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Acid Arrow

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Acid Arrow
  • Level: 2
  • School: Evocation
  • Class: Wizard
  • Casting Time: Action
  • Range: 90 feet
  • Components: V, S, M (powdered rhubarb leaf)
  • Duration: Instantaneous

A shimmering green arrow streaks toward a target within range and bursts in a spray of acid. Make a ranged spell attack against the target. On a hit, the target takes 4d4 Acid damage and 2d4 Acid damage at the end of its next turn. On a miss, the arrow splashes the target with acid for half as much of the initial damage only.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The damage (both initial and later) increases by 1 d 4 for each spell slot level above 2.

Tactical Usage​

When to Choose Acid Arrow:

  • Excellent against single high-value targets with moderate AC
  • Ideal when you need guaranteed damage even on a miss
  • Strong choice when facing enemies without acid resistance
  • Valuable for maintaining damage pressure over multiple rounds

Positioning Considerations:

  • 90-foot range allows safe casting from the back lines
  • No area of effect means no friendly fire concerns
  • Line of sight required, but no clear path needed after initial casting
  • Consider cover and movement for follow-up spells

Target Prioritization:

  • Best against medium to large creatures (easier to hit)
  • Prioritize spellcasters and other high-threat, moderate-defense enemies
  • Less effective against heavily armored targets or those with acid immunity

Spell Combinations​

Synergistic Spells:

  • Hold Person/Monster: Guarantees hit against paralyzed targets
  • Faerie Fire: Advantage on the spell attack roll
  • Web: Restrained targets are easier to hit and take ongoing damage
  • Heat Metal: Combine different damage types for varied resistances

Multi-Round Strategies:

  • Cast on turn 1, use cantrips or other spells while acid damage continues
  • Pair with movement-hindering effects to ensure the delayed damage triggers
  • Consider concentration spells that don't interfere with the ongoing effect

Material Component Details​

Powdered Rhubarb Leaf:

  • Availability: Common in herbalist shops, markets, or gardens
  • Cost: Typically 1-5 copper pieces per use
  • Alternatives: Fresh rhubarb can be dried and powdered with herbalism tools
  • Flavor: The bitter, astringent powder dissolves as the spell activates

Roleplay Opportunities:

  • Describe the preparation ritual of grinding the leaves
  • Reference the component when describing the spell's acidic nature
  • Use component acquisition as minor adventure hooks

Creator Notes​

Adjudication Guidance:

  • The delayed damage occurs automatically at the end of the target's next turn
  • If the target dies before the delayed damage, it still takes effect (for narrative purposes)
  • The spell attack uses the caster's spell attack bonus, not a weapon attack

Encounter Design Considerations:

  • Acid damage is less commonly resisted than fire or cold
  • The guaranteed partial damage on miss makes this reliable for players
  • Consider environmental hazards that interact with acid effects
  • NPCs can use this spell effectively against heavily armored player characters

Balancing Notes:

  • Total average damage (9 points at 2nd level) is moderate for a 2nd-level spell
  • The delayed damage creates interesting tactical decisions
  • Miss chance provides consolation damage without being overpowered

Environmental Interactions​

Material Effects:

  • Metal: Causes gradual corrosion and pitting (cosmetic unless sustained exposure)
  • Wood: Creates charred, smoking holes that may weaken structures
  • Stone: Etches and stains but rarely causes structural damage
  • Organic Materials: Dissolves cloth, leather, and plant matter more readily

Environmental Considerations:

  • Acid may linger briefly on non-living surfaces
  • Underground areas might have poor ventilation, intensifying acid fumes
  • Water sources could become temporarily contaminated
  • Consider effects on nearby vegetation or sensitive materials

Weather Interactions:

  • Rain may dilute residual acid effects
  • High humidity might intensify the corrosive atmosphere
  • Strong winds could disperse acid vapors more quickly

Common Rulings & Clarifications​

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Does the delayed damage stack if I hit the same target multiple times? A: No, each casting creates a separate delayed damage effect that resolves independently.

Q: What happens if the target has acid resistance or immunity? A: Resistance halves both the initial and delayed damage. Immunity negates both entirely.

Q: Can the target do anything to prevent the delayed damage? A: Generally no, unless they have specific abilities that remove ongoing effects or neutralize acid.

Q: Does the delayed damage require concentration? A: No, the delayed damage is part of the spell's instantaneous effect and doesn't require maintaining concentration.

Alternative Applications​

Non-Combat Uses:

  • Lock Dissolution: Weaken metal locks or hinges (Creator discretion on effectiveness)
  • Barrier Removal: Slowly eat through wooden doors or organic obstacles
  • Archaeological Work: Carefully remove encrustations from artifacts
  • Artistic Applications: Create etched designs in appropriate materials

Creative Problem-Solving:

  • Destroy evidence written on parchment or cloth
  • Clear blocked passages of organic debris
  • Neutralize certain alchemical substances
  • Create distraction through smoke and sizzling sounds

Similar Acid Spells:

  • Acid Splash (Cantrip): Lower damage but no spell slot cost
  • Vitriolic Sphere (4th level): Area acid damage with ongoing effects
  • Melf's Acid Arrow (Alternative name in some sources)

Damage-Over-Time Comparisons:

  • Heat Metal (2nd level): Ongoing damage but requires concentration
  • Flaming Sphere (2nd level): Mobile ongoing damage with concentration
  • Spiritual Weapon (2nd level): Ongoing attacks but uses bonus actions

2nd-Level Spell Alternatives:

  • Scorching Ray: Multiple attacks, fire damage
  • Magic Missile: Guaranteed damage, force type
  • Shatter: Area damage, thunder type

Scaling Analysis​

Level Progression:

  • Early Game (Levels 3-6): Excellent damage for spell slot investment
  • Mid Game (Levels 7-12): Remains useful but competes with higher-level options
  • Late Game (Levels 13+): Primarily useful when conserving higher-level slots

Spell Slot Efficiency:

  • 2nd Level: 4.5 + 2.25 = 6.75 average damage per slot
  • 3rd Level: 7.5 + 2.5 = 10 average damage (good efficiency increase)
  • 4th Level: 10.5 + 3.5 = 14 average damage (solid scaling)

Long-Term Viability:

  • Remains relevant due to reliable damage and useful range
  • Acid damage type becomes more valuable as resistances diversify
  • Component cost never becomes prohibitive
  • Useful for spell slot conservation strategies

Narrative Flavor​

Extended Description: The magical arrow materializes as a translucent shaft of crackling emerald energy, leaving a faint trail of acrid vapor in its wake. Upon impact, the arrow doesn't simply strike—it explodes in a violent burst of corrosive energy that eats away at armor, flesh, and spirit alike. The victim feels not just the initial searing pain, but watches in horror as the acid continues its inexorable work, smoking and bubbling as it consumes whatever it touches.

Sensory Details:

  • Visual: Brilliant green arrow trail, bubbling and smoking on impact
  • Auditory: Sharp crack of impact followed by prolonged sizzling
  • Olfactory: Sharp, vinegar-like smell with metallic undertones
  • Tactile: Initial burning sensation followed by persistent corrosive pain

Cultural Context: In many magical traditions, acid magic represents the inexorable force of time and entropy—the power to break down and transform rather than simply destroy. Practitioners often view it as a more sophisticated alternative to crude fire magic, appreciating its persistence and transformative properties.