But Thorn Whip only does 1d6 damage (compare to all Wizard single-target melee/ranged attack cantrips which do 1d8 -1d10 damage).
The real benefit of thorn whip is the ability to reposition targets; combine it with an area effect like spike growth to force them back into the area and it suddenly becomes extremely dangerous (and its damage significantly better), especially if more than one of you has access to it (or another push/pull effect) so you can just cheese-grater your enemies into dust.
It's also not a ranged attack which makes it interesting; since Druids only get two cantrip choices early on, this makes it great value since it's an attack cantrip you can use both up close and at range, this property also means it combines with a small number of effects that apply to melee attacks (rather than just melee weapon attacks) such as absorb elements.
But I fully agree that Druids could use another option or two for basic combat cantrips, and IMO they should get druidcraft as standard, rather than having to spend 50% of their early cantrip choices just to get some basic "druid-y" magic.
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Do you know if the target has to make a Spell Save for it? Or is it straight up damage? Trying to compare it to Acid Splash which it says does a 1d6 if the target fails a saving throw
Do you know if the target has to make a Spell Save for it? Or is it straight up damage? Trying to compare it to Acid Splash which it says does a 1d6 if the target fails a saving throw
A spell only requires a Saving Throw if it says it does. Primal Savagery does not say it does, therefore it doesn't require one. It says you must make a spell attack roll, so that is what you do.
Acid Splash states the target makes a Saving Throw, so it does.
Primal Savagery : 1d10 (scaling) acid damage vs 1 target in melee. Attack roll. Acid Splash : 1d6 (scaling) acid damage vs all targets in 5-ft radius area of a point you choose in 60 ft. Targets must make a Dexterity saving throw.
A lot of enemies have high dex and some even have proficiency. This means acid splash is a lot less likely to succeed than primal savagery. Primal Savagery also does more damage. However, it is melee only so your usually very squishy caster needs to be up close to an enemy. Also, Acid Splash can hit multiple enemies in a single cast. They are designed for different circumstances.
A sorcerer that can use Heightened Metamagic, Quicken Spell, Mind Sliver cantrip (-1d4) and Bane (Magic Initiate / Cleric Multiclass / Cleric Ally) can get a lot of use from Acid Splash, especially if they're an Acid-based Dragon Sorc. An Evoker wizard with Potent Cantrips and Empowered Evocation will also benefit from Acid Splash more. While a Druid is going to make better use of Primal Savagery as would a Cleric since they have tanking options and can self-heal if needed. Druid can eventually cast Primal Savager even while Wild Shaped.
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The real benefit of thorn whip is the ability to reposition targets; combine it with an area effect like spike growth to force them back into the area and it suddenly becomes extremely dangerous (and its damage significantly better), especially if more than one of you has access to it (or another push/pull effect) so you can just cheese-grater your enemies into dust.
It's also not a ranged attack which makes it interesting; since Druids only get two cantrip choices early on, this makes it great value since it's an attack cantrip you can use both up close and at range, this property also means it combines with a small number of effects that apply to melee attacks (rather than just melee weapon attacks) such as absorb elements.
But I fully agree that Druids could use another option or two for basic combat cantrips, and IMO they should get druidcraft as standard, rather than having to spend 50% of their early cantrip choices just to get some basic "druid-y" magic.
Former D&D Beyond Customer of six years: With the axing of piecemeal purchasing, lack of meaningful development, and toxic moderation the site isn't worth paying for anymore. I remain a free user only until my groups are done migrating from DDB, and if necessary D&D, after which I'm done. There are better systems owned by better companies out there.
I have unsubscribed from all topics and will not reply to messages. My homebrew is now 100% unsupported.
And I'm guessing Primal Savagery also wont work on a a Beast Barb's natural weapons?
Don’t think so because Primal Savagery is a spell attack. Don’t think it can stack with any other attack in the same round
Started playing AD&D in the late 70s and stopped in the mid-80s. Started immersing myself into 5e in 2023
Do you know if the target has to make a Spell Save for it? Or is it straight up damage? Trying to compare it to Acid Splash which it says does a 1d6 if the target fails a saving throw
A spell only requires a Saving Throw if it says it does. Primal Savagery does not say it does, therefore it doesn't require one. It says you must make a spell attack roll, so that is what you do.
Acid Splash states the target makes a Saving Throw, so it does.
Primal Savagery : 1d10 (scaling) acid damage vs 1 target in melee. Attack roll.
Acid Splash : 1d6 (scaling) acid damage vs all targets in 5-ft radius area of a point you choose in 60 ft. Targets must make a Dexterity saving throw.
A lot of enemies have high dex and some even have proficiency. This means acid splash is a lot less likely to succeed than primal savagery. Primal Savagery also does more damage. However, it is melee only so your usually very squishy caster needs to be up close to an enemy. Also, Acid Splash can hit multiple enemies in a single cast. They are designed for different circumstances.
A sorcerer that can use Heightened Metamagic, Quicken Spell, Mind Sliver cantrip (-1d4) and Bane (Magic Initiate / Cleric Multiclass / Cleric Ally) can get a lot of use from Acid Splash, especially if they're an Acid-based Dragon Sorc. An Evoker wizard with Potent Cantrips and Empowered Evocation will also benefit from Acid Splash more. While a Druid is going to make better use of Primal Savagery as would a Cleric since they have tanking options and can self-heal if needed. Druid can eventually cast Primal Savager even while Wild Shaped.
Click ✨ HERE ✨ For My Youtube Videos featuring Guides, Tips & Tricks for using D&D Beyond.
Need help with Homebrew? Check out ✨ this FAQ/Guide thread ✨ by IamSposta.