Fireball Spell

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When in doubt, burn it.

The fireball is a very aggressive spell putting on a fearsome, napalm-like display… when it works properly. There is always the possibility it will go awry or simply fizzle out pathetically.

Fireball manifestations

Be sure to detail exactly how your fireball is expected to work. Each magic user gives their fireball a unique flare, so to speak. How will yours manifest in form and effect? Here are some ideas for your narrative…

  • explode, inflame, torch, erupt, emerge, emanate, burst, blast, spurt,
  • sizzle, singe, sparkle, spark,
  • drop, rise, roll, thrust, fall, climb,
  • line, ball, cone, sphere, orb,
  • hot sphere of flame bursting forth from the spellcaster and rolling in a chosen direction
  • beam of fire dropping from the heavens and smiting targets
  • a basketball-sized flaming orb appears in the mage’s hand and they hurl it wherever they like
  • a pebble is thrown as the spell is called and when it hits its target it bursts in a fiery explosion of epic proportions

Fireball Effects

  • melt objects, explode things, ignite things, inflame things, warp things,
  • burn target character’s clothing off,
  • roast, toast, fricassee, sizzle, cook, fry, bake, boil, bubble,
  • singe, torch, inflame, engulf, erupt, explode,
  • burst through a wall
  • push back an opponent
  • implode instead of explode
  • fizzle, splutter,
  • burn off all hair,
  • create a ton of noxious smoke, soot, ash, steam,
  • fill a whole room with flames,
  • burn cold instead of hot,
  • melt metal, burst stone, boil water
  • turn rock to molten lava,
  • cause blindness, hearing loss,
  • evaporation, condensation, precipitation (instant water cycle!)
  • burn books, papers, tapestries, that really important map,
  • destroy technology (cell phones, laserguns, x-ray goggles, etc.)
  • intimidate, scare, frighten, threaten,

Fireball Dice

It’s fun to randomize the outcome of a fireball spell so here are some tables you can use if you wish… or make up your own using the simple Dice Templates.

Table FB 01.1 – casting a fireball
  • 18       Dazzling display of epic proportions; result is extraordinarily powerful; caster is recharged to fire another immediately if desired
  • 16-17  Great fireball success
  • 14-15  Good fireball provides expected result no problem
  • 12-13  Fireball is of fair quality and result is close to desired outcome
  • 10-11  Iffy – fireball may succeed but with much less impact than expected
  • 8-9       Poor – fireball happens but with limited to no effect
  • 6-7       Lousy – fireball either doesn’t happen or is merely pathetic, possibly delayed,
  • 4-5       Worse – fireball may occur but causes possible repercussions; spell caster may suffer side-effect; misfire; possible ironic result (ice spell?); unpredictable
  • 3           Disastrous – if the fireball happens it has negative consequences for the spell caster; caster suffers harsh side-effect; ironic result occurs
Table FB 01.2 – Fireball Side Effects

You can use some of these or make up your own…

Roll 1d6

  • 1   caster’s robes burn off in a puff of flame; eyebrows and facial hair gone as well
  • 2   caster ‘s hands are singed and will require some medical attention
  • 3   metal objects within five feet of caster warp; paper ignites; wood chars
  • 4   everything within ten feet of caster is covered in soot, ash,
  • 5   a small fire demon appears and immediately attacks the caster; could be a fire dragon, fire dwarf lord, battalion of fire skeletons, fire ghost, fire fairy, fire centipedes, fire bees, the Devil himself,
  • 6  caster has hiccups for next 20 hours.