Spell Balancing

[Scottrick]

I'm working on tweaking and balancing some of the D&D spells from the original PHB. My play groups are interest


<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left" width="793">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<h5>
<a name="_Hlk501565400">Spell</a>
</h5>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<h5>
Level
</h5>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<h5>
Update
</h5>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Blade Ward
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
Cantrip
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Gain 1d4 temporary hit points for the duration
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
True Strike
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
Cantrip
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
No longer requires concentration, can target others within
range.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Animal Friendship
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
1^st Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Bonus action casting time
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Burning Hands
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
1^st Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Damage is increased by 2d6 for each spell slot above first
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Color Spray
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
1^st Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Duration increased to 1 minute, affect creatures can make a
constitution saving throw at the end of their each of their
turns to end the effect early.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Create/Destroy Water
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
1^st Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Bonus action casting time. You may create water to shoot
out as a guizer, one creature within 15ft must make a DEX
or STR saving throw or be pushed back 15ft.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Disguise Self
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
1^st Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Can be cast as a ritual. Duration reduced to 8 hours
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
False Life
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
1^st Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
While you have the temporary hit points you gain resistance
to necrotic damage. Temporary hit points increased to 7 for
each spell slot above first
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Illusory Script
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
1^st Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
No component costs. Duration increased to 1 year.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Jump
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
1^stLevel
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Bonus action casting time. Duration increased to 10 minutes
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Longstrider
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
1^st Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Bonus action casting time.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Searing Smite
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
1^st Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Initial damage and lingering damage increased to 2d6.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Sleep
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
1^st Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Hit points affected increased to 3d8 for each spell slot
above first
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Witch Bolt
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
1^st Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Damage dice reduced to d10. When cast at a higher level the
damage increase continues each round. The damage type is
now dependant upon the warlock patron.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Alter Self
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
2^ndLevel
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
No longer requires concentration
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Arcane lock
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
2^ndLevel
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Bonus action casting time. Can be cast as a ritual.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Blindness/Deafness
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
2^nd Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Range increased to 30ft
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Continual Flame
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
2^nd Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Duration reduced to 1 day, flame deals 1d4 fire damage on
contact. Component costs reduced to 25₯ Only one flame may
be active at a time
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Cordon of Arrows
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
2^nd Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Damage increased to 1d8
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Crown of Madness
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
2^nd Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
No longer have to use your action to maintain control over
the target
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Detect Thoughts
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
2^nd Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
No longer requires concentration
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Enthral
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
2^nd Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Duration increased to 10 minutes
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Find Traps
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
2^nd Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Can be cast as a ritual
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Flame Blade
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
2^nd Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Range increased to touch. If the weapon is dropped or
sheathed the spell ends.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Gentle Repose
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
2^nd Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Bonus action casting time
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Gust of Wind
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
2^nd Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Wind is now 20ft wide
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Knock
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
2^nd Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Bonus action casting time
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Magic Weapon
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
2^nd Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
1 action casting time, no longer Requires Concentration,
duration reduced to 1 minute. Using a spell slot of 4th
level for +2, 7th or higher for+3.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Moon Beam
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
2^nd Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
All enemies struck by the moving beam are subject to the
spells effect
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Obscured Magic Aura
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
2^nd Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Duration increased to 1 week
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Phantasmal Force
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
2^nd Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Psychic damage increased to 2d6
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Ray of Enfeeblement
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
2^nd Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
No longer requires a ranged spell attack.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
See Invisibility
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
2^nd Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Can target others, duration reduced to 10 minutes
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Shatter
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
2^nd Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Blast radius increased to 15ft, structures are vulnerable
to the damage
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Bestow Curse
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
3^rd Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Range increased to 30ft
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Blink
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
3^rd Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Bonus action casting time
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Clairvoyance
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
3^rd Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Focus cost reduced to 100₯. Ranged increased to 10 miles
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Conjure Animals
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
3^rd Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Now can only summon 6 creatures with challenge rating 1/4
or lower
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Daylight
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
3^rd Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Duration increased to 4 hours
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Feign Death
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
3^rd Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Duration increased to 12 hours
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Glyph of Warding
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
3^rd Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Component cost reduced to 50₯, can no longer choose
exploding glyph
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Magic Circle
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
3^rd Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Can be cast as a ritual
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Protection from Energy
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
3^rd Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Duration reduced to 1 minute, now gives immunity to chosen
damage type
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Stinking Cloud
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
3^rd Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Area of effect increased to 25ft. Creatures that enter the
cloud for the first time on their turn must make a saving
throw.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Tongues
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
3^rd Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Bonus action casting time, can be cast as a ritual
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Vampiric Touch
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
3^rd Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Damage increased to 4d6, damage increased to 2d6 for each
spell slot above third
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Blight
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
4^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Now targets a 30ft sphere, damage reduced to 6d8
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Confusion
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
4^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Area of effect radius increased to 20ft
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Conjure Minor Elementals
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
4^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
1 action casting time. Now can only summon 6 creatures with
challenge rating 1/4 or lower
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Conjure Woodland Beings
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
4^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Now can only summon 6 creatures with challenge rating 1/4
or lower
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Dominate Beast
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
4^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
No longer requires concentration
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Faithful Hound
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
4^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
No longer requires concentration, damage increased to 6d8
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Fabricate
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
4^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Casting time reduced to 1 minute
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Grasping Vine
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
4^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
1 action cast time, no longer requires concentration
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Ice Storm
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
4^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Initial cold damage increased to 5d6, the hail stones
linger as difficult terrain one extra round for each spell
slot above 4^th.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Phantasmal Killer
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
4^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Bonus action casting time, damage increased to 6d10 psychic
damage
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Polymorph
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
4^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
The form the target assumes must less than half the
target’s level (rounded up).
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Stone Shape
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
4^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Section of stone increased to 20ft
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Stoneskin
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
4^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Component costs reduced to 50₯
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Conjure Elemental
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
4^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
1 action casting time
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Commune with Nature
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
5^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Range increased to 5 miles over land and 500ft underground
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Cone of Cold
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
5^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Damage increased to 10d8
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Cloudkill
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
5^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
No longer requires concentration, duration reduced to 1
minute
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Creation
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
5^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Can be cast as a ritual
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Dominate Person
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
5^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
No longer requires concentration
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Dream
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
5^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Psychic damage increased to 6d6
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Insect Plague
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
5^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Area of affect radius increased to 30ft
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Legend Lore
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
5^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
No component cost, casting time reduced to 1 minute
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Passwall
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
5^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Bonus acton casting time, you can use a bonus action to end
the spell prematurely. Any creatures trapped inside the
area when the spell ends are thrown 10ft of the nearest
exit and take 6d10 bludgeoning damage.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Modify Memory
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
5^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
No longer requires concentration
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Telepathic Bond
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
5^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Can no longer be cast as a ritual, Duration increased to 4
hours
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Tree Stride
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
5^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Bonus acton casting time, no longer requires concentration
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Circle of Death
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
6^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Damage increased to 12d8
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Create Undead
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
6^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Choose up to four corpses to create ghouls. Use of this
spell reasserts control over four ghouls.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Find the Path
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
6^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
No longer requires concentration
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Instant Summons
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
6^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Component costs reduced to 500₯. The spell inscribes a mark
on the item instead of sapphire, once the spell has been
cast on an item no more sapphires are needed to recast it.
The spell now will transport an item held by another
creature.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Irresistible Dance
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
6^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
No longer requires concentration
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Wall of Ice
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
6^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
No longer requires concentration, A dome or sphere is 20ft
in radius.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Fire Storm
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
7^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Damage increased to 10d10, you choose whether plant life is
affected
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Mirage Arcane
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
7^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Can be cast as a ritual
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Sequester
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
7^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Component costs reduced to 1000₯
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Symbol
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
7^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Component costs reduced to 250₯
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Control Weather
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
8^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Casting time reduced to 1 action, no longer requires
concentration
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Glibness
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
8^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Duration Increased to 4 hours
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Incendiary Cloud
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
8^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Damage increased to 12d8, moves in a direction of your
choice
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Power Word Stun
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
8^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
If the target has more than 150 hit points it must succeed
on a constitution saving throw to avoid being stun.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Sunburst
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
8^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Damage increased to 12d8
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Telepathy
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
8^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Can be cast a ritual, Duration reduced to 12 hours
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Tsunami
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
8^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
A creature caught in the wall can attempt to move by
swimming if they succeed on a strength saving throw.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Imprisonment
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
9^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
Range reduced to touch, component cost reduced to 250₯ per
hit dice
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Power Word Kill
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
9^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
If target is not killed each round it must succeed on a
Wisdom saving throw at the start of its turn or take 10d10
psychic damage. This effect lasts 1 minute, the spell ends
when the target succeeds on a saving throw.
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="246" valign="top">
<p>
Weird
</p>
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
<p align="center">
9^th Level
</p>
</td>
<td width="469" valign="top">
<p>
No longer requires concentration. damage deal increased to
8d10
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
<em>By Scottrick</em>
</p>
<p>
<em> </em>
</p>

[Unoriginal]

Well, first, something went wrong and I can't really read what you wrote past the intro, sorry.

Second, what do you mean by "original" PHB?

Third, the 5e spells are already balanced, you don't have to do anything.

[nickl_2000]

You copied and pasted HTML code. I believe that you need a special tag in the forum for it to translate the HTML and not make it pain text.

[MaxWilson]

Third, the 5e spells are already balanced, you don't have to do anything.

[tears of laughter]

[youtellatale]

[tears of laughter]
This. So much this.

[Rebonack]

Well, first, something went wrong and I can't really read what you wrote past the intro, sorry.

Second, what do you mean by "original" PHB?

Third, the 5e spells are already balanced, you don't have to do anything.

Didn't the designers say that that they intentionally made some spells massively stronger than others? Like, say, Fireball compared to basically any other blasting spell?

[Sigreid]

Didn't the designers say that that they intentionally made some spells massively stronger than others? Like, say, Fireball compared to basically any other blasting spell?

I think an arguement can be made that that extra damage is balanced at least somewhat by the number of critters with fire resistance and immunity.

[Rebonack]

I think an arguement can be made that that extra damage is balanced at least somewhat by the number of critters with fire resistance and immunity.

You could argue that.

But they've also said that they don't balance the damage of spells with commonly resisted types (poison and fire) around the fact that they're commonly resisted. The reason fireball is so strong (and to a lesser extent, lightning bolt as well) is because they're 'iconic'.

[MaxWilson]

I think an arguement can be made that that extra damage is balanced at least somewhat by the number of critters with fire resistance and immunity.

Mostly just fiends really. "Widespread fire resistance" is not as serious of a limitation as it looks like on paper.

In any case, compare Aura of Vitality to Cure Wounds, or Dominate Beast to Polymorph, or Mordenkainen's Sword to Spiritual Weapon, or Witch Bolt to Fire Bolt.

And then there's Healing Spirit, but since that's not in the PHB at least we can avoid mocking the PHB for it...

[Unoriginal]

Didn't the designers say that that they intentionally made some spells massively stronger than others? Like, say, Fireball compared to basically any other blasting spell?

Fair. Let me do an addendum.


Spells are balanced in the sense "spell users are balanced thanks to the spells they have", not as in "all spells of X level are equal".

Most spells are well-within the "spells of X level should be X powerful" guidelines, with a few being stronger (mostly because the iconic ones), and a few being weaker mostly due to how they interact with the other moving parts of the game (even Witch Bolt is not objectively that bad, it's just the action cost makes it underwhelming/very niche).

[Ultimate_Coffee]

Blade Ward
Is the 1d4 temp in addition to resistance? Or instead of?

True Strike
By target others, do you mean you can cast it on someone else, so they get the advantage? Or you can change the target that you get advantage against after casting the spell?

Animal Friendship
Seems like a fine change...

Burning Hands
Might make it a little more useful in the later game... I still don't see it competing with fireball once you get 3rd level spells...

Color Spray
Seems like a fine change...

Create/Destroy Water
Bonus action casting time is fine. Don't really see the geyser effect... I don't think it is too strong though...

Disguise Self
Seems like a fine change...

False Life
Resistance to necrotic seems thematically appropriate... Don't mind the extra temp HP either... Still not that great...

Illusory Script
Never seen it used in game... I don't think this would change that...

Jump
A bit more useful in stressful situations... Seems like a fine change...

Longstrider
Seems like a fine change...

Searing Smite
I think this one was okay before... Not a spell I ever picked... But the damage increase seems a bit much... Maybe 2d6 base damage, and 1d6 lingering...

Sleep
The spell already scales well... It has its uses without the change. I'd keep it as is.

Witch Bolt
I'm good with the damage change... The warlock patron change seems odd... I never really saw Witchbolt as a quintessential Warlock spell... I'd just leave it lightning...



Might look at the higher level ones later...

[Rebonack]

Fair. Let me do an addendum.


Spells are balanced in the sense "spell users are balanced thanks to the spells they have", not as in "all spells of X level are equal".

Most spells are well-within the "spells of X level should be X powerful" guidelines, with a few being stronger (mostly because the iconic ones), and a few being weaker mostly due to how they interact with the other moving parts of the game (even Witch Bolt is not objectively that bad, it's just the action cost makes it underwhelming/very niche).

There are a few specific spells that leave me scratching my head. Notably Hunger of Hadar being one of the very few signature Warlock spells and yet it doesn't scale with spell level in any way. Especially when there are so many ways it could scale. Damage. AoE. The severity of the space-warp effect.

[Kyrinthic]

Cleaned up OP.

Format:
Spell - Level
Update
-------------------------

Blade Ward - Cantrip
Gain 1d4 temporary hit points for the duration

True Strike - Cantrip
No longer requires concentration, can target others within range.

Animal Friendship - 1st Level
Bonus action casting time

Burning Hands - 1st Level
Damage is increased by 2d6 for each spell slot above first

Color Spray - 1st Level
Duration increased to 1 minute, affect creatures can make a constitution saving throw at the end of their each of their turns to end the effect early.

Create/Destroy Water - 1st Level
Bonus action casting time. You may create water to shoot out as a guizer, one creature within 15ft must make a DEX or STR saving throw or be pushed back 15ft.

Disguise Self - 1st Level
Can be cast as a ritual. Duration reduced to 8 hours

False Life - 1st Level
While you have the temporary hit points you gain resistance to necrotic damage. Temporary hit points increased to 7 for each spell slot above first

Illusory Script - 1st Level
No component costs. Duration increased to 1 year.

Jump - -1st Level
Bonus action casting time. Duration increased to 10 minutes

Longstrider - 1st Level
Bonus action casting time.

Searing Smite - 1st Level
Initial damage and lingering damage increased to 2d6.

Sleep - 1st Level
Hit points affected increased to 3d8 for each spell slot above first

Witch Bolt - 1st Level
Damage dice reduced to d10. When cast at a higher level the damage increase continues each round. The damage type is now dependant upon the warlock patron.

Alter Self - 2nd Level
No longer requires concentration

Arcane lock - 2nd Level
Bonus action casting time. Can be cast as a ritual.

Blindness/Deafness - 2nd Level
Range increased to 30ft

Continual Flame - 2nd Level
Duration reduced to 1 day, flame deals 1d4 fire damage on contact. Component costs reduced to 25? Only one flame may be active at a time

Cordon of Arrows - 2nd Level
Damage increased to 1d8

Crown of Madness - 2nd Level
No longer have to use your action to maintain control over the target

Detect Thoughts - 2nd Level
No longer requires concentration

Enthral - 2nd Level
Duration increased to 10 minutes

Find Traps - 2nd Level
Can be cast as a ritual

Flame Blade - 2nd Level
Range increased to touch. If the weapon is dropped or sheathed the spell ends.

Gentle Repose - 2nd Level
Bonus action casting time

Gust of Wind - 2nd Level
Wind is now 20ft wide

Knock - 2nd Level
Bonus action casting time

Magic Weapon - 2nd Level
1 action casting time, no longer Requires Concentration, duration reduced to 1 minute. Using a spell slot of 4th level for +2, 7th or higher for+3.

Moon Beam - 2nd Level
All enemies struck by the moving beam are subject to the spells effect

Obscured Magic Aura - 2nd Level
Duration increased to 1 week

Phantasmal Force - 2nd Level
Psychic damage increased to 2d6

Ray of Enfeeblement - 2nd Level
No longer requires a ranged spell attack.

See Invisibility - 2nd Level
Can target others, duration reduced to 10 minutes

Shatter - 2nd Level
Blast radius increased to 15ft, structures are vulnerable to the damage

Bestow Curse - 3rd Level
Range increased to 30ft

Blink - 3rd Level
Bonus action casting time

Clairvoyance - 3rd Level
Focus cost reduced to 100?. Ranged increased to 10 miles

Conjure Animals - 3rd Level
Now can only summon 6 creatures with challenge rating 1/4 or lower

Daylight - 3rd Level
Duration increased to 4 hours

Feign Death - 3rd Level
Duration increased to 12 hours

Glyph of Warding - 3rd Level
Component cost reduced to 50?, can no longer choose exploding glyph

Magic Circle - 3rd Level
Can be cast as a ritual

Protection from Energy - 3rd Level
Duration reduced to 1 minute, now gives immunity to chosen damage type

Stinking Cloud - 3rd Level
Area of effect increased to 25ft. Creatures that enter the cloud for the first time on their turn must make a saving throw.

Tongues - 3rd Level
Bonus action casting time, can be cast as a ritual

Vampiric Touch - 3rd Level
Damage increased to 4d6, damage increased to 2d6 for each spell slot above third

Blight - 4th Level
Now targets a 30ft sphere, damage reduced to 6d8

Confusion - 4th Level
Area of effect radius increased to 20ft

Conjure Minor Elementals - 4th Level
1 action casting time. Now can only summon 6 creatures with challenge rating 1/4 or lower

Conjure Woodland Beings - 4th Level
Now can only summon 6 creatures with challenge rating 1/4 or lower

Dominate Beast - 4th Level
No longer requires concentration

Faithful Hound - 4th Level
No longer requires concentration, damage increased to 6d8

Fabricate - 4th Level
Casting time reduced to 1 minute

Grasping Vine - 4th Level
1 action cast time, no longer requires concentration

Ice Storm - 4th Level
Initial cold damage increased to 5d6, the hail stones linger as difficult terrain one extra round for each spell slot above 4th.

Phantasmal Killer - 4th Level
Bonus action casting time, damage increased to 6d10 psychic damage

Polymorph - 4th Level
The form the target assumes must less than half the target’s level (rounded up).

Stone Shape - 4th Level
Section of stone increased to 20ft

Stoneskin - 4th Level
Component costs reduced to 50?

Conjure Elemental - 4th Level
1 action casting time

Commune with Nature - 5th Level
Range increased to 5 miles over land and 500ft underground

Cone of Cold - 5th Level
Damage increased to 10d8

Cloudkill - 5th Level
No longer requires concentration, duration reduced to 1 minute

Creation - 5th Level
Can be cast as a ritual

Dominate Person - 5th Level
No longer requires concentration

Dream - 5th Level
Psychic damage increased to 6d6

Insect Plague - 5th Level
Area of affect radius increased to 30ft

Legend Lore - 5th Level
No component cost, casting time reduced to 1 minute

Passwall - 5th Level
Bonus acton casting time, you can use a bonus action to end the spell prematurely. Any creatures trapped inside the area when the spell ends are thrown 10ft of the nearest exit and take 6d10 bludgeoning damage.

Modify Memory - 5th Level
No longer requires concentration

Telepathic Bond - 5th Level
Can no longer be cast as a ritual, Duration increased to 4 hours

Tree Stride - 5th Level
Bonus acton casting time, no longer requires concentration

Circle of Death - 6th Level
Damage increased to 12d8

Create Undead - 6th Level
Choose up to four corpses to create ghouls. Use of this spell reasserts control over four ghouls.

Find the Path - 6th Level
No longer requires concentration

Instant Summons - 6th Level
Component costs reduced to 500?. The spell inscribes a mark on the item instead of sapphire, once the spell has been cast on an item no more sapphires are needed to recast it. The spell now will transport an item held by another creature.

Irresistible Dance - 6th Level
No longer requires concentration

Wall of Ice - 6th Level
No longer requires concentration, A dome or sphere is 20ft in radius.

Fire Storm - 7th Level
Damage increased to 10d10, you choose whether plant life is affected

Mirage Arcane - 7th Level
Can be cast as a ritual

Sequester - 7th Level
Component costs reduced to 1000?

Symbol - 7th Level
Component costs reduced to 250?

Control Weather - 8th Level
Casting time reduced to 1 action, no longer requires concentration

Glibness - 8th Level
Duration Increased to 4 hours

Incendiary Cloud - 8th Level
Damage increased to 12d8, moves in a direction of your choice

Power Word Stun - 8th Level
If the target has more than 150 hit points it must succeed on a constitution saving throw to avoid being stun.

Sunburst - 8th Level
Damage increased to 12d8

Telepathy - 8th Level
Can be cast a ritual, Duration reduced to 12 hours

Tsunami - 8th Level
A creature caught in the wall can attempt to move by swimming if they succeed on a strength saving throw.

Imprisonment - 9th Level
Range reduced to touch, component cost reduced to 250? per hit dice

Power Word Kill - 9th Level
If target is not killed each round it must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw at the start of its turn or take 10d10 psychic damage. This effect lasts 1 minute, the spell ends when the target succeeds on a saving throw.

Weird - 9th Level
No longer requires concentration. damage deal increased to 8d10

[Kyrinthic]

Blade Ward - about as useful as the original, ie barely.
True Strike - help action as a spell. At least it would no longer be actively worse than actions anyone can take.
Animal Friendship - no meaningful difference
Burning Hands - should be fine
Color Spray - Not sure this saves it since it is HD limited.
Create/Destroy Water - meh, adds flavor I suppose, probably never cast it in combat though.
Disguise Self - you make a lot of things rituals, probably too many things.
False Life - Scale at d4+4/level would make sense, not sure about adding a resist too.
Illusory Script - who knows, I've never seen it used.
Jump - that would be fine, though I see it used out of combat for getting over things mostly.
Longstrider - this is meant to be precast, but this change wont really hurt or unbalance it.
Searing Smite - may be high, the smite spells are designed to do less damage than an equal plain smite because they stack, but the damage isnt nutty high or anything.
Sleep - maybe 2d8 would be a more fair scale, 3 might be high, might not. would need more testing.
Witch Bolt - This would be fine, the spells main weaknesses remain (concentration ends outside of 30').
Alter Self - should be fine.
Arcane lock - so rarely used, shouldnt matter
Blindness/Deafness - that is its range already.
Continual Flame - its a torch, let it last forever. its a fun way to light tombs.
Cordon of Arrows - not familiar with this spell.
Crown of Madness - there needs to be a cost, this spell is too powerful otherwise. maybe try reducing to a bonus action instead.
Detect Thoughts - dont see a reason for this change, but it wont break the world.
Enthral - meh
Find Traps - No. rogues should still be useful, and no-one wants to feel like the best way to go through a dungeon is 10 minute casts every hallway.
Flame Blade - dont see anything meaningful about the changes. Base spell has issues, casting it on others wont help that.
Gentle Repose - would this ever matter?
Gust of Wind - does this even come up?
Knock - sure?
Magic Weapon - I like most of this, keep concentration, +s are powerful.
Moon Beam - god no, it is broken that way, waving the thing across a field of 10 guys should not do 20d10 damage with a level 2 slot.
Obscured Magic Aura - never seen this spell used.
Phantasmal Force - cant hurt, this spell feels too weak.
Ray of Enfeeblement - it needs either an attack or a save, its not magic missile.
See Invisibility - already can target others. no need to reduce duration.
Shatter - 2nd Level - eh, probably not that big of a deal, but having a smaller sized aoe is nice in cramped quarters.
Bestow Curse - sure, that should be fine
Blink - Nah, this shouldnt be less costly to use than mirror image or blur, with good rolls it is godlike.
Clairvoyance - sure, minor changes.
Conjure Animals - I guess? change is minor, and cr1/4 critters arent that scary.
Daylight - probably not relevant but sure.
Feign Death - sure
Glyph of Warding - exploding is iconic, it should stay. No need to make glyph shenanigans cheaper either.
Magic Circle - sure, save a spell slot when binding crap.
Protection from Energy - it already lets you chose? Why reduce duration?
Stinking Cloud - makes sense on the saves, area could go either way with.
Tongues - be nice to have social enabling spells easier to use, sure.
Vampiric Touch - nah, the power of this spell is that it sticks around to use every round, giving it top tier damage would make it busted.
Blight - Its ok to have single target spells, if you want an aoe, pick a different spell.
Confusion - mostly the same
Conjure Minor Elementals - probably fine with the cast time, not sure the hate on low cr summons
Conjure Woodland Beings - hate on low cr summons, not super relevant
Dominate Beast - a dominate effect should have concentration, since you are getting a pet.
Faithful Hound - sure, no one uses it much.
Fabricate - probably irrelevant
Grasping Vine - not familiar enough with this spell
Ice Storm - sure, this spell always felt underwhelming
Phantasmal Killer - might be going too far, bonus action spells are strong. just do the damage bump.
Polymorph - make the buff portion useless, its not needed, let the party have a level or two of Trex fun, it doenst last into the high levels.
Stone Shape - sure
Stoneskin - probably not that important of a change
Conjure Elemental - I would want it to be a minute at least, its supposed to be pre-cast, not reactive
Commune with Nature - not super familar with spell, but that shouldnt matter much
Cone of Cold - not really seeing the point, the damage is already really solid for a huge area, it doesnt need more.
Cloudkill - this spell should keep concentration, lots of things can cast it and stand inside, need a way to fight that tactic.
Creation - maybe? I'd have to look at durations to make sure no loopholes.
Dominate Person - this needs concentration, you are turning an enemy into a pet.
Dream - sure
Insect Plague - ok?
Legend Lore - nothing wrong with a cost to this spell, I dont know it well enough in 5th to give a good opinion
Passwall - interesting to use it as a trap, probably keep the standard action cast though.
Modify Memory - not super familiar
Telepathic Bond - not sure
Tree Stride - thats not really the point of the spell, bonus action or concentration probably wont change much.
Circle of Death - seems high. no need to make it better than chain lightning.
Create Undead - probably fine
Find the Path - probably fine
Instant Summons - limited enough use that it probably wont matter.
Irresistible Dance - disabling an enemy without a save should still cost concentration. Limited spell slots at the level means it probably wont be spammed
Wall of Ice - probably fine, least useful wall
Fire Storm - flammables should burn, damage bump is reasonable.
Mirage Arcane - maybe? Its actually a pretty useful combat spell, it should cost the slot.
Sequester - mostly a plot device, so it doesnt matter
Symbol - Effects are very powerful (no-per round save on aoe disables like stun), but cost is probably not going to matter at level 15+
Control Weather - probably fine, mostly a plot device, long casting time is iconic
Glibness - sure? Its stupid good at what it does, but its also a level 8 spell. rarely will the difference between 1h and 4h matter.
Incendiary Cloud - damage bump is probably fine, its movement is already controllable.
Power Word Stun - power words are all built around the hp limit as the cost to give no-save disables, making it still powerful regardless of limit detracts.
Sunburst - probably fine?
Telepathy - Sure, such a overleveled spell already. Or just let it work on caster level targets.
Tsunami - This is literally in the spell already.
Imprisonment - irrelevant changes?
Power Word Kill - might make the spell too good? Certainly too good against players.
Weird - Aoe ongoing damage probably doesnt need the bump, this will destroy groups of low wis targets. Maybe a smaller bump to 6 dice.