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Blight

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Blight
  • Level: 4
  • School: Necromancy
  • Class: Druid, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard
  • Casting Time: Action
  • Range: 30 feet
  • Components: V, S
  • Duration: Instantaneous

A creature that you can see within range makes a Constitution saving throw, taking 8d8 Necrotic damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a successful one. A Plant creature automatically fails the save.

Alternatively, target a nonmagical plant that isn't a creature, such as a tree or shrub. It doesn't make a save; it simply withers and dies.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The damage increases by 1d8 for each spell slot level above 4.

Tactical Usage​

When to Choose Blight:

  • Excellent high-damage option against most creature types
  • Devastating against Plant creatures (automatic failure)
  • Strong choice when needing reliable necrotic damage
  • Valuable for environmental manipulation through plant destruction

Target Prioritization:

  • Plant Creatures: Treants, shambling mounds, awakened plants (auto-fail)
  • Low Constitution Enemies: Spellcasters and fragile creatures
  • High-Value Targets: Priority enemies requiring immediate elimination
  • Environmental Plants: Remove cover, create paths, clear obstacles

Damage Optimization:

  • 4th Level: 36 average damage (reliable high damage)
  • 5th Level: 40.5 average damage (excellent scaling)
  • 6th Level: 45 average damage (competitive with other options)

Spell Combinations​

Damage Enhancement:

  • Hex: Additional necrotic damage on successful hit
  • Bestow Curse: Bonus damage curse stacks with Blight
  • Vulnerability Effects: Double damage if target becomes vulnerable
  • Hold Person: Constitution saves with disadvantage

Setup Synergies:

  • Entangle: Restrain targets to prevent escape
  • Web: Similar restraint for guaranteed targeting
  • Slow: Reduce enemy mobility and reactions
  • Counterspell: Prevent enemy healing or protection spells

Material Component Details​

Verbal and Somatic Only:

  • Accessibility: No material components required
  • Stealth: Components don't require obvious props
  • Versatility: Can be cast even when restrained or without equipment
  • Reliability: Unaffected by component loss or material restrictions

Roleplay Opportunities:

  • Describe words that drain life force and vitality
  • Reference gestures that channel death and decay
  • Use voice to convey the withering, life-draining nature
  • Emphasize the connection between caster and necrotic energy

Creator Notes​

Adjudication Guidance:

  • Plant creatures automatically fail saves regardless of abilities
  • Nonmagical plants die instantly without saves or damage rolls
  • Necrotic damage type may interact with undead or resistance
  • Constitution save typically favors hardier creatures

Environmental Applications:

  • Can clear significant vegetation obstacles
  • Creates lasting environmental changes through plant destruction
  • May affect local ecosystem balance with widespread use
  • Useful for siege warfare against plant-based defenses

Balancing Considerations:

  • 4th-level slot cost appropriate for high single-target damage
  • Constitution saves generally favor intended targets less
  • Automatic plant failure balanced by specific creature type limitation
  • No additional effects beyond damage keeps focus simple

Environmental Interactions​

Plant Destruction:

  • Instantly kills non-creature plants within targeting parameters
  • May affect large trees, creating falling hazards or new terrain
  • Can clear vegetation for improved line of sight or movement
  • Permanent environmental changes alter local geography

Necrotic Energy:

  • Death energy may linger briefly in affected area
  • Could affect sensitive plants nearby (Creator discretion)
  • May attract undead or creatures sensitive to necrotic power
  • Creates visible signs of magical life drain and decay

Ecosystem Impact:

  • Large-scale plant destruction affects local wildlife
  • May influence weather patterns or soil fertility
  • Could trigger responses from druids or nature-focused communities
  • Long-term consequences for environmental balance

Common Rulings & Clarifications​

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Does this work on awakened plants or plant-based NPCs? A: Yes, any creature with the Plant type automatically fails the save.

Q: Can I target multiple plants with higher-level slots? A: No, it always targets one creature or plant regardless of slot level.

Q: Does this affect undead or constructs made of plant material? A: Only creatures with the Plant creature type are affected by auto-failure.

Q: What size plants can I target for instant destruction? A: Creator discretion, but typically limited to what could reasonably be affected.

Alternative Applications​

Environmental Manipulation:

  • Path Clearing: Remove vegetation blocking travel routes
  • Siege Warfare: Destroy defensive plant barriers or wooden structures
  • Agriculture: Remove diseased or unwanted plant growth
  • Construction: Clear building sites of problematic vegetation

Creative Problem-Solving:

  • Create improvised bridges by felling large trees strategically
  • Remove plant-based evidence or concealment
  • Destroy living plant traps or hazards
  • Clear sight lines for ranged combat or surveillance

Necrotic Damage:

  • Vampiric Touch: Life drain with healing
  • Circle of Death: Area necrotic damage
  • Harm: Higher-level single-target necrotic
  • Chill Touch: Cantrip necrotic with additional effects

Environmental Magic:

  • Plant Growth: Opposite effect enhancing vegetation
  • Control Weather: Large-scale environmental manipulation
  • Move Earth: Terrain alteration magic
  • Transmute Rock: Geological transformation

4th-Level Damage Alternatives:

  • Fireball (upcast): Area fire damage
  • Lightning Bolt (upcast): Line electrical damage
  • Ice Storm: Area cold damage with terrain effects
  • Wall of Fire: Ongoing area damage

Scaling Analysis​

Level Progression:

  • Available at Level 7: Mid-level damage option
  • Damage Scaling: +1d8 per level provides good progression
  • Resource Investment: Significant slot for high single-target damage

Damage Comparison:

  • 4th Level: 36 average damage (competitive for level)
  • 5th Level: 40.5 average damage (strong scaling)
  • 6th Level: 45 average damage (remains relevant)

Long-Term Viability:

  • High damage output remains valuable throughout progression
  • Plant auto-failure ensures ongoing utility against specific enemies
  • Environmental applications never become obsolete
  • Necrotic damage type provides unique tactical options

Narrative Flavor​

Extended Description: You extend your hand toward your target while speaking words that seem to drain warmth and vitality from the very air around you. Dark energy flows from your fingertips like a withering wind, and wherever it touches, life force begins to drain away. Plant matter crumbles to dust, flesh grows pale and desiccated, and the very essence of life seems to flee from the touch of this necromantic power. The target feels their strength and vitality being pulled away, leaving them weakened and diminished by the touch of entropy itself.

Sensory Details:

  • Visual: Dark energy flowing like withering wind
  • Tactile: Draining sensation as life force diminishes
  • Olfactory: Scent of decay and dried vegetation
  • Emotional: Overwhelming sense of mortality and entropy

Cultural Context: Blight represents mastery over the fundamental forces of decay and entropy, demonstrating the caster's understanding of life's fragility and the inevitability of death. Different magical traditions may view such power as natural balance, necessary tool, or dangerous corruption, influencing how its use is perceived and regulated.