[RPG] How is cantrip damage calculated

damagednd-5espells

I noticed Ray of Frost does 1d8 damage according to the Spells section. Do you add your spellcasting ability modifier to this? It makes sense, as otherwise it would be less than Light Crossbow with 12 Dex. However, I did not find any mention of this in the How to Play, the Spells or the Classes section.

As I can remember it was specifically mentioned as a design reason for cantrips that they will alleviate the need of a crossbow for a mage.

Best Answer

It is indeed the case that Ray of Frost does 1d8 damage, while a comparable weapon might do 1d8+ability modifier damage. However, since you can use your spellcasting stat (assumed to be your highest ability), you will have a better chance of succeeding in your attack roll. In addition, Ray of Frost slows on a hit, which is a powerful additional effect.

I didn't find any rules text that states "Don't use the spell description but some other rule similar to weapon attacks", but for reference, here's an excerpt of the section about weapon damage rolls in the How to Play:

If you’re attacking with a melee weapon, apply your Strength modifier to the damage, and if you’re attacking with a ranged weapon, apply your Dexterity modifier.

And Ray of Frost, from the final playtest:

A beam of blue-white light streaks toward a creature within range. Make a ranged attack roll against that creature, with a bonus to the roll equal to your magic ability modifier and your spellcasting bonus, if any. On a hit, the target takes 1d8 cold damage, and its speed is reduced by 10 feet until your next turn.

As nitsua60 noted in a comment, there are certain class features that allow a caster to add her or his spellcasting modifier to a cantrip, e.g. the Warlock's Agonizing Blast. If any caster could just add the modifier, this feature would be pointless, or would at least be worded differently (add double your modifier or so...).

So yes, the ray does a bit less damage, but with the control effect it is equally good if not stronger than a 1d8+3 weapon attack - and you can use your primary stat for attack rolls, which could easily be a +1 or +2 on the to-hit.