Flame Arrows

• Level: 3rd-level
• School: Transmutation
• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: Touch
• Components: V, S, M (a quiver containing arrows or bolts)
• Duration: Concentration, up to 1 hour

Description

Flame Arrows is a 3rd-level transmutation spell that imbues ammunition with fire, enhancing its damage potential.

Effects:

• Imbued Ammunition: You touch a quiver containing arrows or bolts. When a creature hits with a ranged weapon attack using a piece of ammunition drawn from the quiver, the ammunition ignites and deals an extra 1d6 fire damage to the target.
• Quantity: The spell affects up to 12 pieces of ammunition. Once a piece of ammunition is fired, the magic is lost, whether it hits or misses.
• Duration: The spell lasts for up to 1 hour, or until all 12 pieces of ammunition have been used.

Components:

• Verbal (V): A spoken incantation is necessary to activate the spell.
• Somatic (S): Hand gestures help to channel the magic into the ammunition.
• Material (M): The spell requires a quiver containing arrows or bolts, which are the objects being enchanted.

Strategic Applications:

• Increased Damage: This spell is particularly useful for archers or crossbow users, adding a significant amount of fire damage over the course of several attacks.
• Multiple Attacks: Ideal for characters who can make multiple attacks per round, allowing them to maximize the benefit from the enchanted ammunition.
• Elemental Damage: Fire damage is useful against many types of creatures, especially those vulnerable to fire.

Limitations:

• Concentration: The spell requires concentration, meaning the caster cannot maintain other concentration spells at the same time and must be cautious of losing concentration due to taking damage.
• Ammunition: The spell only affects ammunition drawn from the enchanted quiver, so melee-focused characters won't benefit.
• Fire Resistance: Be mindful that many creatures have resistance or immunity to fire damage, which could reduce the effectiveness of this spell in certain encounters.

Notes:

• The spell enhances standard ammunition, making it a versatile choice in combat without the need for specialized magical arrows.
• Flame Arrows can be a valuable buff to provide to an ally who uses ranged attacks, increasing their damage output over several rounds.
• The extra damage provided by the spell does not alter the type of attack, so any other benefits that apply to the weapon or the type of attack still apply (e.g., sneak attack, sharpshooter).