I agree that surfaces on cantrips (or very cheap arrows) are a bit much, but I still think that the surface and elemental interactions are a unique selling point for Larian, and a lot of fun if they do not take over the game.
I would like to see some surfaces added, where it makes sense.
Fireball burns things and leaves a fire surface. Makes sense
For example, why are characters not wet when in a sleet storm?
You are literally in a giant storm of ice, with a lot of snow and the ground freezing continuously.
I don't think this is overpowered (in fact, this might make the spell worse, since you can not spam fireballs into the grouped up enemies anymore), but would make for some fun new combinations
I know this will probably be unpopular, and I know that there is a massive risk that Larian overdoes it again, and the elemental effects take over the game, but IF done right, I think it could really add to the game.
In general, I think these effects should become more common as you get stronger. A little fire puddle is a bit op for a cantrip (and even a lv 1 spell like chromatic orb), but not really problematic when it is a 3rd, 4th, 5th... level spell.
When firebolt created a surface, that surface was basically 2/3 of the power and damage of the cantrip, so obviously that was a massive and ridivulous buff. But adding a burning surface to fireball, or wetness to sleet storm would only increase the power of these spells a little bit, but increase the combinations and combos of spells a lot.
Please don't yell at me too much for blaspheming like this, and let me know your thoughts
What other spells of 3rd level or higher should the elemental effects be added to?
