So if a Bard or anyone other than a Warlock (as Invocations change the discussion) taking the Magic Initiate Feat could choose 1 ranged attack cantrip from any class, which one would would be "best"?
Granted "best" can be interpreted in several ways depending upon specific character goals, but the point is I would like to take damage as the primary consideration, but also factor in any other effects. My initial thought was Eldritch Blast because of the d10 damage and the fact that you roll each beam separately. While the ability to target different creatures with each beam is nice, I don't think it comes into play that often. Also, while separate rolls for each beam helps you hit more consistently on a per round basis, it also ensures you miss more often. I see it as a wash unless you are fighting a bunch of very low HP opponents.
So my thinking now is Chill Touch as while the denying of healing probably doesn't come into play much, it could be vitally important in certain encounters. Also, there doesn't seem to be many (any?) other spells that can do that. And while more creatures have resistance to necrotic damage than EB's force damage, it's still less than fire, cold & poison offered by the other blasting cantrips. Thoughts?
Granted "best" can be interpreted in several ways depending upon specific character goals, but the point is I would like to take damage as the primary consideration, but also factor in any other effects. My initial thought was Eldritch Blast because of the d10 damage and the fact that you roll each beam separately. While the ability to target different creatures with each beam is nice, I don't think it comes into play that often. Also, while separate rolls for each beam helps you hit more consistently on a per round basis, it also ensures you miss more often. I see it as a wash unless you are fighting a bunch of very low HP opponents.
So my thinking now is Chill Touch as while the denying of healing probably doesn't come into play much, it could be vitally important in certain encounters. Also, there doesn't seem to be many (any?) other spells that can do that. And while more creatures have resistance to necrotic damage than EB's force damage, it's still less than fire, cold & poison offered by the other blasting cantrips. Thoughts?