Elemental Arsenal

this would work better as a 1st level spell

This is definitely too powerful to work as a cantrip, but if one had to expend a spell slot, would definitely add. 9/10.

Hello SuranneofEldath,

Thanks for the comment. I very much appreciate constructive criticism.
My players used earlier iterations of this cantrip in our campaigns, and it was absolutely overpowered. 

• I had originally matched its damage output to Fire Bolt (d10 at 1st, 2d10 at 5th, 3d10 at 11th & 4d10 at 17th level). However the spell's versatility lent itself for abuse. Especially with fighter types, who could potentially wield it as a 4d10 weapon and combine that with multiple attacks at higher levels. 
• I then tried lowering the damage die to 1d8 (2d8, 3d8 & 4d8), but even then, a high level dual wielding Eldritch Knight would be game breaking.
• We tried it with a1d6 (2d6, 3d6 & 4d6), but even then it didn't work well & the sheer number of die rolled per attack started to become an issue.
• Then I took away the increased damage at higher levels feature. That took care of the problem with the characters who had the multiple attack feature, but also took away some of the fun that comes with players experiencing their cantrips grow in power as they too become more powerful. 
• Finally, I settled on an increasing damage die of 1d6 to start, 1d8 at 5th, 1d10 at 11th & 1d12 at 17th level.

I really though that I had nerfed it far too much at first.
I mean, whose going to chose to summon an elemental bow/crossbow/firearm that deals 1d6 starting elemental damage, when you can just as easily shoot a Fire Bolt that deals 1d10 (and far more at higher levels), and has a greater range, or a sword/spear/greataxe that deals 1d6 starting elemental damage, when the actual weapon deals so much more.

To my surprise, the versatility of the weapon & the ability to change form or even dismiss, allowed for some really fun roll playing developments with stealth and flavor. Different players got very creative in their choice/appearance of summoned weapon. I think that right now, we're in a place where the fun = power levels are relatively balanced.

I know at first glance it might seem too powerful, but I think if you try it for a while you'll find it pretty fun & relatively balanced.
That said, I always welcome creative input for future tweaks and improvements & you comment is appreciated.

Many Thanks,

-- Xanotoz

Thanks for the detailed reply, Xanotoz! I have added this to my collection for testing.

Might consider putting a list of damage types. As my players asked if they could also choose Radiant, necrotic, Force, psychic, and etc as their elemental damage.