Sacred Flame: Baptism of Fire
Usable By: Cleric
Spell Level: 0 (cantrip)
School: Evocation
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 60 feet
Duration: Instantaneous
Components: V, S
Flame-like radiance descends on a creature that you can see within range. The target must succeed on a Dexterity saving throw or take 1d8 radiant damage. The target gains no benefit from cover for this saving throw.
The spell’s damage increases by 1d8 when you reach 5th level (2d8), 11th level (3d8), and 17th level (4d8).
Review by Sam West, Twitter: @CrierKobold
Cleric cantrips, compared to most of the other class options, are pretty poor. They get Guidance, a stand out that affects a huge part of many games, and that’s about it. With solid weapon and armor proficiencies, often damaging cantrips feel lackluster to use, and with your subclass selection at 1st level providing you a clear direction in build, it can be tricky to find the right home for Sacred Flame. It's about as mundane as damaging cantrips go; if you’re a backline cleric, like many Light or Knowledge domain clerics tend to be, this is a fine option to have.
There isn’t a lot more to talk about here. Sacred Flame ignoring cover will almost never be a major impacting factor. Sure, they won’t get a +2 or +5 bonus to a save if they’re behind cover, but when you’re spending an action doing 1d8 radiant damage, the target still is probably thankful you’re casting this over a higher damage option. Simple weapon proficiency means you have access to a light crossbow or shortbow, which can deal higher average and max damage with a decent Dexterity score, and when you have access to medium armor, you’ll want about a +2 Dexterity anyway. I think I’d rather get more from my cleric by taking the light crossbow for my ranged attacks, and taking other cantrips to expand out other elements of my character.
Nobody really needs Sacred Flame. Damaging cantrips are overrated, especially given that equipment often feels “free”. If you’re a cleric, use your weapon proficiencies. It’ll open up more room to take other options over the lower damage, slightly higher accuracy damaging cantrips like this.
Sacred Flame FAQ:
Does Sacred Flame work underwater?
Yes. It’s a flame-like radiance, not actual fire. It has the appearance of fire, but none of the other characteristics. It won’t ignite flammable objects, give off any heat, etc. It’s radiant magic, which is unaffected by water.
Do you make an attack roll to hit with Sacred Flame?
No. You simply cast the spell. Whether it hits or not depends entirely on the target’s Dexterity saving throw. That’s something to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to cast it. It will generally be more effective against slow, lumbering creatures than it will against high-dex creatures that can more easily jump out of the way.
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