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Is there any reason that Corrosive Touch does d4 damage, while Shocking grasp does d6? Obviously the damage types are different, but is that reason enough to justify the lower damage on Corrosive Touch?
I suppose the only other difference is that Shocking Grasp isn't on the Summoner spell list, but I doubt that plays into it.
Acid is considered better than Electricity because resistances, and especially immunities, are much rarer.
I don't agree, but that is irrelevant.
It does less damage because it doesn't allow spell resistance. It's a balance thing. This really comes into play when fighting golems, which are immune to any spell that allows spell resistance.
It does less damage because it doesn't allow spell resistance. It's a balance thing. This really comes into play when fighting golems, which are immune to any spell that allows spell resistance.
It allows for spell resistance.
Hmm so it does. I just assumed since it was acid it wouldn't allow SR as most acid spells don't allow SR. Guess it's a mystery why it does less damage. I'd have to say that acid resistance is much more common than electricity resistance.
Maybe there's a default assumption that fire and electricity are the "standard" energy damage types and will be more frequently resisted while acid and cold are special and should be reduced to d4s. I know that's how it seemed in older editions.
Beyond that, demons are immune to electricity and seem to be very common monsters. I've also noticed that Corrosive Touch is a Conjuration rather than Evocation spell, so maybe there could be some concerns about school balance. Evocation isn't always a highly lauded school to begin with...
Take a look at Demon and Devil subtypes to start. Notice the immunities to Electricity and Fire.
There's a good reason for acid to do less damage than fire or electricity. Not so sure why Cold doesn't seem to get a similar penalty though...
This thread seems relevant. It turns out acid resistance is more common than electricity resistance, but electricity immunity is more common than acid immunity.
Take a look at Demon and Devil subtypes to start. Notice the immunities to Electricity and Fire.
There's a good reason for acid to do less damage than fire or electricity. Not so sure why Cold doesn't seem to get a similar penalty though...
They also have acid resistance.
This thread seems relevant. It turns out acid resistance is more common than electricity resistance, but electricity immunity is more common than acid immunity.
Which makes the lower acid damage make sense. After all, at the levels where resistances/immunities start to show up, -5/10 damage isn't a big deal, but complete nullification is.
Still not sure how Cold gets a pass though...