Today, we’re diving into one of the most electrifying spells in D&D 5e: Call Lightning.
Have you ever dreamt of wielding the raw, untamed power of a thunderstorm, summoning bolts of lightning at your command to smite your foes and awe your allies? If so, then you’re in for a treat!
Imagine standing atop a windswept hill, dark clouds swirling above as you raise your hands to the sky. With a crack of thunder, a bolt of lightning streaks down, striking your enemies with divine wrath.
It’s not just a spell; it’s an absolute statement.
But like any powerful tool, knowing how to use it effectively can make all the difference between a spectacular victory and a shocking defeat.
In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of Call Lightning, from its basic mechanics to tactics that will make you a storm-wielding force to be reckoned with. We’ll also weigh the pros and cons of this spell, ensuring you have a balanced perspective on when and how to use it.
So grab your spellbook and let’s conjure up some thunder as we delve into the electrifying world of Call Lightning!
What is Call Lightning 5e?
Call Lightning is a 3rd-level conjuration spell that lets you summon a storm cloud to rain down bolts of lightning on your enemies.
With a casting time of just 1 action and a range of 120 feet, you can call forth a 10-foot-tall storm cloud with a 60-foot radius centered above you.
Each turn, you can use your action to strike a point you choose, dealing 3d10 lightning damage to creatures within 5 feet of the impact zone—unless they succeed on a Dexterity saving throw and take half damage.
And if there’s already a storm brewing, the damage ramps up by 1d10!
(Try not to grin when you ask the DM what the weather is like. I dare you!)
LEVEL: 3rd
CASTING TIME: 1 Action
RANGE/AREA: 120 feet (60 ft cylinder)
COMPONENTS: V, S
DURATION: 10 minutes, Concentration required
SCHOOL: Conjuration
ATTACK/SAVE: Dexterity Save
DAMAGE/EFFECT: Damage
SPELL LISTS: Druid, Cleric (Tempest Domain)
A storm cloud appears in the shape of a cylinder that is 10 feet tall with a 60-foot radius, centered on a point you can see within range directly above you. The spell fails if you can’t see a point in the air where the storm cloud could appear (for example, if you are in a room that can’t accommodate the cloud).
When you cast the spell, choose a point you can see under the cloud. A bolt of lightning flashes down from the cloud to that point. Each creature within 5 feet of that point must make a Dexterity saving throw. A creature takes 3d10 lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. On each of your turns until the spell ends, you can use your action to call down lightning in this way again, targeting the same point or a different one.
If you are outdoors in stormy conditions when you cast this spell, the spell gives you control over the existing storm instead of creating a new one. Under such conditions, the spell’s damage increases by 1d10.
At Higher Levels: When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 4th or higher level, the damage increases by 1d10 for each slot level above 3rd.
How to Use Call Lightning Effectively
Harnessing the power of a storm isn’t just about flashy lightning bolts—it’s about strategy and timing.
Here’s how to make the most out of Call Lightning:
Strategic Positioning
To maximize the spell’s impact, find an open area where your storm cloud can form without obstructions.
Think wide plains, mountain tops, or open battlefields.
Indoors? Not so much.
Once the cloud is up, position yourself where you can see the battlefield clearly and target clusters of enemies.
Remember: the cloud has a 60-foot radius, so keep your foes within this range to rain down consistent damage. In most cases, this should be big enough to cover all (or most of) the battlefield, but there are always exceptions that you want to be mindful of!
Optimal Targeting
Each turn, you get to call down another bolt using your action.
Aim for groups of foes or those pesky enemies that are hard to reach with melee attacks. Each of these bolts hits a 5-foot radius, so aim for the center of enemy formations to maximize damage.
If enemies are spread out, prioritize targets that are clustered together or those that are particularly vulnerable to lightning damage.
You want to make sure you’re maximizing your action economy, so go for what’s going to make the biggest impact!
Combine with Other Spells
If you’ve got another spellcaster in the party, you can work together to pair Call Lightning with spells that control or restrict movement, like Entangle or Hold Person. Immobilized enemies make for easy targets.
For instance, casting Entangle can hold enemies in place, ensuring they can’t escape the area of effect of your lightning strikes. Alternatively, a spell like Fog Cloud can obscure vision, forcing enemies to bunch up and making them prime targets for your lightning strikes.
Combinations like this not only maximize damage but also create chaos on the battlefield.
Used well, you’ll never forget your foes’ famous last words: “zomzalueiooomzmamjaowpizzzzzzzz”
Tactical Considerations
Don’t forget that the weather conditions can enhance this spell even further!
If a storm is already raging, your lightning bolts deal an extra 1d10 damage. When you see dark clouds rolling in, this is the perfect chance to use them to your advantage!
Additionally, consider the terrain and your enemies’ positions. Getting to the high ground can give you a better vantage point, and using natural obstacles can force enemies into your storm cloud’s range.
Keep Your Concentration
Keep in mind that Call Lightning requires concentration, so be mindful of taking damage or casting other concentration spells.
When you’ve got this spell going, position yourself safely behind cover or somewhere safe to avoid taking damage. It’s also worth considering abilities that enhance your concentration, such as the War Caster feat or the Resilient feat for Constitution saves.
Staying out of direct combat can help maintain your focus and keep the storm raging.
Mobility and Flexibility
But with that said, remember that you don’t have to stay in one place. Move around the battlefield to get better angles and avoid becoming an easy target!
Just remember, the storm cloud stays put, so keep your enemies within its range. Use your movement to stay within the cloud’s radius while positioning yourself to avoid direct threats.
This mobility allows you to react to changing battlefield conditions and maintain the upper hand.
By mastering these tactics, you’ll turn Call Lightning from a simple storm into an absolutely devastating battlefield control tool. Now go forth and let the thunder roar!
Pros and Cons of Call Lightning 5e
Every spell has its highs and lows, and Call Lightning is no different. Let’s break down the electrifying pros and the shocking cons of this spell:
Pros
- High Damage Potential: Call Lightning packs a punch with an impressive 3d10 lightning damage per bolt. And if you cast it during an existing storm, that damage jumps to 4d10! It’s a consistent source of pain for your enemies, turn after turn.
- Long Duration: With a concentration duration of up to 10 minutes, you can potentially keep the storm raging through multiple encounters, making it a great value for a single spell slot. That’s up to 100 rounds of potential lightning strikes, which is enough to make even Thor give you a smiling nod of approval!
- Area of Effect: The 5-foot radius around the strike point means you can easily hit multiple enemies at once. This makes Call Lightning perfect for thinning out hordes of minions or dealing with tightly-packed foes.
- Flexibility: You can call down a bolt each turn, targeting different enemies or the same one repeatedly. This flexibility allows you to adapt to the battlefield as it changes.
Cons
- Concentration Requirement: Maintaining concentration can be tricky, especially in the heat of battle. Taking damage or needing to cast another concentration spell can disrupt your storm and leave you spell-less.
- Limited Indoors: Call Lightning requires a clear sky to form the storm cloud. In confined spaces or underground, you’ll find it difficult, if not impossible, to use this spell effectively.
- Weather Dependence: While you get a damage boost during an existing storm, you’re at the mercy of the weather. Without a storm, you’re limited to the base damage, which, while still powerful, isn’t as impressive.
- Dexterity Saves: Enemies can reduce the damage by half with a successful Dexterity saving throw. Against nimble foes like Quicklings, your lightning might not be as devastating as you’d hope.
By weighing these pros and cons, you can decide when Call Lightning is the right tool for the job. When used wisely, it can turn the tide of battle and leave your enemies thunderstruck!
FAQs – Call Lightning 5e
Generally, no. Call Lightning requires a clear sky to form the storm cloud, which means it’s best used outdoors. If you’re in a confined space, a dungeon, or underground, the spell will likely fail.
However, some creative DMs might allow it under special circumstances, so it’s always worth discussing with your game master!
No, the storm cloud created by Call Lightning is stationary. It stays centered on the point you choose when you cast the spell.
This means you’ll need to position yourself and your targets within the cloud’s 60-foot radius to make the most of your lightning strikes.
Flying enemies within the cloud’s range are still valid targets for Call Lightning. In fact, they might have a harder time dodging your bolts if they’re maneuvering in the air.
Just make sure they’re within the casting range and beneath the 60-foot radius of the storm cloud.
Call Lightning can synergize beautifully with other weather-related spells.
For example, Control Weather can create the storm conditions needed to boost your lightning damage. Spells like Fog Cloud or Sleet Storm can restrict enemy movement, making it easier to hit them with your lightning bolts. Just be mindful of maintaining concentration on multiple spells.
Yes, you can cast Call Lightning multiple times, provided you have the spell slots available.
However, since it requires concentration, you can only maintain one instance of the spell at a time. Casting it again would end the previous storm cloud.
Conclusion – Call Lightning 5e
And there you have it—everything you need to master the stormy might of Call Lightning in D&D 5e!
From understanding its mechanics to deploying it with tactical brilliance, you’re now ready to bring the thunder to your next D&D session.
Whether you’re a Druid looking to harness nature’s fury or a Tempest Cleric aiming to electrify the battlefield, Call Lightning is a spell that promises both spectacle and power.
But the adventure doesn’t end here! Share your thoughts and experiences so we can get the conversation rolling!
Have you used Call Lightning in a memorable way? Did you discover a unique combo that left your DM speechless? Share your stories and strategies in the comments below!
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