Talk:Ice Crystal Phalanx (5e Spell)

Ratings

	Rlyehable dislikes this article and rated it 1 of 4.
	Combination of area effect damage and ongoing effect (especially one that can cause damage) is a little too much for a 1st level spell

	Vaegrim dislikes this article and rated it 1 of 4.
	As written I think this is doing too much to "fit" in a 1st level spell slot. You haven't given a width to the line but I'd presume 5ft. Like that it's kind of a mini-*Wall of Thorns*, but used that way you're rarely hitting anyone with it directly.

My First Attempt

For those more versed in 5e, please give me some input. I am curious if I am getting the power scales correct. -- Eiji-kun (talk) 03:20, 13 April 2017 (MDT)

I think it fits right in with other level 1 spells in 5e. Its around the same damage as other level 1 spells, scales well, and is useful for more than straight damage. I'd use it. - Aeturo (talk) 17:31, 13 April 2017 (MDT)

The spell causes an area of difficult terrain that deals damage to creatures moving through it. That makes the initial point of comparison *Spike Growth*, which is a second level spell. You did downgrade the spell; reducing the damage for movement and the area and duration (though counting rounds is something 5e has mostly avoided so far). Even after downgrading it though, you've ALSO married the effect to an area damage attack. Trading a 15ft cone for a 30ft line is reasonable (it's what dragonborn do with their breath weapons) which makes this a cold version of *Burning Hands*. Again you've downshifted the damage but at this point it's already part of a downshifted 2nd level spell. Add to that the Higher Level option upgrades the area damage.

As written I think this is doing too much to "fit" in a 1st level spell slot. You haven't given a width to the line but I'd presume 5ft. Like that it's kind of a mini-*Wall of Thorns*, but used that way you're rarely hitting anyone with it directly. I'd suggest you pick an angle and play up that. As a 15ft cone with a 1 round duration it's more like a 1st level aoe implementation of Booming Blade: the targets have to stay still for a round or suffer extra damage. Alternatively, you can focus on the thorn effect but then I'd suggest concentration and a 1 min duration. --Vaegrim (talk) 11:22, 26 May 2017 (MDT)