Reverse Gravity
- Level: 7
- School: Transmutation
- Class: Druid, Sorcerer, Wizard
- Casting Time: Action
- Range: 100 feet
- Components: V, S, M (a lodestone and iron filings)
- Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
This spell reverses gravity in a 50-foot-radius, 100-foot high cylinder centered on a point within range. All creatures and objects in that area that aren't anchored to the ground fall upward and reach the top of the cylinder. A creature can make a Dexterity saving throw to grab a fixed object it can reach, thus avoiding the fall upward.
If a ceiling or an anchored object is encountered in this upward fall, creatures and objects strike it just as they would during a downward fall. If an affected creature or object reaches the cylinder's top without striking anything, it hovers there for the duration. When the spell ends, affected objects and creatures fall downward.
Tactical Usage
Dramatic Battlefield Control. Reverse Gravity creates spectacular area effects that can completely alter encounter dynamics by forcing creatures and objects into upward falls.
Strategic Area Denial. The 50-foot radius cylinder creates substantial area control that affects positioning, movement, and tactical options for multiple rounds.
Environmental Interaction. The spell interacts dramatically with terrain features, ceiling height, and architectural elements to create unique tactical scenarios.
Spell Combinations
Fall Damage Amplification. Combining with effects that increase fall damage or create hazardous landing areas maximizes the spell's damage potential.
Positioning Enhancement. Pairing with teleportation or movement magic helps optimize caster positioning for maximum area coverage and tactical benefit.
Escape Route Creation. Using alongside other mobility spells creates complex three-dimensional movement options for parties and enemies.
Material Component Details
Lodestone and Iron Filings. The magnetic components symbolically represent the fundamental forces being manipulated to reverse gravitational attraction.
Component Symbolism. The materials reflect classical understanding of magnetic and gravitational forces, connecting to the spell's reality-altering effects.
Preparation Requirements. Both components are readily available from alchemists, smiths, or natural sources without significant expense or rarity.
Creator Notes
Encounter Transformer. Reverse Gravity can completely change encounter dynamics and requires flexible encounter design to accommodate dramatic terrain alterations.
Environmental Storytelling. The spell creates memorable moments and dramatic descriptions that enhance storytelling through spectacular magical effects.
Tactical Complexity. Three-dimensional combat and movement requires careful management but creates unique strategic opportunities.
Environmental Interactions
Ceiling Height Considerations. The 100-foot cylinder height interacts with dungeon, cave, or building architecture to create varied tactical effects.
Object Interaction. All unanchored objects fall upward, potentially creating dangerous projectiles or clearing battlefield hazards.
Terrain Feature Impact. Fixed objects provide anchoring opportunities while architectural elements affect fall distances and damage potential.
Common Rulings & Clarifications
Area Size Specifications. The cylinder affects a 50-foot radius, 100-foot high area, encompassing substantial battlefield coverage.
Dexterity Save Mechanics. Successful saves allow creatures to grab fixed objects and avoid upward falls, requiring accessible anchor points.
Falling Damage Application. Upward and downward falls both cause standard falling damage when striking objects or surfaces.
Duration and Concentration. The spell lasts up to 1 minute with concentration, potentially affecting multiple combat rounds.
Alternative Applications
Excavation Projects. Clearing heavy debris, earth, or obstacles by launching them upward rather than moving them horizontally.
Escape Scenarios. Creating dramatic escape routes by launching parties upward to reach otherwise inaccessible heights or locations.
Construction Assistance. Moving heavy materials or objects to elevated positions during building or fortification projects.
Related Spells
Gravity Manipulation. Few spells directly manipulate gravitational forces, making Reverse Gravity unique in its approach to battlefield control.
Area Control Magic. Wall of Force, Entangle, and similar spells provide battlefield control through different mechanisms and tactical applications.
Environmental Alteration. Transmutation magic like Move Earth or Control Weather provides alternative approaches to dramatic environmental manipulation.
Scaling Analysis
High-Level Impact. As a 7th-level spell, Reverse Gravity provides encounter-altering effects appropriate for high-level magical intervention.
Consistent Area Coverage. The spell affects substantial areas regardless of enemy level, making it valuable for crowd control and positioning.
Campaign Integration. The spell becomes increasingly dramatic as encounters feature more powerful enemies and complex environments.
Narrative Flavor
Reality Distortion. The spell should emphasize the fundamental alteration of natural laws with dramatic descriptions of impossible upward falling.
Magnetic Force Visualization. The lodestone and iron filing components can inspire descriptions of magnetic fields and gravitational distortion.
Three-Dimensional Combat. The effect creates opportunities for dynamic descriptions of aerial combat, unusual positioning, and spectacular visual effects.