Affect Normal Fires (Alteration)
Range: 5 yards/level
Components: V, S
Duration: 2 rounds/level (or until canceled or fuel is exhausted)
Casting Time: 1
Area of Effect: 10-foot radius
Saving Throw: None
This spell enables the wizard to manipulate nonmagical fires within the area of effect. The caster can perform the following actions with a single gesture (a free action that does not affect the character’s action economy) as long as the spell is in effect:
Reduce Size and Brightness: Nonmagical flames can be diminished to the state of mere coals, providing minimal light and no heat or damage.
Increase Light: The light produced by nonmagical fire can be intensified to the brightness of full daylight, and the radius of its illumination is doubled. Modified radius from Table 63 of the Player’s Handbook:
- Beacon lantern: up to 480 ft.
- Bonfire: up to 100 ft.
- Bullseye lantern: up to 120 ft.
- Campfire: up to 70 ft.
- Candle: up to 10 ft.
- Hooded lantern: up to 60 ft.
- Torch: up to 30 ft. The increase to ‘as bright as full daylight’ significantly enhances visibility within the doubled radius of the original light source.
Extinguish Flames: The caster can completely extinguish all nonmagical fires within the area of effect, causing the spell to end immediately. This spell has no effect on fuel consumption or the damage dealt by the fire. It also does not affect fires created by magical means or creatures composed of fire, such as fire elementals.
Spell Insights and Observations:
Versatile Illumination Control: The dual ability to intensify and diminish nonmagical light sources offers significant tactical flexibility. Wizards can amplify light to expose hidden threats or navigate poorly lit areas, or conversely, reduce it to aid in stealth or sow confusion.
Management of Mundane Fires: While ineffective against magical flames, the spell grants a degree of control over common fire hazards such as errant torches or spreading campfires.
Subtle Utility Applications: Reducing a fire to mere coals could serve as a discreet signaling method (producing less smoke) or allow for the safer manipulation of hot embers.
Limited Direct Combat Impact: As the spell does not alter the damage output of fire, its direct combat applications are niche. However, the sudden extinguishing of light sources in a fight could temporarily disorient opponents reliant on sight, potentially benefiting allies with low-light or darkvision.
Narrative and Environmental Potential: Dungeon Masters can leverage this spell to create engaging scenarios, such as a wizard guiding a party with an enhanced lantern or extinguishing a fire to prevent further environmental damage.
Synergy with Other Spells: Consider the tactical advantage of combining “Affect Normal Fires” with other spells, like extinguishing light before casting a spell that relies on darkness or obscuration.
Appropriate for its Level: As a 1st-level spell, “Affect Normal Fires” provides a thematically fitting and practically useful ability for novice wizards without being overpowered.