This is an article in the continuing series, “Fun with Magic”, where I examine spells from the D20 System Reference Document, which corresponds to spells from the Player’s Handbook v. 3.5. These spells are in almost every campaign and form the foundation of spells used in Yön. Each article demonstrates strengths and weaknesses of a particular spell and some unique applications for each, to the limit of the author’s imagination, such as it is.
Acid Arrow
Conjuration (Creation) [Acid]
Level: Sor/Wiz 2
Components: V, S, M, F
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Long (400 ft. + 40 ft./level)
Effect: One arrow of acid
Duration: 1 round + 1 round per three levels
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No
A magical arrow of acid springs from your hand and speeds to its target. You must succeed on a ranged touch attack to hit your target. The arrow deals 2d4 points of acid damage with no splash damage. For every three caster levels (to a maximum of 18th), the acid, unless somehow neutralized, lasts for another round, dealing another 2d4 points of damage in that round.
Material Component: Powdered rhubarb leaf and an adder's stomach.
Focus: A dart.
Combat Advantages: Ignores spell resistance, no saving throw, excellent attack range, does damage over time, good against creatures with regeneration, may hinder enemy spell casters.
Combat Disadvantages: Low damage, may miss nimble or small creatures, ineffective against most outsiders, only affects one creature.
Average Damage: 5 points per round for at least two rounds.
This spell, fully named Melf’s acid arrow in the Player’s Handbook, is a low-level ranged touch attack spell with a long range. Because it is a conjuration (creation) effect, it ignores spell resistance, making it a good spell for attacking golems and other creatures resistant to magic. Its long range makes it a good spell for “parting shots” against creatures seeking to escape outdoors. Avoid targeting rogues with it as they may have good touch Armor Classes. While the damage each round can prevent a spell caster from successfully casting while the acid burns, most have a high enough Concentration score to ignore it.
You may be tempted someday to use this spell to target a foe’s weapon, since acid does normal damage against objects. However, this damage is still affected by a weapon’s hardness, so metal and most wooden weapons will not be affected. This also means that you won’t be able to burn out locks put holes in doors with it.