Arc spell - too powerful? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Arc spell - too powerful? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
RobbyPants
10-09-06, 11:07 AM First of all, I don't know if something like this already exists in a book I don't have, but I'm interested in your opinions.

What I want to make is a 2nd level spell called Arc, or Electric Arc. It functions exactly like Shocking Grasp, except that its range increases from touch to close (25' + 5' every 2 levels) with a duration of instantaneous.

Is something like that too powerful? It only has the damage potential of a 1st level spell, but with a range a little more attractive to most non-melee arcane casters.
Yaeri
10-09-06, 11:24 AM A range increase from touch to ranged touch: close with an increase of one spell level, doesn't seem overpowered at all.
I wouldn't have any problems with it.
RobbyPants
10-09-06, 11:28 AM A range increase from touch to ranged touch: close with an increase of one spell level, doesn't seem overpowered at all.
I wouldn't have any problems with it.
Cool :cool:

That was my original thoughts. Thanks! :D
Worloch
10-09-06, 11:29 AM A 2nd level ranged touch attack spell, that does 1d6 electric damage per level, max 5d6, no save, close range?

Seems about right, maybe even a little weak.

Compare to Scorching Ray.
DarkRhystar
10-09-06, 11:29 AM There's Arc of Lightning (SpC) but it's level 5 as it goes up to 15d6.

Still, I don't think a level 2 spell with your description would be too bad as it looks like it'd still be much weaker than Scorching Ray.

What do you want to use it with?
RobbyPants
10-09-06, 11:34 AM What do you want to use it with?
Well, a lot of this comes from me not having a lot of books with extra spells. And from what I've seen in the PHB, there aren't a lot of good offensive 2nd level spells. Melf's Acid Arrow is nice, but it takes time to deliver it's damage. Again, Flaming Sphere has its uses, but it's a slow-use spell.

I was looking for a nice, quick, one hit 2nd level spell, so I could use those slots on something other than Web, Invisibility, and Detect Thoughts ;). It would also be cool for an electric specialist of sorts.
Worloch
10-09-06, 12:29 PM Scorching Ray is the 2nd level spell you're looking for, and it is from the PHB 3.5.

Energy sub it to electric, if you like.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
RobbyPants 10-09-06, 11:07 AM	First of all, I don't know if something like this already exists in a book I don't have, but I'm interested in your opinions. What I want to make is a 2nd level spell called Arc, or Electric Arc. It functions exactly like Shocking Grasp, except that its range increases from touch to close (25' + 5' every 2 levels) with a duration of instantaneous. Is something like that too powerful? It only has the damage potential of a 1st level spell, but with a range a little more attractive to most non-melee arcane casters.
Yaeri 10-09-06, 11:24 AM	A range increase from touch to ranged touch: close with an increase of one spell level, doesn't seem overpowered at all. I wouldn't have any problems with it.
RobbyPants 10-09-06, 11:28 AM	A range increase from touch to ranged touch: close with an increase of one spell level, doesn't seem overpowered at all. I wouldn't have any problems with it. Cool :cool: That was my original thoughts. Thanks! :D
Worloch 10-09-06, 11:29 AM	A 2nd level ranged touch attack spell, that does 1d6 electric damage per level, max 5d6, no save, close range? Seems about right, maybe even a little weak. Compare to Scorching Ray.
DarkRhystar 10-09-06, 11:29 AM	There's Arc of Lightning (SpC) but it's level 5 as it goes up to 15d6. Still, I don't think a level 2 spell with your description would be too bad as it looks like it'd still be much weaker than Scorching Ray. What do you want to use it with?
RobbyPants 10-09-06, 11:34 AM	What do you want to use it with? Well, a lot of this comes from me not having a lot of books with extra spells. And from what I've seen in the PHB, there aren't a lot of good offensive 2nd level spells. Melf's Acid Arrow is nice, but it takes time to deliver it's damage. Again, Flaming Sphere has its uses, but it's a slow-use spell. I was looking for a nice, quick, one hit 2nd level spell, so I could use those slots on something other than Web, Invisibility, and Detect Thoughts ;). It would also be cool for an electric specialist of sorts.
Worloch 10-09-06, 12:29 PM	Scorching Ray is the 2nd level spell you're looking for, and it is from the PHB 3.5. Energy sub it to electric, if you like.