Scorching Ray
- Level: 2
- School: Evocation
- Class: Sorcerer, Wizard
- Casting Time: Action
- Range: 120 feet
- Components: V, S
- Duration: Instantaneous
You hurl three fiery rays. You can hurl them at one target within range or at several. Make a ranged spell attack for each ray. On a hit, the target takes 2d6 Fire damage.
Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. You create one additional ray for each spell slot level above 2.
Tactical Usage
Multiple Target Engagement. Scorching Ray provides three separate attack rolls that can target one enemy for concentrated damage or spread across multiple targets for battlefield control.
Excellent Scaling Potential. The spell gains additional rays with higher-level slots, potentially reaching six rays at 6th level for devastating multiple attack potential.
Reliable Fire Damage. Each ray deals 2d6 fire damage on hit, providing consistent damage output with reasonable accuracy through multiple attack opportunities.
Spell Combinations
Attack Roll Enhancement. Combining with effects that grant advantage on attack rolls or improve accuracy significantly increases the spell's damage potential.
Fire Damage Synergy. Pairing with other fire effects or abilities that exploit fire vulnerability maximizes damage against appropriate targets.
Multiple Target Tactics. Using alongside battlefield positioning spells helps optimize target selection for maximum strategic impact.
Material Component Details
Component-Free Advantage. Scorching Ray requires no material components, making it consistently available without resource constraints or preparation concerns.
Extended Range. The 120-foot range provides excellent reach for a 2nd-level spell, enabling safe engagement from substantial distances.
Multiple Attack Resolution. Each ray requires separate attack rolls, creating multiple opportunities for critical hits and accuracy variation.
Creator Notes
Scaling Damage Option. Scorching Ray provides excellent scaling damage that competes favorably with higher-level damage spells when upcast appropriately.
Action Economy Efficiency. The spell delivers multiple attacks in a single action, creating significant damage potential and tactical flexibility.
Fire Vulnerability Exploitation. The spell becomes exceptionally powerful against creatures with fire vulnerability through multiple damage instances.
Environmental Interactions
Fire Hazard Creation. Multiple fire rays might ignite flammable materials, create environmental hazards, or interact with combustible terrain features.
Range Advantage. The extended range enables engagement across large battlefields or from advantageous positions without closing distance.
Line of Effect Requirements. Each ray requires separate line of effect, potentially allowing partial success even when some rays are blocked.
Common Rulings & Clarifications
Individual Attack Rolls. Each ray requires a separate ranged spell attack roll, with hit determination and damage calculation independent for each ray.
Target Distribution. Rays can target the same creature multiple times or be distributed among different targets as the caster chooses.
Critical Hit Potential. Each ray can potentially score critical hits independently, creating opportunities for exceptional damage spikes.
Scaling Mathematics. Higher-level slots add one ray per level above 2nd, reaching maximum effectiveness at higher slot investments.
Alternative Applications
Area Intimidation. Multiple fire rays create impressive displays of magical power that can influence social encounters or negotiations.
Environmental Interaction. Igniting multiple fires simultaneously for signaling, area denial, or environmental manipulation purposes.
Suppressive Fire. Using multiple rays to control enemy movement or force positioning changes through sustained magical firepower.
Related Spells
Multi-Attack Magic. Eldritch Blast provides similar multiple ray mechanics with different scaling, while Magic Missile offers guaranteed hits.
Fire Magic Progression. Scorching Ray leads to more powerful fire spells like Fireball, with different tactical applications and area effects.
Scaling Damage Options. Various spells provide damage scaling through slot investment, though few offer the multiple attack approach.
Scaling Analysis
Exceptional Upcast Value. Scorching Ray scales excellently with higher-level slots, potentially providing more damage than many higher-level spells.
Multiple Critical Potential. The multiple attack rolls create opportunities for multiple critical hits that can result in extraordinary damage totals.
Campaign Integration. The spell remains competitive throughout character progression due to excellent scaling and consistent tactical value.
Narrative Flavor
Fiery Ray Barrage. The spell should emphasize multiple streams of intense fire magic launching simultaneously toward targets with dramatic visual impact.
Evocation Mastery. The ability to control multiple rays demonstrates advanced magical skill and precision in directing destructive energy.
Concentrated Fire Power. When targeting single enemies, the spell represents focused magical assault that can overwhelm defenses through sustained fire damage.