Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Brunax Dec 05, 2014 12:02:31	I am looking for opinions from other DMs out there:   I have a player who created a rock gnome wizard named Caulder Sunspyre, who is obsessed with fire magic.  He approached me to ask if he could start the game with a custom cantrip that he created named Caulder's Calamitous Combustion.  Here is the write-up which he provided:     Caulder’s Calamitous Combustion Evocation cantrip Casting Time: 1 action Range: 10 feet Components: V, S Duration: Instantaneous You extend your hand toward a creature you can see within range and, through an act of sheer will, you cause that creature to burst into flames. The creature must succeed on a Constitution saving throw or take 1d12 fire damage. This spell’s damage increases by 1d12 when you reach 5th level (2d12), 11th level (3d12), and 17th level (4d12).
#2 Kentus Dec 05, 2014 18:28:40	Question: I kinda offended, that it's more or less the poison spray without much initiativ or creativity behind. Well, if he's an evoker, I would remind of Empowered Evocation, add Int-mod to damage and half damage on save (due Potent Cantrip) might make it much more reliable than your average Poison Spray. If you think the combination works, if this is the more common fire damage, it will work (or you can change it back to conjuration). But seriously, at least make it a dexterity saving throw here, like about every fire spell!     Bonus Question: I'd use the rule of the thump (no DMG so far): Spell Level² x 10 days in downtime, in case of a cantrip simply 10 days, same as 1st level spells. And 2 gp in material components per day. Generally you should stick to the known spells as reference, even though you can mix some aspects. So maybe a 3rd level fireball-like acid spell might have less damage, but makes damage over time instead.
#3 Gnarl Dec 05, 2014 18:55:43	The spell is comparable to other spells of its level so I would accept it in my games.   As for spell research, I'll let my players make their own spells for sure. My players are reasonable and understand that new material needs to be tested and they don't normally complain when we correct whatever problems we find.
#4 sleypy Dec 05, 2014 19:59:03	I don't know that to me is a Transmutation spell, not an Envocation.  Other then that it seems like he is trying to get the advantage of being able to target a different save with fire. Not neccesarily a problem, but If all he wants is to be able to target additional saves you might want to ask him to be up front about it.