Quote from AlexReiden >>

Quote from Senadin1 >>

Quote from DefensorPacis >>

I made an account specifically to say, there is absolutely no reason you can't affect a maximum of 4 medium, or even large sized creatures with this spell. So long as all four are directly adjacent to each other, effectively forming a square, you can center the effect of the bonfire between them, causing each of them to make a saving throw.

Emphasis is mine. It doesn't mention a requirement of centering its effect on a creature, and it directly states you get to choose where the effect goes. It works the exact same as firing a lightning bolt between two creatures, or any spell like that. So, as it stands, this spell is criminally under-rated. A maximum of 4d8(or even more if there are small or tiny creatures packed into a small space) at level 1.

 Any creature in the bonfire’s space when you cast the spell must succeed on a Dexterity saving throw or take 1d8 fire damage.

 

There is absolutely a reason why you couldn't do this. It fills a 5 foot cube. If that cube is at the center of 4 grid squares, then the enemies in those grid squares still have 3/4 of their grid square to move around. Goblins don't completely fill a 5ft square, meaning that a goblin could easily move to the opposite corner of its grid and dodge the effect completely. 

For thinking creatively, a DM might reward you with getting 2 out of the 4 with the spell, but thinking you could hit 4 enemies in a 10x10 square with a 5x5 attack shouldn't fly.

 Spellcasting: Areas of Effect on a Grid: Using a Template. To use an area-of-effect template, apply it to the grid. If the terrain is flat, you can lay it on the surface; otherwise, hold the template above the surface and take note of which squares it covers or partially covers. If any part of a square is under the template, that square is included in the area of effect. If a creature’s miniature is in an affected square, that creature is in the area.

Quote from Lutz_Belmont >>

Could you cast this on your turn, right over the monster. 

Then monster moves out of the space (because why wouldn't he)

Then next turn, drop concentration, recast the same thing, right on top of monster's new position. Effectively following the monster as your allies pummel it to death. 

 

Just checking. Description doesn't say you can end it anytime you want, or move it, or whatever. But the Concentration requirement means you could technically.... stop concentrating. Or even just Cast it again next turn, but in a different position. 

Thoughts?

I am a DM, and I am slowly learning to hate this Cantrip! 

That seems to be the intended use, yes. Concentration is the tax for the persistent effect, just like any other spell that requires concentration. So no Create Bonfire plus Entangle, Web, etc. But Firebolt plus Entangle is okay. Basically, it's a good spell to cast if you don't need to concentrate on anything else, but most other spells that require concentration are way better than this thing and completely kill the use for this.

Quote from Lutz_Belmont >>

Could you cast this on your turn, right over the monster. 

Then monster moves out of the space (because why wouldn't he)

Then next turn, drop concentration, recast the same thing, right on top of monster's new position. Effectively following the monster as your allies pummel it to death. 

 

Just checking. Description doesn't say you can end it anytime you want, or move it, or whatever. But the Concentration requirement means you could technically.... stop concentrating. Or even just Cast it again next turn, but in a different position. 

Thoughts?

I am a DM, and I am slowly learning to hate this Cantrip! 

As both a Player and a DM I have always loved cantrips, especially this and Shape Water. 

For this I always default to fire is fire, it consumes oxygen, it emits light, it acts as fire does unless other wise stated. This is a big dang fire, and it doesn't travel to a location, it just appears where you can see it. 

I routinely trap people in confined spaces and set this spell off because you can't have a dex throw if the entire space you occupy is inescapable and filled with fire. And since fire consumes oxygen...you likely are passed out.

This is an easily abusable cantrip, and a fun one of your playera have an imagination and we don't forget Rule 0.