Death by Levitation

[Blind Mapmaker]

Originally Posted by Kromm

Either way, it's a "save or suck" spell that takes 2 seconds and costs 3 energy on typical humanoids equipped for battle – and allows resistance vs. the higher of two scores (kind of a drawback), and requires several turns to harm the victim (ditto). I'd probably go for Flesh to Stone. That might cost 10 energy, but takes the same two seconds to cast, doesn't allow a choice of resisting scores, and settles the fight instantly.

For ending a fight where energy is not of the essence that's certainly true. I see Levitation as more of a "let's negotiate" spell for enemies who lack good ranged capabilities, but are worth more alive than dead or incapacitated. The Great Skeeve in Robert Asprin's Myth series use his own version of the spell in this way. It's certainly great for straight up intimidation too.

It would be more effective without that choice of resistance roll for sure, but that's there for a reason too. Otherwise it would be pretty good as a one prerequisite spell with a modest cost. A mass version would also come in handy, but there the resistance roll bites even more. All in all, a nice multi-purpose spell with its own little niche in combat.