Lightning Lure: The Electric Slide
Usable By: Artificer, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard
Spell Level: Cantrip
School: Evocation
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self (15-foot radius)
Duration: Instantaneous
Components: V
You create a lash of lightning energy that strikes at one creature of your choice that you can see within 15 feet of you. The target must succeed on a Strength saving throw or be pulled up to 10 feet in a straight line toward you and then take 1d8 lightning damage if it is within 5 feet of you.
At Higher Levels. This 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
Poor druids, man. They’ve had a somewhat unique movement cantrip in Thorn Whip since the PHB released, but now artificers, sorcerers, warlocks, and wizards have a nearly strictly better option with Lightning Lure.
The core differences between the two spells is Thorn Whip is an attack roll that pulls hit large or smaller creatures while Lightning Lure is a strength save that pulls creatures that fail it regardless of size. Oh, and Lightning Lure does 1d8 damage, while Thorn Whip does just a d6. Poor Thorn Whip.
Practically using Lightning Lure can be a bit tricky, but flourishes when combined with clever placement of other damaging spells like Cloud of Daggers or Create Bonfire. The ability to cause creatures to enter damaging spaces can double up on the area damaging spell effects at a really cheap cost; while this can be hard to set up, it can reward you with a bunch of bonus damage for fewer spell slots.
There aren’t a ton of other reasons you’d want to pull something within 15 feet of you 10 feet closer outside of niche melee builds that want a cantrip offering them a tiny bit more reach. Still, combined with the aforementioned utility in empowering other magical effects, this can be enough upside to justify it on some hybrid caster/martial builds. It probably isn’t replacing the other weapon attack options, but can be something to consider if you really want to keep enemies close.
Lightning Lure is honestly a quality of life upgrade for Thorn Whip. If you enjoy coordinated planning with area of effect damage spells, Lightning Lure can be an integral part in that. Otherwise, it's a perfectly fine 1d8 short ranged damage pull that occasionally will get an enemy just out of reach where you want them.
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