Lightning Bolt or Fireball?

[Quickbeam]

Our group frequently debates this issue -- more as a joke than for any useful reason -- but which spell is better overall? Do you prefer the increased range of attack and blast area effected by fireball, or do you prefer the slightly more stylistic and controllable damage inflicted by lightning bolt?

Just curious, so thanks for sharing your thoughts .

 

[mikebr99]

What about the Lightning Ball from FR???

 

[Celebrim]

In 1st Ed. I would have voted lighting bolt all the way. But in 3rd Ed., fireball has become so tamed that I don't see any reason not to use it instead of lightning bolt unless you really expect alot of fire resistance opponents.

Of course, the matter of whether either spell is of real use in 3rd Ed. is an entirely different topic.

 

[hammymchamham]

with the possiblity of energy subsitution, they become nearly the same. Since of someone has Fire resistance, I could use Energy Subsitution(Lightning) for a Fireball (or E S (Fire) for a L. Bolt). So, which is better IMO? Depends on the situation. I've used both (well, Energy Sub(Fire) for the bolt) well with my last wizzard and had an equal number prepared daily.

 

[Shard O'Glase]

I think fireball is more effective and flat out better and even more controllable. In 2nd ed I thought fireball was better for it's tunnel clearing qualities. But lightning bolt is cooler casue this big ass bolt of lightning flies from your fingertips, not some wussy looking pea sized red collored ball.

 

[smetzger]

fireball, because I think its more difficult to get a clear shot with a lightning bolt.

 

[kengar]

Lightning bolt, because it seems to cause less "friendly fire" damage

 

[WizarDru]

Finally, a topic of both great weight and substance!

Well, setting aside the rules question, for a moment, everyone knows that a Fireball is the signature spell of arcane casters the world over.

Personally, I rate Fireball higher, due to it's room-clearing effects. Lightning bolt is nice, and has a better range IIRC, but Fireball is more utilitarian.

 

[Jeremy Ackerman-Yost]

Fire mages are a dime a dozen. Give me a hair-on-end, nervous-tick lightning mage any day of the week.

Of course, I've never been much for arcane casters in general. Namby-pamby wand-wavers. Give me a cleric in heavy armor or a wild-shaping druid, though, and I'm a happy man.

 

[MasterOfHeaven]

Well, there seem to be more enemies with lightning resistance or immunity then fire. Plus, Lightning Bolt has lost the Billiard Ball Of Doom effect it once had. I'd say Fireball is usually the better spell.