Wand of Lightning Bolt - how good is it really?

[Ancalagon]

Hello

So in the fight with the BBEG at the end of the current module I'm running, one of his underlings wields a wand of lighting bolt - meaning the party may soon have a wand of lightning bolt.

Considering that the 5e version of this wand is "full powered", can be used by *any* spellcaster *and* gains charges every day, it seems like a very potent item to put in the hands of the party. (some context: they will be about level 7 when this adventure ends)

But maybe I'm worrying for nothing? I'm looking for people who have had a wand of lightning bolt in their 5e game and how it turned out.

Thanks!

 

[CTurbo]

It's a really good item to have for some level 7 characters, but it's not completely broken. Being able to blast off 4-6 regular bolts a day(or one really big one) without using spell slots is going to be great for them. Plan accordingly.

 

[Shiroiken]

Depending on party makeup, this can be a VERY strong item for them. In the hands of a minimal-offensive caster (say a bard or cleric), it gives them a strong effect 1d6+1 times per day (assuming the party never spends the last charge). You might need to vary your enemies tactics a bit to make sure they don't get too many enemies with it for a single spell, but it shouldn't be abusive. I would actually be a bit concerned on how much it's going to wreck the party during the fight with the BBEG.

 

[jgsugden]

At level 7 it is very strong. By 11 it will be just a magic item. By 15 it will only get use in mopup duty.

 

[FrogReaver]

Hello

So in the fight with the BBEG at the end of the current module I'm running, one of his underlings wields a wand of lighting bolt - meaning the party may soon have a wand of lightning bolt.

Considering that the 5e version of this wand is "full powered", can be used by *any* spellcaster *and* gains charges every day, it seems like a very potent item to put in the hands of the party. (some context: they will be about level 7 when this adventure ends)

But maybe I'm worrying for nothing? I'm looking for people who have had a wand of lightning bolt in their 5e game and how it turned out.

Thanks!

It's very strong, but it's just damage. Compensating for a party being able to deal more damage than "normal" is the easiest thing to compensate for as a DM. It also depends on what your players are facing. If they are facing orcs or goblins it's amazing. You could zap the whole encounter away. If you are facing bigger enemies that come in smaller groups it will be nice but not necessarily anything to worry about. (Of course most parties can blast enough larger groups of enemies away with regular spellslots so that's probably not a major concern)

All in all, I'm not very worried about the item.

 

[Ancalagon]

One thing I am considering to reign in the item is to reduce the recharge rate from 1d6+1 per day to a per week period.

Another is to have the caster memorize the spell and not have the item...

 

[FrogReaver]

One thing I am considering to reign in the item is to reduce the recharge rate from 1d6+1 per day to a per week period.

Another is to have the caster memorize the spell and not have the item...

It's not like this is a +3 weapon that a fighter scales with extra attacks, extra action surges, precision attack, GWM etc.

This is a single item that essentially gets worse and worse as the players level (players get more spell slots and fight monsters with higher and higher hp, making using your action on a level 3 lightning bolt later be nearly worthless).

If you are still worried about charges, consider lowering the item to 1d4+1 charges per day? Gives 2-3 uses on average per day. Or remove the dice roll entirely and just give it 3 charges. That way at most it can be used is twice per day without breaking the item.

 

[Satyrn]

Hello

So in the fight with the BBEG at the end of the current module I'm running, one of his underlings wields a wand of lighting bolt - meaning the party may soon have a wand of lightning bolt.

Considering that the 5e version of this wand is "full powered", can be used by *any* spellcaster *and* gains charges every day, it seems like a very potent item to put in the hands of the party. (some context: they will be about level 7 when this adventure ends)

But maybe I'm worrying for nothing? I'm looking for people who have had a wand of lightning bolt in their 5e game and how it turned out.

Thanks!

We just hit 7th level, and I've had this wand since 5th

I've mentioned a few times recently that I''ve been avoiding using it. It overwhelms everything anybody in our party could do so far (except for the sorcerer's fireballs). I'm leery about my DM getting frustrated and didn't want to push him into strengthening the encounters just to challenge the wand.

I think it'll be just fine after 9th level, but right now I'm wishing it did like 5d6 damage or was a single target attack.

 

[jgsugden]

Do remember that magic items are supposed to be a big deal in 5E. They're supposed to be iconic and really change the character. This may not be true of every uncommon item, but it is meant to be true of every rare, very rare and legendary item you find. They're supposed to be a big deal. I think the lightning bolt wand is right in line with expectations.

 

[Satyrn]

It's very strong, but it's just damage. Compensating for a party being able to deal more damage than "normal" is the easiest thing to compensate for as a DM.

This is what I mean when I say I'm leery of using it. If my DM compensates for its damage, I'm just gonna wind up feeling like I have to use it because all my other options have been effectively weakened.
[MENTION=23]Ancalagon[/MENTION], If you're inclined to do this, don't hand out this wand as written. Change it into a cantrip effect, or lower the damage of the wand so that it doesn't overshadow your players' other options.