Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Heron_Marked_Blade 05-18-04, 11:05 PM	I was looking through some of my 2E sources for ideas and I came across this spell. I don't recall seeing anything like it in 3E (the flame bolt use of 3.0 flame arrow is the closest I can recall, but that was changed in 3.5), so I thought I'd transfer it over to 3rd Ed. The text is basically a straight copy/paste from 2E. ------------------------------ Fire Lance Evocation [Fire] Level: Sor/Wiz 3 Components: V, S, M Casting Time: 1 standard action Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) Target: One creature within range Duration: Instantaneous Saving Throw: Yes Spell Resistance: Yes This spell creates a burning lance of flame that leaps from its caster’s hand, hitting its target automatically and inflicting 1d6 points of fire damage per caster level, to a maximum of 10d6. The material component is a lit torch in the caster’s hand or one fire source of at least torch size within 30 feet of the caster. Casting this spell extinguishes a torch-sized fire source but only diminishes a larger blaze. Despite its disadvantages when compared to the ever-popular fireball (only one target is affected and a fire source is required), fire lance is a fashionable Evocation spell. Unlike a fireball’s effect, the victim’s clothing and possessions are untouched by the flame. This enables the caster to torch a victim without worrying about any interesting magical items that might be destroyed in the conflagration. Material Component: A torch-sized fire source within 30 feet. ------------------------------ Rationale for 3rd level: 10d6 to a single target vs. fireball's 10d6 spread comparable to (though better than) scorching ray's 12d6 damage at approximately the same caster level has a save, subject to SR auto-hit, doesn't damage equipment Thoughts? Feedback?
Xod, Archmage 05-18-04, 11:10 PM	I am reminded of the similar Sound Lance spell from Savage Species. Same deal: 1d6/CL, except that it automatically hit (like a Magic Missile) and dealt sonic damage. It also required no material component. However, if you got rid of the material component and allowed an auto-hit, I don't think it would be too overpowered. After all, fire is a much more "resisted" element than sonic damage, and you can't sunder or whatever any equipmant that you might want to. Xod:behold:
Sancus 05-18-04, 11:10 PM	Saving Throw: Yes Buh? Which save? Unlike a fireball’s effect, the victim’s clothing and possessions are untouched by the flame. Um this is the case with Fireball as well. No spell ever damages attended items unless the target rolls a 1 on the save, and even then only one item is damaged. comparable to (though better than) scorching ray's 12d6 damage at approximately the same caster level How is 10d6 with a save better than 12d6 with no save? Suggested rewrite: (I removed the save, and removed the text about not damaging possessions, since that's standard. This spell is better than Scorching Ray because it doesn't require a ranged touch attack at all, even though it does less damage, and it's Medium range instead of Close.) Fire Lance Evocation [Fire] Level: Sor/Wiz 3 Components: V, S, M Casting Time: 1 standard action Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) Target: One creature within range Duration: Instantaneous Saving Throw: No Spell Resistance: Yes This spell creates a burning lance of flame that leaps from its caster’s hand, hitting its target automatically and inflicting 1d6 points of fire damage per caster level, to a maximum of 10d6. The material component is a lit torch in the caster’s hand or one fire source of at least torch size within 30 feet of the caster. Casting this spell extinguishes a torch-sized fire source but only diminishes a larger blaze. Material Component: A torch-sized fire source within 30 feet. I am reminded of the similar Sound Lance spell from Savage Species. Yeah, that spell is the worst Sor/Wiz spell ever. It's a cleric spell that for some reason is spell level 3 for sor/wiz as well... it should be level 2, at best.
Heron_Marked_Blade 05-18-04, 11:27 PM	Originally posted by Sancus Buh? Which save? LOL! I didn't even notice that. :rolleyes: Reflex is standard, I think. Um this is the case with Fireball as well. No spell ever damages attended items unless the target rolls a 1 on the save, and even then only one item is damaged. You have a point. I guess this is why copying/pasting text from 2E spells doesn't work out that well.... How is 10d6 with a save better than 12d6 with no save? 10d6 vs fire resistance once is better than 4d6 vs fire resistance three times. The save does weaken it a lot, though. Particularly when you throw in Improved Evasion.... (I removed the save, and removed the text about not damaging possessions, since that's standard. This spell is better than Scorching Ray because it doesn't require a ranged touch attack at all, even though it does less damage, and it's Medium range instead of Close.) I can live with those changes. In retrospect, I think those changes make this spell competitive with standard 3rd-level spells like fireball and lightning bolt. Thanks for the feedback.
smrtgmp 05-18-04, 11:35 PM	fire lance was actually where I got the insparation for fleshfire, which I posted a little while ago. Fleshfire Invocation [Fire] Level: Sor/Wiz 4 Components: V S M Casting Time: 1 standard action Range: Medium (100ft + 10ft / CL) Effect: Ray Duration: Instantaneous Saving Throw: None Spell Resistance: Yes Created by a pragmatic wizard who didn’t wish to destroy potentially valuable items while engaged in magical combat, this spell creates a gout of flame that will only effect living and undead matter. All inanimate objects are unharmed by the spell, so the target of fleshfire could be burned to a cinder while his gear remained unsinged. Targets susceptible to this spell suffer 1d6 points of fire damage per caster level (max 15d6 points of damage at CL 15). Material Component: A pinch of sulfur.
smrtgmp 05-18-04, 11:42 PM	Originally posted by Sancus Fire Lance Evocation [Fire] Level: Sor/Wiz 3 Components: V, S, M Casting Time: 1 standard action Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level) Target: One creature within range Duration: Instantaneous Saving Throw: No Spell Resistance: Yes This spell creates a burning lance of flame that leaps from its caster’s hand, hitting its target automatically and inflicting 1d6 points of fire damage per caster level, to a maximum of 10d6. The material component is a lit torch in the caster’s hand or one fire source of at least torch size within 30 feet of the caster. Casting this spell extinguishes a torch-sized fire source but only diminishes a larger blaze. Material Component: A torch-sized fire source within 30 feet. I'd say this looks good for a 3rd level spell. it's more powerful than lightning bolt in most situations, but the new version of lightning bolt is hardly a shining example of a 3rd level spell. I would keep the stuff about the fire not harming gear. It may be unlikely under new rules, but its not impossible.