Firefinger (a new/classic cantrip)

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Tobacco exists in my campaign, and NPC wizards are forever lighting pipes and cigars with a cantrip. Prestidigitation might arguably allow that, but it's kind of a stretch, IMO. So, since Gary Gygax came up with just such a cantrip when he first introduced them back in the Sorcerer's Scroll, here's an update of a spell (probably) only I care about:

Firefinger
Evocation [Fire]
Level: Sor/Wiz 0
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 swift action
Range: Touch
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Fortitude
Spell Resistance: Yes

The caster causes a jet of flame from one to six inches long in length to shoot forth from his fingertip. The length and color are chosen by the caster.

The flame deals 1d3 damage of fire damage. The flame is very hot and will ignite combustable materials such as parchment, twings, kindling, tobacco and the like without difficulty, providing the materials are relatively dry.

 

[comrade raoul]

What would a Fortitude save or Spell Resistance do? What could the spell do that someone would need to be protected against?

 

[the Jester]

What would a Fortitude save or Spell Resistance do? What could the spell do that someone would need to be protected against?

Well, it could light their clothes on fire...?

I love this cantrip, btw, and always have (since the FtSS article waaaay back in the day).

 

[smootrk]

I would give it damage equivalent to Ray of Frost or Acid Splash (1d3 fire) but make it a standard Touch Attack (instead of ranged touch) because it has a minor secondary effect of lighting materials on fire, and change the description to state "produces a flame from the finger of the caster from 1 to 6 inches in length".

Otherwise, love it. It was needed.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

I would give it damage equivalent to Ray of Frost or Acid Splash (1d3 fire) but make it a standard Touch Attack (instead of ranged touch) because it has a minor secondary effect of lighting materials on fire, and change the description to state "produces a flame from the finger of the caster from 1 to 6 inches in length".

Excellent suggestions. I'll make those changes immediately.