Talk:Barrak's Black Fangs (5e Spell)

Balance and Clarity

Hey there! This is the original poster of this spell. I just want to ask if the spell is unbalanced or unclear in any way. I wanted to make the spell similar to Lightning Bolt, but as a concentration spell. Because of this, I nerfed a lot of the features that makes Lightning Bolt so powerful. Does the wording of the spell need to be changed? Is it unbalanced in any way? Is it too weak, too strong, or just right? Please let me know what you think. Thanks! --MarshDASavage (talk) 07:27, 25 March 2021 (MDT)

Quite frankly, I think this is a lot weaker than lightning bolt. Maybe you could snag everyone in the same line the first time, but after that, a single line across the field you can’t pass without taking 9 damage seems a bit lackluster. I’d bump up the damage to a solid 5d6. It’s a bit more threatening, and rewards you for actually using it well instead of going for a more reliable option. Two turn payoff is much more reasonable than three, for a spell like this with an awkward range. --SwankyPants (talk) 07:32, 25 March 2021 (MDT)

Okay, thanks for your input. I bumped up the damage a bit and increased the range slightly. I was also thinking that maybe the caster could change the direction of the spell as an action? Would that make it unbalanced, or would that be okay? --MarshDASavage (talk) 07:56, 25 March 2021 (MDT)

Actually, that might solve part of the problem without bumping the damage so hard. Essentially, the problem with the line is that it’s generally effective once, but after everyone moves 5 or so feet, then you have efficiency issues. However, spells that effect a sphere can be a lot harder to escape/avoid, as it goes in all directions. While it probably doesn’t fully rectify the issue, being able to move the line could fix some issues, as you could move it as other people move. If you do so, bring it back to 4d6, I say. --SwankyPants (talk) 08:07, 25 March 2021 (MDT)