Swift Quiver: For a Speedier Shaft Release

Usable By: Ranger

Spell Level: 5

School: Transmutation

Casting Time: 1 bonus action

Range: Touch

Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute

Components: V, S, M (a quiver containing at least one piece of ammunition)

You transmute your quiver so it produces an endless supply of nonmagical ammunition, which seems to leap into your hand when you reach for it.

On each of your turns until the spell ends, you can use a bonus action to make two attacks with a weapon that uses ammunition from the quiver. Each time you make such a ranged attack, your quiver magically replaces the piece of ammunition you used with a similar piece of nonmagical ammunition. Any pieces of ammunition created by this spell disintegrate when the spell ends. If the quiver leaves your possession, the spell ends.

Review by Sam West, Twitter: @CrierKobold

Half-casters are in an odd place when it comes to spells. Because spells are designed to be relatively similar power to other spells that share their level, half casters can feel at a major disadvantage when full casters start blasting off 6th level and higher spells while they are just now getting access to the lower level option their friends have had for weeks. Its hard to get excited when you get Pass without Trace at 5th level if your druid has been using it since 3rd. Swift Quiver stands as an example of what a half caster spell should be; it stands tall above most other spells around its level and majorly boosts specifically the class that gets it in a unique way. Its not 9th level spell, but it at least comes a tiny bit closer to offering epic tier power.

A bonus action for one attack roll is par for the course. Any character with two short-swords can make an attack roll as a bonus action. Two attacks for a bonus action is far rarer; monks get Flurry of Blows, but few other options exist that offer this kind of effect. In addition to being a fairly unique tool, Swift Quiver scales with the caster independently of the spell. Building your character to maximize their effectiveness with a ranged weapon improves the power of Swift Quiver, sometimes leading it to nearly double your damage output on its own. Swift Quiver opens up rangers to four attacks a turn, and while eating their concentration slot hurts, it is such an enormous upgrade you’ll be thankful to have it.

There is a staggering disparity between Swift Quiver and most other ranger spell options. Next to no other spells offered to them open up such a powerful option, and that’s disappointing. Spells like Pass Without Trace would do wonders as a ranger exclusive, as the effect is extremely powerful and fits their identity as a worldly explorer superbly. Unfortunately classes share most of the spells, and the half casters will suffer for it.

If you get access to Sift Quiver and have built the ranged combat ranger, this spell is a banger. If you haven’t, this spell is probably still an alright option to have, as you’re still going to have high enough to hit modifiers with long bows. It can be a flexible tool to change up your play pattern as needed. 17th level is still late in the game to get two extra attacks a round, and it still isn’t going to be able to compete with the bananas 9th level spells wizards get, but it definitely offers a substantial improvement. This is a spell I would be hyped to get as a 17th level ranger.

5e Spells

Swift Quiver: For a Speedier Shaft Release