I mostly agree with replies in this thread that Chromatic Orb should be versatile and either deal 3d8 damage of chosen element to targeted enemy and activate existing surfaces or create a surface if targeted on the floor.
However, I suspect that simply creating a surface might be too little tradeoff for wasting a whole spell slot, so I have an addition to this suggestion - what if ground targeted Chromatic Orb would also deal some additional damage with Dex saving throw to everyone caught in the surface blast? This damage could be something like 1d6-2d4 for Fire orb (as its surface would deal additional 1d4 damage on application and apply a 1d4 dot), 2d6 or 2d8 for Thunder orb and 2d4 for all other Orbs.
This way:
- There will be a versatile 1st level ranged small AoE spell that is missing in PHB (and Ice Knife is only in Xanathar's book) and low-level casters would have a non-cantrip option to AoE out of melee.
- Players will be able to choose between 3d8 damage to one target and less damage + potential dot / debuff surface or 2d6/2d8 damage to several.
- Thunder Orb will have a purpose if ground targeted - it wouldn't create a surface, but would deal the most amount of AoE direct damage. While this variant would compete with melee Thunderwave, its main feature is the pushback and Thunder Orb still doesn't have it, so the competition is balanced.
- This option might be a compromise for Larian and some DOS players who like to play with surfaces as Chromatic Orb itself would provide lots of such options for them and DnD Players who like the iteration of 5e orb and don't like surfaces - they can just not use the spell's ground targeted splash effect.
EDIT: Although, it might mess Twinned Spell + Chromatic Orb combo for Sorcerers, so it's up to Larian to decide. At least give us the suggested option of 3d8+ damage to single target or area surface.
Last edited by Volsalex; 19/10/21 02:49 PM.
