Acid Arrow

Conjuration (Creation) [Acid]
Sor/Wiz 2
Components: V, S, M, F
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Long (400 ft. + 40 ft./level)
Effect: One arrow of acid
Duration: 1 round + 1 round per three levels
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No
Description

Other Information
Used to be known as Melf's Acid Arrow. 2d4 acid damage per round (average 5) with an additional 2d4 for additional rounds. By the time you can cast this, it's automatically lasts at least 2 rounds, which means an automatic 4 damage. The maximum number of extra rounds is 6, at 18th level.

Pros:
  • Ranged touch, No save, No SR.
  • Repeating effects in multiple rounds with no further effort required.
  • Can force spellcasters to make ongoing Concentration checks.
  • An early source of acid damage.
  • Repeating damage forces spellcasters to make concentration checks.

    Cons:
  • The repeating damage is not very high; any smart caster will have enough ranks in Concentration that this will be a minor inconvenience at best.
  • For overall damage, a Scorching Ray will almost always be more effective.

    Tricks/Combos:
  • At higher levels, the increased duration and long range can make for a simple hit-and-run attack.
  • The repeating damage stacks with multiple castings.
  • Could be used to set "delayed" effects (using the repeating damage to gradually eat through an object after you've already left.)
  • Extend Spell: +1 spell level for double the damage is a good investment.

    Overall:
    Not a terrible spell, but not a great one either. It's handy in certain situations, but Flaming Sphere, Invisibility, Levitate, Scorching Ray and Shatter are all more effective, more versatile choices. The no SR is nice, but if you are against something with SR that you cannot beat, chances are you're doomed if all you have to hurt them with is Acid Arrow.

    Recommended for Sorcerers?
    No.

    Recommended for Wizards as an initial spell choice?
    No. It's worth buying a scroll to scribe it into your spellbook, though.

    Recommended as a scroll?
    Yes. It's a no save, no SR damage spell, which can always come in handy. The acid damage is a bonus. Certain enemies will find the repeating damage a real pain in the ass.
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