My first question is: am I reading correctly that Mind Thrust UA is a "2nd-level enchantment" available in the wizard spell list (i.e. the Arcane Trickster can get this spell). No one really talks about Arcane Trickster's using this so I thought it might not be available.
If it is my second question is about comparable value. When taking a lvl 2 spell within my school of limitations (illusion/enchantment) I would be turning down:
- Blur
- Invisibility (correct me if I am wrong about this being in the school of limitations)
- Mirror Image
- Shadow Blade
These are all quite formidable options. However, my toolkit is quite full of illusion spells so I am looking for more damage. Casting an attack as a bonus action, particularly (if the enemy's save fails) it means I don't have to disengage and they can't chase and attack me next turn seems quite valuable. And the fact that it deals damage even on a successful save.
At the cost of not having a more defensive spell this seems very good against low intelligence enemies. Am I A) misreading the usage of the Bonus Action or B) missing some limitation of this spell that makes it too niche?
By my calculations a simple comparison against Shadow Blade is:
- Shadow Blade casts 1d8 extra damage (over my standard Rapier); versus Mind Thrust's 3d6 damage (with a minimum of 3d6/2 damage)
- Shadow Blade allows a guaranteed disengage Bonus Action; whereas this must hit to avoid Opportunity Attacks
- Shadow Blade increases potential for SA; versus Mind Thrust's ability to not take damage next round