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| Description |
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 100 feet 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 within range. 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. |
|---|---|
| Source | Player’s Handbook 🛒 |
| Level | 3 |
| School | Conjuration |
| Casting Time | 1 action |
| Range | 120 feet |
| Components | V, S |
| Duration | Up to 10 minutes |
| Concentration | Yes |
| Ritual | No |
| Classes | Druid |
| Full rules | open5e.com ↗ |
If you’ve always dreamed of hurling lightning from the sky like a Norse thunder god, then Call Lightning is exactly the right spell for you! This impressive 3rd-level conjuration spell grants druids the power to create storm clouds and bring devastating lightning strikes down upon their enemies.
A Spell with Theatrical Impact
What makes Call Lightning particularly fascinating is its spectacular appearance. The spell creates a massive storm cloud with a 60-foot radius and 10-foot height that hovers majestically over the battlefield. This cloud serves as the starting point for your lightning attacks and gives every encounter a dramatic atmosphere that will impress both allies and enemies alike.
The true advantage of this spell lies in its versatility during combat. After casting, you can trigger a new lightning strike as an action on each of your turns – either on the same target or on different points within range. This makes it an excellent spell for longer-lasting battles against multiple opponents.
Tactical Considerations in Play
Since Call Lightning requires concentration, you must proceed strategically. Position yourself so that you’re protected but still have a clear line of sight to your targets. The 120-foot range gives you enough flexibility to act from a safe distance.
A particularly clever aspect of the spell is the bonus during stormy weather outdoors. If you’re already fighting in a thunderstorm, the damage increases by 1d10 – turning 3d10 into an impressive 4d10 lightning damage! Smart Dungeon Masters can plan weather-based encounters to take advantage of this bonus.
Prerequisites and Limitations
Note that the spell fails if you can’t see a point in the air where the storm cloud could appear. In tight indoor spaces or low caves, you won’t be able to use Call Lightning. This makes it a classic “outdoor spell” that particularly shines in wilderness adventures.
The Player’s Handbook 🛒 offers further details on this and other druid spells. For Dungeon Masters who want to design weather-based encounters, it’s worth looking at the Dungeon Master’s Guide 🛒.
Synergies and Character Development
As a druid, Call Lightning fits perfectly with a nature-connected character who commands the elements. Combined with other weather-based spells like Control Weather or Wind Wall, you can create a true “storm druid” who uses weather to their advantage.
Circle of the Land druids particularly benefit from this spell, as it emphasizes their role as versatile spellcasters. The ability to deal consistent damage over multiple rounds makes it a valuable addition for any druid from 5th level onward.
This article was created using AI, based on data from the 5e-database project (D&D 5e System Reference Document, licensed under CC BY 4.0).
