Why is Polar Ray an 8th level spell?

[Folly]

Well, quicken is cheating slightly; it's 2 spells. Though when you're casting 6th level spells, I suppose 2nd level is no biggie.

For more fun, consider Twin Spell - scorching ray (6th) + Quicken spell - Scorching ray (6th).

36d6 damage.

I never really liked Twin Spell and this is why. It is effectively a quicken spell with some hefty restrictions that doesn't use your swift action. Sure the restrictions limit it in some situations, but in others it is completely irrelevant.

 

[evilbob]

The biggest difference between these examples and polar ray is that scorching ray takes multiple attack rolls and disintegrate gets a save on top of the attack roll. Polar ray takes one roll (which can be truestriked); fewer chances to miss. It's the "when you positively need to do damage right now with the least amount of trouble" spell.

 

[Will]

If there was a 'sudden split ray,' polar ray would rock on toast...

Are there any 6th level or lower single-target ray spells? Hmm.

(You know, split ray - ray of enfeeblement isn't a bad idea...)

 

[Folly]

The biggest difference between these examples and polar ray is that scorching ray takes multiple attack rolls and disintegrate gets a save on top of the attack roll. Polar ray takes one roll (which can be truestriked); fewer chances to miss. It's the "when you positively need to do damage right now with the least amount of trouble" spell.

But if you are truestrike you are burning a 5th level spell or another standard action. Both of these are additional costs to be taken into account.

As I said originally, the multiple attack rolls is a good thing. The chance for a completely wasted action is significantly reduced, but comes at the price mentioned by jaelis (resistances hurt)

 

[darthkilmor]

Are there any 6th level or lower single-target ray spells? Hmm.

Searing Light and Bolt of Glory are all i found in the SRD, i'm sure there are some in the spell compendium. Each deals different damage depends on the creature type though.

Acid Arrow is a ranged touch attack, not a ray though.

Ray of Frost? Acid Splash? Fire Seeds kinda sorta.

 

[Evilhalfling]

I think Bad spell design is really the answer. Luckily the solution is simple. Don't take the spell. Its not like there are not other good 8th level spells.

Wizards can instead take quickened Orb of Frost, sorcerers can empower it instead.

the comparison to the 1st level psionic power Energy Ray is hurtful, but polar ray does have better range right?

 

[Nifft]

Of course, one could plausibly claim here that scorching ray is overpowered, rather than polar ray underpowered.

Nah, it's totally balanced to drop a Quickened Empowered Admixtured scorching ray from a 9th level slot via Arcane Thesis = 6d6 x2 energy types x3 rays = 36d6 damage as a Swift action; plus another 36d6 from a regular Empowered Admixtured scorching ray in a 6th level slot... [/hijack]

Cheers, -- N

 

[Folly]

Nah, it's totally balanced to drop a Quickened Empowered Admixtured scorching ray from a 9th level slot via Arcane Thesis = 6d6 x2 energy types x3 rays = 36d6 damage as a Swift action; plus another 36d6 from a regular Empowered Admixtured scorching ray in a 6th level slot... [/hijack]

Cheers, -- N

Come on Nifft, you must be off your game today. You forgot the Rod of Maximize, greater. Nothing like 372 points of damage in one round (avg).

 

[evilbob]

But if you are truestrike

My point about truestrike was that the spell could be truestriked - as opposed to a scorching ray, which takes multiple attack rolls and cannot be.

 

[Folly]

My point about truestrike was that the spell could be truestriked - as opposed to a scorching ray, which takes multiple attack rolls and cannot be.

It can be truestrike... though it is 1/3 as effective as it is on Polar Ray.