Arrowfire

How Arrowfire Works in an Encounter

Arrowfire suits archers who want sustained magical pressure rather than a single spectacular blast. Because the spell lasts minutes per level, an archer may be able to apply its bonus through several exchanges before needing another casting. Keep track of the original edition’s attack rolls and ordinary ammunition expenditure: the enchantment neither creates arrows nor guarantees hits.

The distinction between damage and ignition matters. A shot against a living foe may burn with supernatural force while a shot at hanging cloth or dry straw fails to start a fire. A game master can use that clue to distinguish Arrowfire from alchemical incendiary ammunition, ordinary flaming arrows or a burning-arrow weapon enchantment. The original text makes no claim that the arrow’s shaft stays hot after striking.

What Changed Between Editions?

Nothing is automatically converted. The only full mechanics here belong to the original third-party d20 spell. Pathfinder 1e and D&D 2014/2024 each have separate fire, ranged-attack and magic-item systems; adopting Arrowfire in those rules requires an explicit homebrew version.

Counterplay and GM Rulings

• Attack rolls: Arrowfire adds damage to successful arrow attacks; it does not turn attacks into touch attacks or grant more attacks.
• Fire defences: apply the active legacy edition’s resistances and immunities; the bonus is fire damage, not untyped energy.
• No ignition: arrows cannot set cloth, oil, wood or other combustible objects ablaze solely by this spell’s extra damage.
• Duration: the personal spell lasts one minute per level, not until a fixed number of enchanted arrows has been expended.
• Counterspelling: an opponent can prevent casting if the edition’s requirements for a valid counterspell are met; ongoing magic may be dispelled according to those rules.

Related Magic

Arrowlink delivers touch spells through shots. Arrowspark grants a different projectile effect. The Archery domain provides the original class context.