Not sure if this belongs here, but I want to vent regarding my frustration over the fact that so many High Elven companions have a dead cantrip in the form of Firebolt.

It makes no sense as to why both hirelings as well as Shadowheart, Jaheira and Astarion all have Firebolt.

I would like to suggest for the following improvements towards these characters when playing as Tav.

Shadowheart - replace Firebolt with Minor Illusion.


This would be a lore accurate change for Shadowheart, because as a support unit within the cult of Shar, she needs to be able to make it easier for the dedicated infiltrator/thief to do his/her job. Therefore being able to cast Minor Illusion from a safe area to ease the execution of her allies covert ops.

Jaheira - replace Firebolt with either Acid Splash or Blade Ward.


I don't know how lore accurate this would be, but it would certainly be a practical for a Druid/Ranger to be able to melt toxic/corrupted plants with Acid. Otherwise give her Blade Ward because as a Dual Wielder, she would need this spell as a means to increase her survivability in a long range fight as she tries to close the distance.

Astarion - let him keep Firebolt.


There are multiple cantrips that are valid for Astarion's origin. Friends would be on top of the list, but since you can't cast Friends while Tav is speaking we will ignore this option. Shocking Grasp also makes sense for Astarion because he is supposed to kidnap people for his master and Minor Illusion could also work in distracting for the purposes of either luring his prey or distracting his prey as he prepares for his non lethal take down. For simplicity's sake let him keep Firebolt.

The hireling Jacelyn; replace Firebolt with Friends.


His background awards him two proficiencies that are very good for a face character, while hindering him with an INT scaling Firebolt. As a member of a trading guild, this character should probably have the Friends Cantrip and serve as a back up face options for non charismatic Tavs.

The hireling Zenith Feur;sel; Replace Firebolt with Shocking Grasp.


This guy is the under cover Arcane Archer hireling. As a pure High Elf he has proficiency in Longbows and Shortbows meaning he doesn't need to multiclass into Fighter or Rogue for those and can be a pure Wizard. Problem is, Arcane Archers have higher Dex than Int and don't rely on Attack Cantrips. Furthermore this guy starts as a Cleric with a score of 8 Intelect, meaning he won't be hitting anything with that Firebolt.

On account of his potential as an Arcane Archer in Act 1 by investing all levels in Wizard, I would change his cantrip from Firebolt to Shocking Grasp as that is a must have for an Arcane Archer build where Int is the highest stat after Dex and bellow Con, because, when it hits, it allows the caster to disengage without fear of suffering an attack of opportunity while dealing some damage as well.

Last edited by Draco359; 18/02/24 05:45 PM.