Tasha's Caustic Brew (new spell) discussion

[Citadel97501]

Hello all, I was wondering how everyone else feels about this spell personally I happen to like it a great deal, it is basically a save version of Acid Arrow but with a better continuous effect, and much better scaling. The inclusion of Transmute Spell as a metamagic option, I think will drastically improve the spell as well :) switch to which ever element you want it to do, and have them continuously take that damage type.

[ftafp]

Hello all, I was wondering how everyone else feels about this spell personally I happen to like it a great deal, it is basically a save version of Acid Arrow but with a better continuous effect, and much better scaling. The inclusion of Transmute Spell as a metamagic option, I think will drastically improve the spell as well :) switch to which ever element you want it to do, and have them continuously take that damage type.

It's honestly a pretty bad spell. It might have been useful if it weren't for the fact that it requires concentration, meaning enemies don't need to waste their action to scrape the acid off, they can just attack you until you lose concentration

That said, it might find use if you're trying to tank. I could see this working for an eldritch knight, battle smith or armorer at low levels

[LudicSavant]

Line Dex save is a bad thing because Dex saves are subject to cover bonuses, and a line can't just originate from the other side of the cover.

It's also an all-or-nothing save, rather than save for half. And if they do fail, they can scrape it off as an action. And while it's good to cost someone an action, it makes it a harder sell to upcast it for that scaling.

[stoutstien]

I want to like it but it just seems poorly executed. Periodical damage is something I would like to see more of but this just has way to many hoops to jump through.
It's ok for artificer. They just have very few damage options on their list. Doesn't make it a good spell.

[Citadel97501]

Damn thanks all, I missed that it was a concentration spell other than that, I thought it would be much better.

[PattThe]

There's always one use for bad spells.



Traps.

[AttilatheYeon]

There's always one use for bad spells.



Traps.

Do you mean as options? 😉

[micahaphone]

Do you mean as options? 😉

I thought they meant traps as in environmental hazards. In general DMing is a great time to use some sub optimal spells, for variety or flashiness. Evil wizards killing people with Immolation as a flashy move. Armies communicating by having a select few soldiers who can use scrolls and have a backpack of skywrite scrolls. Can your party crack their code before it changes? An important peace treaty is soon to be signed, and only a certain diplomat knows Tongues, but he's suddenly gone missing.

[Thunderous Mojo]

Line Dex save is a bad thing because Dex saves are subject to cover bonuses, and a line can't just originate from the other side of the cover.

It's also an all-or-nothing save, rather than save for half. And if they do fail, they can scrape it off as an action. And while it's good to cost someone an action, it makes it a harder sell to upcast it for that scaling.

All of the above is true.

Caustic Brew does synergize well with Web.
I bring this up as a point of amusement, but Caustic Brew also cancels
Tasha's Hideous Laughter fairly well. After the creature throws off THL,
your Unseen Servant can wipe off the acid.

I've considered altering the spell to affect objects as well as creatures.
If the spell could dissolve cover, and create an environmental hazard, then
Caustic Brews's battlefield control features would be enhanced.

Here is a Sophie's Choice question for everyone:
Which effect would you select, between these two options:

1) A 2nd level Aganazzar's Scorcher.
2) An upcast 2nd level Caustic Brew.

[Prince Vine]

Here is a Sophie's Choice question for everyone:
Which effect would you select, between these two options:

1) A 2nd level Aganazzar's Scorcher.
2) An upcast 2nd level Caustic Brew.

Easy, Caustic Brew. I will almost always choose not-fire over fire as a damage type. I'm bored with fire.