If I was throwing a flask of acid, the acid arrives in the same round - yet it's not instantaneous.
Same with slinging a stone, flinging a spear or firing a crossbow/bow
I am going with the same concept. More powerful spells travel further and faster...
The issue with the creation of the element filling the space is that if it is not coming from a central location and spreading outwards it eliminates any possible defense from armor or shield or cover.. If it is coming from a central location and spreading outwards, but just manifesting itself there to begin with (instead of beginning at the caster) then I guess you could do that, as you are manifesting the effect at a range but not "throwing it" at a target. I could allow that, but the ranged creation would require scaling up in order to create it.
Mage calls upon Summon Fire
* Scaled up for Range of 50' away
* Scaled up for Mystical Fire
* Scaled up for 10' radius of Fire
Same spell.... Summon Fire
* No scaling for Range - fire appears at mage's fingertips
* No scaling for mystical fire - fire is a common flame
* No scaling for radius of effect - fire is the size of a candle flame
They both require the same spell, but far different effects based upon how they are cast.
Correct - grenade damage decreases as you move away. Concentration of the element is reduced.
That's what I meant when I wrote: Dissipating with distance from point of impact.