Searing Smite

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• Level: 1
• School: Evocation
• Class: Paladin
• Casting Time: Bonus Action, which you take immediately after hitting a target with a Melee weapon or an Unarmed Strike
• Range: Self
• Components: V
• Duration: 1 minute

As you hit the target, it takes an extra 1d6 Fire damage from the attack. At the start of each of its turns until the spell ends, the target takes 1d6 Fire damage and then makes a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the spell continues. On a successful save, the spell ends.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. All the damage increases by 1d6 for each spell slot level above 1.

Tactical Usage

Weapon Damage Enhancement. Searing Smite provides immediate bonus damage plus ongoing fire damage that continues until the target succeeds on Constitution saves.

Bonus Action Efficiency. The spell triggers as a bonus action after hitting, creating excellent action economy without interfering with normal attack patterns.

Duration-Based Pressure. The ongoing damage and save requirements create sustained pressure that affects enemy tactical decisions beyond the initial hit.

Spell Combinations

Multi-Attack Synergy. Combining with multiple attack capabilities maximizes opportunities to trigger the bonus action spell after successful hits.

Fire Damage Enhancement. Pairing with other fire effects or abilities that exploit fire vulnerability amplifies the spell's damage potential.

Save Debuff Coordination. Using alongside effects that impose disadvantage on Constitution saves improves the spell's duration and total damage.

Material Component Details

Verbal-Only Simplicity. Searing Smite requires only verbal components, making it accessible even when somatic components are restricted or impossible.

Combat Accessibility. The minimal component requirements enable use in combat situations where complex spellcasting might be hindered.

Divine Word Power. The verbal component represents divine invocation that channels sacred fire through weapon strikes.

Creator Notes

Paladin Smite Identity. Searing Smite exemplifies paladin magical combat style through weapon-enhanced divine magic with sustained effects.

Constitution Save Targeting. The spell targets Constitution saves, which are often strong on martial enemies but creates ongoing tactical pressure.

Scaling Damage Value. The spell scales well with higher-level slots, providing significant damage increases for slot investment.

Environmental Interactions

Fire Hazard Creation. The ongoing fire damage might ignite flammable materials or create environmental hazards in appropriate settings.

Divine Manifestation. The spell creates visible divine fire effects that might affect stealth or provide illumination during combat.

Weapon Integration. The fire damage appears to emanate from or enhance the weapon strike, creating thematic integration with martial combat.

Common Rulings & Clarifications

Trigger Timing. The bonus action occurs immediately after hitting with a melee weapon or unarmed strike, requiring successful attack roll completion.

Ongoing Damage Mechanics. Targets take damage at the start of their turns and then make Constitution saves to potentially end the effect.

Scaling Enhancement. Higher-level slots increase both initial and ongoing damage by 1d6 per level above 1st.

Duration Limitation. The spell lasts up to 1 minute but can end early through successful Constitution saves.

Alternative Applications

Intimidation Enhancement. The visible fire damage and ongoing burning effects create impressive displays during social encounters.

Environmental Interaction. Igniting combustible materials or creating light sources through weapon strikes enhanced with divine fire.

Divine Demonstration. Displaying divine favor and power through weapon enhancement that reinforces paladin religious authority.

Related Spells

Paladin Smite Series. Various smite spells provide different damage types and effects, while Searing Smite offers ongoing fire damage.

Weapon Enhancement Magic. Magic Weapon and similar spells provide different approaches to weapon improvement with varying benefits.

Fire Magic Integration. The spell connects paladin divine magic with fire effects, bridging martial and magical combat approaches.

Scaling Analysis

Excellent Slot Investment. Searing Smite scales well with higher-level slots, potentially providing more total damage than many equivalent-level spells.

Sustained Damage Value. The ongoing damage creates additional value beyond the initial enhancement, particularly against enemies with poor Constitution saves.

Combat Integration. The spell maintains effectiveness throughout character progression by scaling with both spell slots and improved weapon attacks.

Narrative Flavor

Divine Fire Enhancement. The spell should emphasize sacred flames wreathing weapons and continuing to burn targets with divine retribution.

Weapon Manifestation. Different weapons might manifest searing effects uniquely - swords wreathed in flame, hammers glowing with divine heat.

Ongoing Burning. The sustained fire damage should reflect divine punishment that continues to affect enemies until they overcome the sacred flames.