Infestation

• Level: Cantrip
• School: Conjuration
• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: 30 feet
• Components: V, S, M (a living flea)
• Duration: Instantaneous

Description

Infestation is a conjuration cantrip that causes a cloud of mites, fleas, and other parasites to appear on a creature within range, driving them into a frenzy.

Effects:

• Target:

  • You choose one creature within 30 feet that you can see.

• Saving Throw:

  • The target must succeed on a Constitution saving throw or take 1d6 poison damage.

• Forced Movement:

  • If the target fails the saving throw, it must move 5 feet in a random direction. Roll a d4 to determine the direction:
    1. North
    2. South
    3. East
    4. West
  • This movement does not provoke opportunity attacks, and the target does not move into obviously dangerous ground, such as a pit.

• Damage Scaling:

  • The spell’s damage increases by 1d6 when you reach higher levels:
    • 5th level: 2d6
    • 11th level: 3d6
    • 17th level: 4d6

Strategic Applications:

• Disruption: Infestation can disrupt an enemy’s positioning, forcing them to move unpredictably, which could interfere with their plans or tactics.

• Area Denial: By forcing a creature to move, you can potentially push them away from advantageous positions, such as cover or strategic points, or closer to hazards.

• Cantrip Synergy: Works well in conjunction with other spells or effects that trigger on movement or when creatures end their turn in specific areas.

Limitations:

• Random Movement: The direction of the forced movement is random, making it difficult to control where the target ends up, which can limit the spell's strategic use.

• Constitution Save: Many creatures have high Constitution saving throws, reducing the effectiveness of this spell against such foes.

• Short Range: The 30-foot range limits its use to close combat scenarios or situations where the caster is relatively near the target.

Notes:

• Flavor and Roleplay: Infestation can be a flavorful choice for characters who are druids, rangers, or spellcasters with a connection to nature, pests, or decay.

• Combining with Terrain: Use the forced movement in conjunction with difficult terrain, traps, or other hazards to maximize the spell’s effectiveness.

• Ideal For: Druids and wizards looking for a disruptive, nature-themed cantrip that offers a mix of damage and battlefield control.