Some sorcerers inherit a spark; you draw on the raw current beneath spellcasting itself. Every spell stirs that current closer to a breaking point. You can let it build, then release the accumulated force in a sudden flare—or learn to shape the eruption so it protects as readily as it destroys. The Embercurrent Origin is a full-caster path focused on escalating risk, short-range bursts, and making a surge matter without surrendering your choices to chance.
Every spell tightens the current. Every surge gives it somewhere to go.
Full Caster
At a glance
Hit die d6
Charisma
ConstitutionSubclass of Sorcerer
You gain an Embercurrent Surge Threshold, which starts at 1 and cannot exceed 20. Immediately after you cast any spell, including a cantrip, roll a d20. If the roll is equal to or lower than your threshold, an Embercurrent Surge occurs: the threshold resets to 1, and you release a burst of raw magic. Otherwise, increase the threshold by 1. The check happens once per spell, after its effects resolve. Choose any number of creatures you can see within 10 feet of you; each makes a Dexterity saving throw against your Sorcerer spell save DC. A creature takes force damage equal to 1d6 + your Charisma modifier on a failed save, or half as much on a success. You are unaffected unless you choose to include yourself. This damage increases to 2d6 at Sorcerer level 10 and 3d6 at Sorcerer level 14. A surge is not a spell and cannot trigger another surge check.
When you make an Embercurrent Surge check, you can spend 1 Sorcery Point to add 5 to the d20 roll. You can decide to spend the point after rolling but before determining whether a surge occurs. When a surge occurs, you can also choose one creature affected by its burst to gain Temporary Hit Points equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum of 1) instead of taking damage from that burst. You can protect only one creature this way per surge.
Your raw magic grows more forceful. Your Embercurrent Surge burst deals 2d6 + your Charisma modifier force damage. In addition, immediately after a surge occurs, you can move up to 10 feet without provoking Opportunity Attacks. This movement does not require an action.
Your Embercurrent Surge burst deals 3d6 + your Charisma modifier force damage. When a surge occurs, choose one of these additional effects for the burst: creatures that fail their save are pushed up to 10 feet directly away from you; or one creature that fails its save has its Speed reduced to 0 until the start of your next turn. A creature can be affected by only one of these additional effects per surge.
CharismaConstitutionHit pointsAs Sorcerer: Hit Die per Sorcerer level; 6 + your Constitution modifier hit points at 1st level, and (or 4) + your Constitution modifier per Sorcerer level thereafter.
Saving throwsAs Sorcerer: proficiency in Constitution and Charisma saving throws. Embercurrent bursts use your Sorcerer spell save DC.
As Sorcererno additional weapon or armor proficiencies from this subclass. Use the Sorcerer’s standard skills, equipment, and spellcasting proficiencies.
Skill choicesUse the Sorcerer’s standard skill options; this subclass grants no additional skill proficiencies.
ResourceSorcery Points and the Embercurrent Surge Threshold. The threshold rises after unsuccessful checks and resets when a surge occurs.
MulticlassingUse the 2024 multiclassing rules. The Sorcerer’s Charisma requirement applies. Embercurrent features use your Sorcerer level and Sorcerer spell save DC; Sorcery Points follow the Sorcerer’s rules.
You are a full spellcaster and use the Sorcerer’s spell slots, cantrips, prepared spells, spellcasting ability, and Sorcerous Restoration rules.
This subclass grants no additional spells.
Some sorcerers inherit a spark; you draw on the raw current beneath spellcasting itself.
Every spell stirs that current closer to a breaking point. You can let it build, then release the accumulated force in a sudden flare—or learn to shape the eruption so it protects as readily as it destroys. The Embercurrent Origin is a full-caster path focused on escalating risk, short-range bursts, and making a surge matter without surrendering your choices to chance.
Your surge check grows more likely with each spell you cast until a surge resets it.
Keep track of the threshold after every spell, including cantrips, and decide whether to spend a Sorcery Point to bring a surge on sooner. Your burst is strongest when enemies are close, but you control who it affects; at higher levels, use its added movement or control effect to turn an eruption into a tactical opening.
Embercurrent sorcerers are usually discovered rather than formally inducted: a sudden flare reveals an innate connection to raw magic.
Survivors often seek a mentor or fellowship to learn grounding exercises, safe positioning, and how to recognize when the current is nearing a surge. Some never receive instruction and develop their own rituals through hard experience.
Ordinary people may see an Embercurrent sorcerer as both a protector and a walking accident.
Communities with a history of magical disasters often expect strict precautions; those saved by a well-aimed burst may instead regard one as a folk hero.
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