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Call Lightning

Call Lightning
  • Level: 3
  • School: Conjuration
  • Class: Druid
  • Casting Time: Action
  • Range: 120 feet
  • Components: V, S
  • Duration: Concentration, up to 10 minutes

A storm cloud appears at a point within range that you can see above yourself. It takes the shape of a Cylinder that is 10 feet tall with a 60-foot radius.

When you cast the spell, choose a point you can see under the cloud. A lightning bolt shoots from the cloud to that point. Each creature within 5 feet of that point makes a Dexterity saving throw, taking 3d10 Lightning damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a successful one.

Until the spell ends, you can take a Magic action to call down lightning in that way again, targeting the same point or a different one.

If you're outdoors in a storm when you cast this spell, the spell gives you control over that storm instead of creating a new one. Under such conditions, the spell's damage increases by 1d10.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The damage increases by 1d10 for each spell slot level above 3.

Tactical Usage​

When to Choose Call Lightning:

  • Excellent for sustained area control over multiple turns
  • Strong choice in outdoor encounters for enhanced damage
  • Valuable for repeated targeting flexibility
  • Essential for controlling large battlefield areas

Storm Management:

  • 60-foot radius cloud covers massive area
  • Can strike any point under the cloud each turn
  • 10-minute duration allows multiple encounter coverage
  • Storm enhancement provides significant damage boost

Action Economy:

  • Initial casting uses action, subsequent strikes use Magic action
  • Can move and position between lightning strikes
  • Concentration allows other bonus action spells
  • Multiple strikes throughout combat provide sustained pressure

Spell Combinations​

Weather Synergies:

  • Control Weather: Create storm conditions for enhanced damage
  • Wind Wall: Direct storm effects and protect allies
  • Fog Cloud: Combine environmental control effects
  • Gust of Wind: Additional weather-based battlefield control

Positioning Enhancement:

  • Entangle: Keep enemies in lightning strike zones
  • Web: Restrain targets for easier lightning targeting
  • Wall of Thorns: Channel enemies into strike areas
  • Plant Growth: Control movement under storm cloud

Material Component Details​

Verbal and Somatic Only:

  • Natural Casting: Pure druidic magic without material focus
  • Storm Calling: Gestures that summon elemental forces
  • Weather Command: Voice that resonates with storm energy
  • Primal Connection: Direct communication with natural forces

Roleplay Opportunities:

  • Describe calling to storm spirits and elemental forces
  • Reference ancient druidic words for lightning and thunder
  • Use gestures that trace lightning patterns in the air
  • Emphasize connection to primal weather magic

Creator Notes​

Adjudication Guidance:

  • Cloud must be above caster and within sight
  • Lightning strikes affect 5-foot radius around target point
  • Magic action each turn allows repeated strikes
  • Storm conditions add +1d10 damage to all strikes

Environmental Integration:

  • Dramatic weather effects enhance atmosphere
  • May interact with existing weather patterns
  • Can affect local environment beyond damage
  • Storm cloud provides visual spectacle

Balancing Considerations:

  • 3rd-level slot for sustained multi-turn damage
  • Concentration requirement creates vulnerability
  • Area limitation balanced by duration flexibility
  • Weather enhancement rewards environmental awareness

Environmental Interactions​

Storm Creation:

  • Manifests actual storm cloud with realistic weather effects
  • May create wind, rain, and atmospheric disturbance
  • Affects visibility and environmental conditions
  • Can interact with existing weather patterns

Lightning Effects:

  • Creates bright flashes and loud thunder
  • May start fires in dry conditions
  • Can affect metal objects and conductors
  • Generates electromagnetic effects

Natural Weather:

  • Enhanced damage in existing storms
  • May extend or modify natural weather
  • Could trigger larger weather changes
  • Interacts with seasonal and regional climate

Common Rulings & Clarifications​

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I move the storm cloud after casting? A: No, the cloud remains stationary once created.

Q: Does the lightning automatically hit? A: No, creatures in the area make Dexterity saves.

Q: Can I target the same point multiple times? A: Yes, you can strike the same location repeatedly.

Q: What counts as "outdoors in a storm"? A: Any natural storm with precipitation and electrical activity.

Alternative Applications​

Environmental Manipulation:

  • Terrain Control: Strike specific ground areas for battlefield shaping
  • Signaling: Create visible lightning displays for communication
  • Intimidation: Demonstrate weather control during negotiations
  • Obstacle Removal: Strike and destroy environmental barriers

Creative Problem-Solving:

  • Start controlled fires for land management
  • Power magical devices that require electrical energy
  • Clear vegetation or debris with precision strikes
  • Provide dramatic lighting for performances or rituals

Weather Magic:

  • Control Weather: Large-scale weather manipulation
  • Wind Wall: Directional air current control
  • Ice Storm: Area cold and bludgeoning damage
  • Storm of Vengeance: Ultimate weather devastation

Lightning Spells:

  • Lightning Bolt: Single-line electrical damage
  • Chain Lightning: Multi-target electrical damage
  • Shocking Grasp: Touch electrical attack
  • Thunder Step: Thunder and lightning teleportation

3rd-Level Alternatives:

  • Fireball: Classic area damage option
  • Counterspell: Magical defense
  • Plant Growth: Environmental control
  • Conjure Animals: Creature summoning

Scaling Analysis​

Level Progression:

  • Available at Level 5: Mid-level sustained damage option
  • Duration Value: 10 minutes covers multiple encounters
  • Repeated Use: Multiple strikes per casting

Damage Scaling:

  • 3rd Level: 16.5 average damage per strike
  • 4th Level: 22 average damage (excellent scaling)
  • 5th Level: 27.5 average damage (competitive with other options)
  • Storm Bonus: Additional 5.5 average damage when applicable

Long-Term Viability:

  • Sustained damage option remains valuable
  • Weather enhancement provides consistent bonus
  • Large area coverage useful at all levels
  • Essential tool for druidic battlefield control

Narrative Flavor​

Extended Description: You raise your hands toward the sky while speaking ancient words that resonate with the primal forces of storm and sky. Dark clouds begin to gather overhead, swirling with barely contained electrical energy. With a gesture, you direct the storm's fury downward, and brilliant lightning erupts from the churning cloudbank, striking with the precision of divine judgment and the raw power of elemental fury.

Sensory Details:

  • Visual: Dark storm clouds gathering with electrical flashes
  • Auditory: Rolling thunder and crackling electrical discharge
  • Atmospheric: Pressure changes and ozone scent in the air
  • Elemental: Connection to primal forces of storm and lightning

Cultural Context: Call Lightning represents the druid's mastery over weather and natural forces, demonstrating their role as intermediary between civilization and the wild power of storms. Different druidic traditions may interpret this as communion with storm spirits, elemental mastery, or divine authority over weather.