Feedback on Level/Balance requested...
Lightning Bugs
Evocation [Electricity]
Level: Sorcerer/Wizard 2
Components: V, S, M (live bug or miniature replica worth at least 1gp)
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Close (25, + 5’ per 2 caster levels)
Target: 1 or more Creatures within range (See Text)
Duration: See Text
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: Yes
"Whispering arcane words of encouragement, you blow the bug out of your cupped hand and towards its target(s), where it transforms into tiny winged motes of electric energy."
When cast, tiny winged motes of sparkling bluish energy fly out from you towards their intended target(s). You conjure 2 such motes at 3rd level, plus an additional mote for every 3 levels past 3rd (3 at 6th, 4 at 9th, and maxing out at 5 motes at 12th level and above). These “bugs” can be directed to individual targets or grouped according to the caster’s desires, so long as any given target is within range.
Each mote makes a ranged touch attack against its given target (as the caster). Success indicates the mote is destroyed in small flash accompanied with a zapping sound, and the target takes 2d4 points of electric damage. A miss does not necessarily end the threat, as the motes will follow their designated target and continue to attack on the caster’s turn for up to 3 additional rounds. If the target moves further than 50 feet in a round or is killed, the mote self destructs in a harmless blue flash. Once a target is designated for a given mote, it cannot be changed.
If a replica is used in the casting in place of a live bug, it is always destroyed in some way – melting to goo, shattering in a tiny (harmless) explosion, cracking in half, etc. In all cases, it becomes unusable for future castings.
I like this spell, I do think it is a tiny bit too weak though, I think I might either make it medium range and giving a bonus to hit versus creatures wearing metal armor or otherwise carrying / wearing a significant ammount of metal
Yeah I was thining at least Short range, after I posted it.
Maybe add the same +3 to hit as per Shocking Grasp (anyone with metal).
Feedback on Level/Balance requested...
Lightning Bugs
Evocation [Electricity]Level: Sorcerer/Wizard 2
This is very flavorful as a druid/witch spell as well. I like it, however, the targeting is confusing.
One makes a ranged touch attack initially for each mote. Got it. Each hit dispels one mote, dealing 2d4 elec damage. Got it. On a miss, the motes remain to harass the same target they were originally targeting, attacking on the caster's turn for up to three additional rounds (meaning the NEXT 3 rounds, not counting the round it was cast in), and the target can't be changed... does the caster continue to make ranged touch attacks?
Otherwise, I'm also leaning towards more range.
Excellent spell idea. :D
EDIT: I reworded the spell description a bit to make more sense to me and to fall more in line with the core rules language. Hope you don't mind my meddling.
Each mote grants a ranged touch attack against its given target. Success indicates the mote is destroyed in small flash accompanied with a zapping sound, and the target takes 2d4 points of electric damage. A miss does not necessarily end the threat, as the motes will follow their designated target and continue to grant ranged touch attacks on the caster’s turn for up to 3 additional rounds. If the target moves further than 50 feet in a round or is killed, the mote self destructs in a harmless blue flash. Once a target is designated for a given mote, it cannot be changed.
A character could element swap this for fire damage (isn't there a metamagic feat for this?) and call it Fireflies (herpderp, Fog, how original). :D
Lovely spell!
Instead of close range with instantaneous speed, give medium range (100 ft. +10' per level) and give the bugs a fly speed of 40 ft (perfect maneuverability). This way, a target still can move 50 ft. to 'run away' from the spell. It would also allow farther targets to be affects with a slight delay.
Depending of the fluff you give them, the motes could be considered projectiles (and therefore could be blocked by a protection vs projectiles spell and/or receive enhancement bonus which may or may not scale with level).
The '+3 vs metal' clause akin to shocking grasp would be appropriate IMHO.
I also agree with Foghammer that text need some condensing.
For example, the last part is superfluous since all material components that are not foci are destroyed with the casting of the spell. Text like "A miss does not necessarily end the threat", is flavorful but ultimately unnecessary.
Other than these minor nick-picks, that's an original and fun little spell with a plain yet flavorful purpose - the way all spells should be!
'findel
Good info.
Yes I tend to add fluff text, but thats just part of how I like to write.
To answer the question, yes, the "bug" keeps making ranged touch attacks.
I will have to consider some of the comments, couple good thoughts in there.
Thanks folks.