Globe Of Invulnerability
- Level: 6
- School: Abjuration
- Class: Sorcerer, Wizard
- Casting Time: Action
- Range: Self
- Components: V, S, M (a glass bead)
- Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
An immobile, shimmering barrier appears in a 10-foot Emanation around you and remains for the duration.
Any spell of level 5 or lower cast from outside the barrier can't affect anything within it. Such a spell can target creatures and objects within the barrier, but the spell has no effect on them. Similarly, the area within the barrier is excluded from areas of effect created by such spells.
Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The barrier blocks spells of 1 level higher for each spell slot level above 6.
Tactical Usage
Globe of Invulnerability creates an impenetrable sanctuary against mid-level magical attacks, fundamentally altering battlefield dynamics. Position yourself strategically to shelter key allies while maintaining offensive capabilities. The 10-foot emanation provides sufficient space for small groups while preventing enemy casters from targeting anyone within.
Use this spell when facing multiple enemy spellcasters or when magical area effects dominate the battlefield. The globe blocks Fireball, Lightning Bolt, Hold Person, and countless other battlefield control spells. However, remember that enemies can enter the globe to attack physically or cast spells from within.
Resource management requires careful consideration of the concentration requirement and 1-minute duration. Cast Globe early in encounters when magical threats are identified, but be prepared to defend your concentration. The spell provides excellent value against dedicated spellcaster opponents but offers limited protection against mixed magical-physical threats.
Spell Combinations
Globe of Invulnerability synergizes powerfully with area denial spells cast from within. Wall of Fire, Spirit Guardians, or Cloudkill cast from inside the globe remain effective while you stay protected from external magical retaliation. This creates asymmetric tactical advantages.
Layer with Counterspell to address higher-level spells that penetrate the barrier. Dispel Magic can eliminate ongoing magical effects before retreating into the globe's protection. Misty Step or Dimension Door allow tactical repositioning while maintaining the globe's benefits.
For group protection, combine with Mass Cure Wounds or Mass Healing Word cast from within the safety zone. Suggestion or Hold Person cast outward remain effective while you stay protected from retaliation. Sending can coordinate with distant allies while maintaining safety.
Material Component Details
The glass bead component for Globe of Invulnerability represents crystalline perfection and barrier symbolism. High-quality glass beads work best - crystal spheres, perfectly round marbles, or artisan-crafted glass orbs. The component's spherical nature mirrors the protective dome created.
Most magical suppliers stock suitable glass beads, making component acquisition straightforward. However, some traditions prefer specific materials - Wizard academies might use specially prepared laboratory glass, while Sorcerers favor naturally formed glass spheres from volcanic activity.
The component isn't consumed by the spell, making Globe economical for repeated use. Consider protecting valuable glass components from breakage during combat. Some casters mount beads in protective settings or use reinforced crystal alternatives that resist physical damage.
Creator Notes
Globe of Invulnerability dramatically shifts encounter balance when magical effects dominate. Plan encounters with this spell in mind - pure spellcaster encounters become trivial, while mixed encounters remain challenging. Consider enemy tactics like entering the globe or using physical ranged attacks.
The spell creates interesting tactical decisions for both sides. Enemies might retreat and wait out the duration, use higher-level spells, or resort to physical attacks. Design encounters that provide multiple approach options rather than relying solely on magical damage.
For campaign balance, remember that Globe protects against beneficial external spells too. Allied spellcasters cannot target creatures within the globe, potentially limiting healing or buff options. This creates meaningful trade-offs between protection and flexibility.
Environmental Interactions
Globe of Invulnerability interacts uniquely with various magical environments. In areas of wild magic, the globe might fluctuate unpredictably or block different spell levels than intended. Anti-magic zones completely suppress the effect, while magical enhancement areas might strengthen the barrier.
Terrain features can enhance or limit the globe's effectiveness. Elevated positions allow better tactical overview while maintaining protection. Narrow passages might force enemies to approach within the globe's radius, negating ranged magical advantages.
Certain magical phenomena might interact unexpectedly with the barrier. Ley lines could strengthen the effect, while areas of negative energy might require higher-level casting to maintain full protection. Some planar boundaries might allow specific spell types through the barrier.
Common Rulings & Clarifications
Spell Origin Points: The barrier blocks spells cast from outside targeting inside, but spells cast from within can target outside normally. This creates tactical asymmetry favoring those within the globe.
Area Effect Exclusions: Areas of effect that originate outside the globe exclude the protected area. However, effects originating inside the globe affect everything normally, including areas outside the barrier.
Higher-Level Penetration: Spells of higher levels than the globe's protection penetrate normally. An 8th-level Fireball penetrates a 6th-level Globe, but a 7th-level Globe would block it.
Movement and Positioning: The globe moves with the caster and cannot be moved independently. Creatures can freely enter and exit, but the barrier itself remains centered on the original caster.
Alternative Applications
Globe of Invulnerability excels in defensive negotiations and magical research scenarios. Create safe spaces for diplomatic meetings when magical treachery is suspected. The visible barrier demonstrates magical protection while allowing normal conversation.
For magical research, the globe protects against experimental spell failures or dangerous magical phenomena. Laboratory work with unstable magical effects benefits from the barrier's protection against uncontrolled magical energies.
Exploration applications include protection while investigating magical ruins or phenomena. The globe allows safe examination of magical traps or cursed areas while preventing most magical harm. Archaeological teams benefit significantly from temporary magical sanctuaries.
Related Spells
Magical Protection: Antimagic Field provides stronger but more restrictive protection. Protection from Energy offers specific damage type resistance. Counterspell provides reactive magical defense.
Barrier Effects: Wall of Force creates larger protective barriers. Sanctuary provides personal magical protection. Protection from Evil and Good offers protection against specific creature types.
Area Control: Forcecage traps enemies while providing protection. Private Sanctum creates larger protected areas. Magnificent Mansion provides ultimate magical sanctuary.
Scaling Analysis
Higher-level casting significantly improves Globe's effectiveness against powerful spellcasters. 7th-level casting blocks spells up to 6th level, protecting against Disintegrate and similar effects. 9th-level casting creates near-impenetrable magical barriers against all but the most powerful spells.
The spell's value scales with campaign magical density. Low-magic campaigns might make Globe situational, while high-magic environments make it essential survival equipment. Enemy spellcaster prevalence directly correlates with Globe's tactical importance.
Cost-effectiveness improves with encounter complexity. Simple encounters might not justify the 6th-level slot, but complex magical battles make Globe invaluable. The concentration requirement becomes more challenging at higher levels where multiple threats compete for attention.
Narrative Flavor
Globe of Invulnerability manifestation should emphasize magical barrier perfection and protective energy. The shimmering effect suggests barely contained magical forces creating an impenetrable boundary. Different casting traditions might produce varying visual effects - Wizard globes could show geometric patterns while Sorcerer barriers might pulse with inner energy.
The barrier's interaction with blocked spells creates dramatic moments. Spells striking the globe might dissolve, reflect, or create spectacular light displays. The visual feedback helps players understand the protection while creating impressive magical effects.
Different magical schools might manifest unique globe appearances. Abjuration specialists could create pristine, mirror-like barriers. Wild magic sorcerers might produce globes with shifting, chaotic patterns. The appearance should reflect the caster's magical tradition and personal power.