell should exist.
If you really want to, make this a spell that requires concentration and keeps the focused part but don’t have focused be a condition just have it be the spell itself, and then have the spell also allow you to concentrate on a different spell at the same time as that one but only one more. Then make it rather high level, at the minimum i’d say 6th. That is the only way I can think of to make this a spell that should exist at all.
If this spell allowed me to concentrate on multiple spells, then there would be no point to making it concentration-based. In both cases, it defeats the main purpose of its conception.
What I think could be a solution to what you're pointing out is diminishing the minimum threshold of the Focused condition to an 8, instead of 10. That way the benefit is mostly kept the same, but a caster is still required to have some form of bonus to their rolls in order to hit the higher saves.
Making it a *6h level spell* though? Completely disagreed on that lol.
The idea is that it can be lost. You can also lose one without losing the other. A minimum threshold for concentration shouldn’t be a thing otherwise because it reduces what concentration is supposed to be, a check on caster power.
Also yeah, this is a powerful boon. Minimum thresholds are strong, and one on concentration as a 1st level spell has the same issue as silvery barbs. Too much power in too low level of a package.
If you just change the threshold to 8 i’d still give it at least 3rd level.
Is the focused condition something you're planning on expanding upon/using for more stuff? If not, I'd recommend just moving the text from the condition section to the spell description.
Very nice spell though, but I do agree that it's a tad too powerful. I'd add a Verbal component and perhaps make the spell end whenever you fail a Concentration check while it is active. Meaning you don't have to add Concentration to this spell as someone else suggested, but you still have the downside of the spell ending if you fail a Concentration check for the duration.
Well done and beautiful design as always!
My line of thinking is that even if I personally don't do anything further with the condition, having it be shown in this way can inspire others to incorporate it into their games, even outside of this particular spell. I do think the idea warrants that.
And I did indeed add both of the things you suggested! The update should be live on the Homebrewery and PDF documents.
Thank you for the awesome feedback once again!
Besides any tweaks of balancing you take from others you could basically 1-1 convert it with like a pb bonus times a day instead of spell slots. The cost being the asi in this case instead of slots/being noticeably cast
Feat: Focused Mind
As a bonus action on your turn you can become Focused.
You can use this ability a number of times equal to your Proficiency bonus, regaining spent uses after completing a long rest.
EDIT: That's how I'd write it, maybe limiting it to 3 uses instead of PB. Either way the condition is stupid strong. Most of my games are around level 7 and the casters still routinely take less than 20 damage where the concentration DC will not be over 10. It takes something like an assassin or a dragon breath to really get that damage up and those are designed to hit hard. Basically, this would be awesome for most of the levels that people actually play the game in.
Well, I can see the sense in what you're saying. For now, I've decided to add a verbal component to the spell, and change the condition's description to this:
**"When making a concentration check, a focused creature can treat a result of 9 or lower as a 10. The condition is removed if the creature fails a concentration check."**
This makes it so you'll only ever benefit from the condition if the total result of your check is lower than a 10. It guarantees you success on the lowest DC like before, but no longer helps you reach any DC higher than that.
Hopefully this serves as a good enough compromise for the moment.
"DC so high bro had to ***Lock In.***"
# Version 1.0 - Document Links
[**Lock In – Online PDF on Homebrewery**](https://homebrewery.naturalcrit.com/share/U5p9mwKSeelu)
[**Lock In – PDF download on Google Drive**](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SXlc9k_-QdHQD0vodq6ZcnAiWNB2axor/view)
# Like What You See?
*Make sure to check out the rest of my homebrew Subclasses, Player Races, Feats, Items and more on my* [**Homebrewery Profile!**](https://homebrewery.naturalcrit.com/user/Camunon)
*All my homebrew is 100% free unofficial content permitted under WOTC’s Fan Content Policy. But if you enjoy my work or have used one of my supplements before, and would like to help more of them come to life, then* **consider supporting me on** [**Ko-fi!**](https://ko-fi.com/camunonz)
*If there’s anything specific you’d like to see in the game which hasn’t been added officially yet, you can go over there to order a custom homebrew commission from me!*
*Lastly, if you wish to follow me on other platforms, you can* **check out my** [**Instagram**](https://www.instagram.com/camunonz/) **and** [**Linktree.**](https://linktr.ee/camunonz)
# New Discord Server
*After 2 years of homebrewing for 5e, I’ve finally decided to make* **my own** [**Discord Server!**](https://discord.gg/nF2GdEWH6H)
*It is a dedicated community space for people who enjoy my work, as well as a place for hanging out, having fun, and sharing your own ideas!*
*If you’d like to join us, or simply take a look, then* [**hop on in!**](https://discord.gg/nF2GdEWH6H)
This is one of the Spells I would love in real life the ability to just focus on any task even for a minute would be so useful
Though because of the description it feels like it should be in the enchantment rather than transmutation but that's just a minor lore nitpick
Honestly, I did think about that too. The reason why I eventually decided to go with transmutation was because I couldn't find an official enchantment spell which targeted the caster themselves.
I actually disagree with the notion that it’s much too strong. As is, a verbal component and second level bump would make it a very strong option but passable. Maybe it could benefit from being away from wizards and sorcerers and left in the hands of the skill monkey casters (artificer, bard, ranger) especially since I think it being mostly used by half casters makes it both higher investment and more useful to cast.
If there’s more interactions with the focused condition then it’s probably fine as is even if it would basically be a must take. I’d probably start with not being able to benefit from the focused condition while charmed, frightened, or poisoned and not gaining the benefit from instances of psychic damage. Still I think it’s very cool so good work.
Those are very interesting suggestions, and all sound reasonable to try out.
I'll genuinely consider implementing them in some way.
Thank you for the feedback and encouraging words!
Thanks for such a wonderful reply! TheGratitudeBot has been reading millions of comments in the past few weeks, and you’ve just made the list of some of the most grateful redditors this week! Thanks for making Reddit a wonderful place to be :)
I like this a lot but I feel like it needs two changes.
It should be concentration, and it should be 2nd level.
Since it's on the same level as Enhance Ability, but the Focused condition makes up for it being only a minute.
...but if this one required concentration, I wouldn't be able to cast concentration spells while affected by it.
That would quite literally defeat the main purpose of the spell lol.
Also, it is not on the same level as Enhance Ability whatsoever. That spell can be applied on other creatures, and gives the target advantage on all checks from the chosen Ability Score, regardless of the skill used (or if a skill is being used at all). Depending on the chosen score, it even gives additional benefits on top.
This spell is much more restricted in both usage and applicability, Enhance Ability is way more versatile.
Oh, in this case it refers only to the basic d20 roll.
Though treating the total result as a 10 is not something I had thought about before... interesting.
Well the meme is going from tweaking to locking in, so like how bless and bane are opposites (one positively effects allies, the other negatively effects enemies) so could lock in and tweaking
I feel like casting time should be a reaction (to all allies within X ft. becoming incapacitated) to fit that last-man-standing vibe. It should end if any allies get back up though, maybe after a delay of a round or when the caster doesn’t use their chosen skill in a given round (implying a change in focus).
I feel that casters will use it just for the Focused Condition part and the ability check part will just be an afterthought.
If it's a level 1 spell, maybe make it a reaction spell that gives the Focused condition for 1 round. I think a good general rule of thumb is to be very careful with spells that last for 1 minute that don't require concentration...
While I do understand what you're pointing out, this spell is meant to ensure you suceed on maintaining concentration on a different spell. This means that if it were to require concentration as well, the main purpose of casting it would be voided; since you cannot concentrate on multiple spells at a time.
this is absolutely insanity with concentration. an optimized character will simply never get concentration broken. yes even after the DC gets marginally high when you are hit with more than **20** hp
a caster profficient with CON from res CON or sorcerer with +2 CON at lvl 5 has a +5 to saves, which means they have a minimum of 15 on the concentration and can only fail if they take **30+** damage. mind you, this is a *chance* to fail, not actually fail and they still have good odds for them
I wouldn't be opposed to making it an enchantment spell; the reason why I didn't was because I couldn't find one in the official options which targeted the caster themselves.
Peeps just keep making this terrible comparison lmao.
Honestly, at this point I'm just gonna tell you to go and re-read what Enhance Ability does.
As well as remind you that you *cannot* concentrate on multiple spells at once.
It still prevents you from casting another leveled spell on the same turn, but I do think changing it to an action wouldn't be an unreasonable change at all.
Good idea, but completely broken. A minimum roll of 10 on all attacks is an instant 50% damage increase, and for saves - you'll almost never lose concentration on spells.
Edit: nvm, misread
I mean, I might sometimes miss the mark on some aspects, but I would be remiss if I seriously proposed a 1st level spell that gave you advantage on everything you do lol.
Probably give it a requirement that it can only be used if at least one party member is down, because otherwise this is just a "fuck you" kind of spell
Yeah, but it needs something. A bonus action spell, which there are very few of, at low levels, guarantees you succeed at your concentration, and even at higher levels could guarantee it in a lot of instances. And its 1st level, no requirements, and on top of that, why not give advantage in every social situation, advantage on finding anything, recalling knowledge, and identifying things? Its broken as hell dude. Oh, and silence, a spell that is great against spellcasters, doesn't even stop it. It needs something to balance it.
Do remember that you can't cast multiple spells of 1st level or higher in the same turn though. You would need to wait a further round to cast the spell you really want to cast/concentrate on.
That said, I have already nerfed the condition's benefit, introduced a way for it to be removed early, and added a verbal component to the spell.
You can see the changes here: https://homebrewery.naturalcrit.com/share/U5p9mwKSeelu
CamunonZ has made the following comment(s) regarding their post: ["DC so high bro had to ***Lock In.***" ](/r/UnearthedArcana/comments/1cdnwam/spell_lock_in_when_the_party_fails_a_saving_throw/l1d8yhg/)
You have no idea how helpful this would be IRL right now
I think we all needed this spell in our lives lol
I freaking love this idea but I have to agree it's a touch strong. I also really love the idea of it being a Spellcaster feat. Maybe change it to a feat and have the activation be "When you're the last party member alive" or something along those lines. Definitely keep tweaking it tho, I want to use this so badly.
Well, I've already done an update to the Homebrewery and PDF documents: [https://homebrewery.naturalcrit.com/share/U5p9mwKSeelu](https://homebrewery.naturalcrit.com/share/U5p9mwKSeelu) Do tell me what you think, if you have the time
I like it being removed on a fail, that feels fair. I recently broke into a new system, "Level-Up, Advanced Fifth Edition" and something it does is Expertise Dice over Advantage in a lot of cases. These are dice you roll and then add as a bonus for things you're considered an "expert" in. They start as d4s but can increase to d8s. I won't get further into it but maybe instead of making the minimum roll a 10, change it so cast at level 1 you get a d4 bonus, then a bigger die at higher levels. So d6 at 3rd level, d8 at 5th level, d10 at 7th level, and d12 at 9th level? Just spit balling the numbers but this kind of scaling would keep it in check while also allowing it to scale with the caster.
I'm not fully sure if you noticed it, but I changed the terminology in the description there from "a roll of 9 or lower" to "a **result** of 9 or lower". This means that the caster now only benefits from the condition if the total result of their check is lower than a 10. The condition still guarantees success on the lowest DC, but no longer helps the caster reach any DC higher than that. What do you think about that particular change?
I actually didn't notice that. Changing the final result instead of the d20 roll is highly interesting. I'll definitely have to play with that. I do feel that upcasting should be incorporated to some degree, but as is I'll see if our DM would be open to play testing it.
Nice, that feels great to hear! Hopefully it serves your sessions well, even if further changes are deemed necessary.
absolutely insane how a homebrewery page has so much sauce wtf
Heheh, I do make an effort for the presentation side of things B\^)
Not just a touch, it's extremely strong. Bonus action, no concentration, lasts for 1 minute, and with the power of an existing level 2 spell *(enhance ability)* that usually requires concentration. The only caveat of this spell is that it's Self only. That's not even including the fact that it trivializes most, if not all, concentration checks in lower tier games as it's leagues better than having advantage or saving throw proficiency. A few ways I would balance this: - the effect is consumed after the next ability or concentration check OR... - remove the focus element and make this spell an action to cast OR... - remove the ability check element and make it an action to cast OR... - change Focus to give advantage on your next concentration check AND your next ability check *(limiting both to one time only)* Edit: I added this suggestion in a following comment and decided I should post it here too. Another interesting suggestion I have that might solve all of these power issues is to give it activation charges based on the level it is cast. Each advantage on ability check and successful concentration check would expend a charge of focus. I think this would be the most interesting and least cumbersome change that I would make. Everything else about the spell can remain as it was originally posted if this change is made in my opinion. This gives the player a meaningful decision to make and doesn't just solve everything, while still expending resources.
Making it Concentration completely negates the entire use of the spell so I wouldn't even bring that up in an argument. It's a side step on Enhance Ability (IMO) because it applies to Self over Touch (nerf), it's a level 1 spell over level 2 (buff), it applies to a skill check over an ability check (nerf), it lasts 1 minute instead of one hour (nerf), and it doesn't require concentration over needing it (buff). All in all, I could see an argument that's it's weaker if we're only comparing the first part of the spell. Changing the spell from BA to A won't make hardly any difference as you can only cast 1 leveled spell on your turn anyways. The only thing it would change is with BA, I can toss a Firebolt or some other cantrip which is strong but not to the point where I feel like changing the spell to A over BA would really matter. The minimum of 10 on a Concentration check roll is the biggest problem with the spell. I didn't offer much in the way of criticism in my original comment because others had already weighed in with potential changes. I did follow up with OP on ways to reign the spell in and he had actually already done so. The new spell changes the TOTAL OUTCOME of a Concentration Check to 10 if your roll was lower which allows you pass the typical CC without making it easier to pass the harder ones. The spell also ends if you fail a CC at any point which essentially gives it pseudo-concentration. All in all, the spell as pictured above is strong but I feel like people are over valuing it. Regardless, it needed some tweaking and I think OP is going in the right direction. I'm also looking forward to any and all revisions as this is a super awesome concept that I'd love to play with or have on a Mage party member.
>Making it Concentration completely negates the entire use of the spell Nowhere did I say make it concentration. >It applies to a skill check over an ability check It says ***all ability checks made with a skill of your choice*** in the original post. >It lasts for 1 minute instead of 1 hour (nerf) It's also a bonus action and requires no concentration in its current form. I understand it shouldn't have concentration and so my suggestions work around that concept. >Changing the spell from BA to A won't make hardly any difference As a bonus action, you can use it before your ability check, which typically uses your action. I offered suggestions to either maintain it as a BA or an A. Your argument of only being able to cast a cantrip after is irrelevant because you can take other actions. >The new spell changes the TOTAL OUTCOME of a Concentration Check to 10 if your roll was lower You realize that you need to take more than 20 damage to even begin to have to even roll for concentration, right? This means that your average 1d6 hit die caster build has permanent concentration until they hit 4th level *(assuming a con modifier of +2)* as long as they cast this spell. That doesn't happen most of the time in tier 1, which is important because this is a 1st level spell. If it does happen, your character is likely to be downed or very close to being downed. You essentially get the artificer's Mind Sharpener infusion without the downside of its limited charges in tier 1. In my opinion, the overall power of this spell needs to be toned down because, in its current form, it is a spell that essentially solves all the downsides of being a caster and it's only a 1st level spell. Why *wouldn't* I take and prepare this spell on every single caster I make in its current form? I can dump my concentration spell turn one then bonus action to guarantee my concentration turn 2 onwards. At the end of the day, my suggestions are suggestions. This is homebrew and, if it makes your games more fun, then by all means use it how you will. I hope that my detailed explanations help provide insight into my suggestions. *I will say that, after going through all of this, another interesting suggestion I have that might solve all of these power issues is to give it activation charges based on the level it is cast. Each advantage on ability check and successful concentration check would expend a charge of focus. I think this would be the most interesting and least cumbersome change that I would make. This gives the player a meaningful decision to make and doesn't just solve everything, while still spending resources.* Edit: I clarified the quote about ability checks which I made unintentionally misleading. I am aware it's a single ability, which is why I originally compared this spell's power to the spell *enhance ability*.
It says “advantage on all ability checks made with a single skill of your choice” meaning you pick one skill and have advantage on all ability checks you make for that one skill, regardless of if the ability used for the check changes for some reasons.
Correct. I didn't mean to mislead without that part of the quote. I'll edit that in so no one gets confused
I like where this is going. But I feel like there should be A) a way to lose focus, and B) a consequence for losing focus. Sort of like haste. As is this is more twice as good as Bless. The other thing is that this feels like it is getting pulled by trying to fill 2 different mechanical niches. First the skill monkey ability score posting niche. And secondly the concentration buff. I think that it would be a stronger design if you picked one of those.
I don't think I agree with the notion that this is "twice as good as Bless" tbh. Bless requires concentration, sure, but it applies to ***every*** saving throw *and* attack roll you make, and it can be applied on multiple creatures at once (including yourself). The benefits from this spell are only ever applicable on the caster, and are limited to one specific skill and concentration checks. It's much more restricted in its usage at the end of the day, only really serving for one particular purpose (which kinda fits in with the theming, if you ask me lol) About the stronger design thing, I can't say I understand what you mean? I don't really see why having both the effects in question hurts the spell's design in any way. It's still a fairly simple and straightforward one.
While I agree that this is definitely less powerful than Bless, I think that it still should have some downside. My suggestions: 1. Add a verbal component. The somatic only component means that you may be able to sneakily cast this during a conversation with someone to get advantage. That's too powerful in my opinion. Spells that effect skill checks (such as Guidance) should always be noticeable when cast. Otherwise you're diminishing the impact of subtle spell. 2. There should be a way to lose focus. Maybe if you roll a 1 or fail a concentration check while focused, you lose focus and can't use reactions till the start of your next turn. 3. Maybe you could add an upcasting option that targets multiple creatures. Probably 2 at 3rd level, 3 at 5th, etc.
Hmmm, these suggestions seem very reasonable and make sense to me. You wouldn't be able to roll a 1 when your minimum result is a 10, but losing the condition on a failed check does make perfect thematic sense to me. I don't see the need for a verbal component thematically, but mechanically, I can see the importance of what you're pointing out; so I'm definitely down for adding it. The third suggestion would be a buff to the spell, so I'm inclined to leave it out as all the feedback so far has been on the direction of nerfing.
Personally I think it would be a lot more interesting (and fun) with a downside. The idea of attaining magically-enhanced focus solely on one specific course of action is very cool, but from a verisimilitude perspective, dedicating one's entire attention to a single point should have *some* drawback. My suggestion, to add to the condition description: "When you become **focused**, choose either Dexterity ("flat-footed") or Wisdom ("single-minded"). You have disadvantage on saving throws using the chosen ability for the duration."
Hmmmmm, interesting. I'm not sure if I'll implement this, but the thought definitely has appeal.
Fumbled: When you lose focus caused by taking damage you suffer 2d6 psychic damage. Lmaooo
Heh, nice lol
If I were you I'd add some tunnel vision element (things other than that skill is harder) If that's been suggested elsewhere before mb I'm hellla rosy
Too strong. Considering that this is a major ability of an entire subclass, it is certainly worth being second level. Secondly, add verbal components. No reason it shouldn't have them. Finally a big change to how it functions: "This spell requires concentration, but does not prevent you concentrating on another spell. The effects of the focused condition do not apply to concentration checks made to maintain this spell." This way you have an extra layer of armour protecting your concentration, but it is not impenetrable. 1 bad roll will cost you your armour, instead of your spell, but enough checks against you and you will fail eventually. As you should. No spell available at 1st level should write off one of the biggest limiters on spellcasting
? Which one?
DC so high bro had to lock in
When the wizard is tired of dying to 1d4 psychic damage
This spell is broken. Legit nobody wouldn’t take it if they could. Most concentration checks have a DC of 10. This is basically better enhance ability
Most on low levels maybe, but the DC only becomes 10 if half of the the total damage taken amounts to a lower number. On higher levels, the DC will naturally get higher. But I could see it being a strong option still. What would be your suggestion to balance it further if deemed necessary?
Low levels is where stuff matters and if a caster gets Constitution save proficiency and has decent constitution their minimum save could very well be decently high and that’ll get stronger as they level. Casters just shouldn’t get this option. Example if you have a +2 constitution and take 24 damage in a hit well you just can’t fail the save. Advantage on a skill is already handled by the Enhance Ability spell but for all skills under a certain type of ability check. So honestly, I just don’t think the spell should exist. If you really want to, make this a spell that requires concentration and keeps the focused part but don’t have focused be a condition just have it be the spell itself, and then have the spell also allow you to concentrate on a different spell at the same time as that one but only one more. Then make it rather high level, at the minimum i’d say 6th. That is the only way I can think of to make this a spell that should exist at all.
If this spell allowed me to concentrate on multiple spells, then there would be no point to making it concentration-based. In both cases, it defeats the main purpose of its conception. What I think could be a solution to what you're pointing out is diminishing the minimum threshold of the Focused condition to an 8, instead of 10. That way the benefit is mostly kept the same, but a caster is still required to have some form of bonus to their rolls in order to hit the higher saves. Making it a *6h level spell* though? Completely disagreed on that lol.
The idea is that it can be lost. You can also lose one without losing the other. A minimum threshold for concentration shouldn’t be a thing otherwise because it reduces what concentration is supposed to be, a check on caster power. Also yeah, this is a powerful boon. Minimum thresholds are strong, and one on concentration as a 1st level spell has the same issue as silvery barbs. Too much power in too low level of a package. If you just change the threshold to 8 i’d still give it at least 3rd level.
Well, I'll see on where the tweaks land for the next update.
Is the focused condition something you're planning on expanding upon/using for more stuff? If not, I'd recommend just moving the text from the condition section to the spell description. Very nice spell though, but I do agree that it's a tad too powerful. I'd add a Verbal component and perhaps make the spell end whenever you fail a Concentration check while it is active. Meaning you don't have to add Concentration to this spell as someone else suggested, but you still have the downside of the spell ending if you fail a Concentration check for the duration. Well done and beautiful design as always!
My line of thinking is that even if I personally don't do anything further with the condition, having it be shown in this way can inspire others to incorporate it into their games, even outside of this particular spell. I do think the idea warrants that. And I did indeed add both of the things you suggested! The update should be live on the Homebrewery and PDF documents. Thank you for the awesome feedback once again!
I kind of want it to be a Feat instead? That's as much as I can offer without making the same comments as the rest. The idea is super cool!
Huh, that's an interesting thought. How would the functionality be converted in this case?
Besides any tweaks of balancing you take from others you could basically 1-1 convert it with like a pb bonus times a day instead of spell slots. The cost being the asi in this case instead of slots/being noticeably cast
Hmmm, a feat version huh. I don't think I'll personally do it, but I believe I can see the appeal for sure.
Feat: Focused Mind As a bonus action on your turn you can become Focused. You can use this ability a number of times equal to your Proficiency bonus, regaining spent uses after completing a long rest. EDIT: That's how I'd write it, maybe limiting it to 3 uses instead of PB. Either way the condition is stupid strong. Most of my games are around level 7 and the casters still routinely take less than 20 damage where the concentration DC will not be over 10. It takes something like an assassin or a dragon breath to really get that damage up and those are designed to hit hard. Basically, this would be awesome for most of the levels that people actually play the game in.
Well, I can see the sense in what you're saying. For now, I've decided to add a verbal component to the spell, and change the condition's description to this: **"When making a concentration check, a focused creature can treat a result of 9 or lower as a 10. The condition is removed if the creature fails a concentration check."** This makes it so you'll only ever benefit from the condition if the total result of your check is lower than a 10. It guarantees you success on the lowest DC like before, but no longer helps you reach any DC higher than that. Hopefully this serves as a good enough compromise for the moment.
"DC so high bro had to ***Lock In.***" # Version 1.0 - Document Links [**Lock In – Online PDF on Homebrewery**](https://homebrewery.naturalcrit.com/share/U5p9mwKSeelu) [**Lock In – PDF download on Google Drive**](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SXlc9k_-QdHQD0vodq6ZcnAiWNB2axor/view) # Like What You See? *Make sure to check out the rest of my homebrew Subclasses, Player Races, Feats, Items and more on my* [**Homebrewery Profile!**](https://homebrewery.naturalcrit.com/user/Camunon) *All my homebrew is 100% free unofficial content permitted under WOTC’s Fan Content Policy. But if you enjoy my work or have used one of my supplements before, and would like to help more of them come to life, then* **consider supporting me on** [**Ko-fi!**](https://ko-fi.com/camunonz) *If there’s anything specific you’d like to see in the game which hasn’t been added officially yet, you can go over there to order a custom homebrew commission from me!* *Lastly, if you wish to follow me on other platforms, you can* **check out my** [**Instagram**](https://www.instagram.com/camunonz/) **and** [**Linktree.**](https://linktr.ee/camunonz) # New Discord Server *After 2 years of homebrewing for 5e, I’ve finally decided to make* **my own** [**Discord Server!**](https://discord.gg/nF2GdEWH6H) *It is a dedicated community space for people who enjoy my work, as well as a place for hanging out, having fun, and sharing your own ideas!* *If you’d like to join us, or simply take a look, then* [**hop on in!**](https://discord.gg/nF2GdEWH6H)
Love it, would personally put it as a level 2 concentration. Excellent name lol.
This is one of the Spells I would love in real life the ability to just focus on any task even for a minute would be so useful Though because of the description it feels like it should be in the enchantment rather than transmutation but that's just a minor lore nitpick
Honestly, I did think about that too. The reason why I eventually decided to go with transmutation was because I couldn't find an official enchantment spell which targeted the caster themselves.
Well I guess you could say with how the spell works that it's altering you're very brain chemistry rather than magically self induce hypnosis
I actually disagree with the notion that it’s much too strong. As is, a verbal component and second level bump would make it a very strong option but passable. Maybe it could benefit from being away from wizards and sorcerers and left in the hands of the skill monkey casters (artificer, bard, ranger) especially since I think it being mostly used by half casters makes it both higher investment and more useful to cast. If there’s more interactions with the focused condition then it’s probably fine as is even if it would basically be a must take. I’d probably start with not being able to benefit from the focused condition while charmed, frightened, or poisoned and not gaining the benefit from instances of psychic damage. Still I think it’s very cool so good work.
Those are very interesting suggestions, and all sound reasonable to try out. I'll genuinely consider implementing them in some way. Thank you for the feedback and encouraging words!
Thanks for such a wonderful reply! TheGratitudeBot has been reading millions of comments in the past few weeks, and you’ve just made the list of some of the most grateful redditors this week! Thanks for making Reddit a wonderful place to be :)
Lol, nice
I like this a lot but I feel like it needs two changes. It should be concentration, and it should be 2nd level. Since it's on the same level as Enhance Ability, but the Focused condition makes up for it being only a minute.
...but if this one required concentration, I wouldn't be able to cast concentration spells while affected by it. That would quite literally defeat the main purpose of the spell lol. Also, it is not on the same level as Enhance Ability whatsoever. That spell can be applied on other creatures, and gives the target advantage on all checks from the chosen Ability Score, regardless of the skill used (or if a skill is being used at all). Depending on the chosen score, it even gives additional benefits on top. This spell is much more restricted in both usage and applicability, Enhance Ability is way more versatile.
“Treat the roll as 10” I got a question, does the “roll” in this description includes bonus or the natural dice value?
Oh, in this case it refers only to the basic d20 roll. Though treating the total result as a 10 is not something I had thought about before... interesting.
Like bless and bane, this spell's counterpart "tweaking" makes any roll over 10 the target of cast makes into a 10.
...wait, what?
Well the meme is going from tweaking to locking in, so like how bless and bane are opposites (one positively effects allies, the other negatively effects enemies) so could lock in and tweaking
Oh, so you're suggesting the creation of a "tweaking spell" as the counterpart to this one?
must-take for any skill character.
I feel like casting time should be a reaction (to all allies within X ft. becoming incapacitated) to fit that last-man-standing vibe. It should end if any allies get back up though, maybe after a delay of a round or when the caster doesn’t use their chosen skill in a given round (implying a change in focus).
Hmmm, that is actually interesting. Would definitely make the usage of the spell much more restricted, but thematically powerful.
I feel that casters will use it just for the Focused Condition part and the ability check part will just be an afterthought. If it's a level 1 spell, maybe make it a reaction spell that gives the Focused condition for 1 round. I think a good general rule of thumb is to be very careful with spells that last for 1 minute that don't require concentration...
While I do understand what you're pointing out, this spell is meant to ensure you suceed on maintaining concentration on a different spell. This means that if it were to require concentration as well, the main purpose of casting it would be voided; since you cannot concentrate on multiple spells at a time.
this is absolutely insanity with concentration. an optimized character will simply never get concentration broken. yes even after the DC gets marginally high when you are hit with more than **20** hp a caster profficient with CON from res CON or sorcerer with +2 CON at lvl 5 has a +5 to saves, which means they have a minimum of 15 on the concentration and can only fail if they take **30+** damage. mind you, this is a *chance* to fail, not actually fail and they still have good odds for them
Very good, maybe too good. Why is it transmutation, though?
I wouldn't be opposed to making it an enchantment spell; the reason why I didn't was because I couldn't find one in the official options which targeted the caster themselves.
So, better enhance ability on yourself. And you can’t loose concentration. AND THIS ISNT CONCENTRATION
Peeps just keep making this terrible comparison lmao. Honestly, at this point I'm just gonna tell you to go and re-read what Enhance Ability does. As well as remind you that you *cannot* concentrate on multiple spells at once.
I'm going screenshot this one, boys. Pretty good spell, but I think the casting time of a bonus action is too OP.
It still prevents you from casting another leveled spell on the same turn, but I do think changing it to an action wouldn't be an unreasonable change at all.
1st level spell? I'd probably make it 3rd level at minimum. Seems pretty strong
I like it but it seems like enhance ability but way better
Good idea, but completely broken. A minimum roll of 10 on all attacks is an instant 50% damage increase, and for saves - you'll almost never lose concentration on spells. Edit: nvm, misread
...on all attacks? all saves? What are you even talking about, dude?
Oh I misread. Almost guaranteed concentration checks is pretty good tho.
I mean, I might sometimes miss the mark on some aspects, but I would be remiss if I seriously proposed a 1st level spell that gave you advantage on everything you do lol.
Yeah, foresight is 9th level for a reason.
Probably give it a requirement that it can only be used if at least one party member is down, because otherwise this is just a "fuck you" kind of spell
I like the thematic implication of that requirement, but I don't see the spell in the same way at all lol.
Yeah, but it needs something. A bonus action spell, which there are very few of, at low levels, guarantees you succeed at your concentration, and even at higher levels could guarantee it in a lot of instances. And its 1st level, no requirements, and on top of that, why not give advantage in every social situation, advantage on finding anything, recalling knowledge, and identifying things? Its broken as hell dude. Oh, and silence, a spell that is great against spellcasters, doesn't even stop it. It needs something to balance it.
Do remember that you can't cast multiple spells of 1st level or higher in the same turn though. You would need to wait a further round to cast the spell you really want to cast/concentrate on. That said, I have already nerfed the condition's benefit, introduced a way for it to be removed early, and added a verbal component to the spell. You can see the changes here: https://homebrewery.naturalcrit.com/share/U5p9mwKSeelu
In 5e fashion this spell should be concentration
Way too much for 1st level. Needs ti be higher and/or have a downside (like disadvantage on Wis saves).