This month’s article is “Top Ten WORST Spells”, written by our very own archmage. This article examines a number of problematic spells, identifies where they are deeply flawed, and presents reasonable alternative spell descriptions. Both players and DMs are sure to appreciate the revisions.
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Art Credit: “Spell Contortion” by Wayne Reynolds © Wizards of the Coast LLC
Really like the changes and balancing you guys have done. In particular, I like how you prioritized adding non-combat functions for some of the spells (such as how heat metal can be used to destroy locks).
One thing I would like to see is more spells of the changed spells being given better effects when using higher spells slots. For example, you nerfed silence for being too strong; reducing its noise dampening capabilities and range. What if its range or silencing effects were increased on a per spell slot level basis (radius increase or complete silence) to give players more options?
Thank you for commenting, Lunaris! We’re always happy to hear when our readers enjoy the content we provide.
We will readily admit that we set about revising (read: nerfing) the silence spell with gusto and, now that its basic effects have been reduced to something that does not instantly transform a spellcaster into a useless bag of hit points, there may certainly be room to allow additional effects to occur when casting the spell at higher levels.
Your suggestion is well within the realm of what is reasonable, and we may revise the document to incorporate that idea in the next few days, depending on how many others also present good ideas.
If you think of any other suggestions, please do share.
Best,
– the Archmage