Shining Smite

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• Level: 2
• School: Transmutation
• Class: Paladin
• Casting Time: Bonus Action, which you take immediately after hitting a creature with a Melee weapon or an Unarmed Strike
• Range: Self
• Components: V
• Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute

The target hit by the strike takes an extra 2d6 Radiant damage from the attack. Until the spell ends, the target sheds Bright Light in a 5-foot radius, attack rolls against it have Advantage, and it can't benefit from the Invisible condition.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The damage increases by 1d6 for each spell slot level above 2.

Tactical Usage

Radiant Damage Enhancement. Shining Smite provides immediate radiant damage plus ongoing tactical benefits through target illumination and vulnerability.

Advantage Generation. The spell grants advantage on attack rolls against the target, significantly improving hit chances for all attackers.

Invisibility Negation. The spell prevents the target from benefiting from invisibility, providing ongoing utility against stealth-based enemies.

Spell Combinations

Multi-Attacker Support. The advantage granted to all attack rolls makes this spell excellent for coordinated party tactics.

Radiant Damage Synergy. Combining with other radiant effects or abilities that exploit radiant vulnerability maximizes damage potential.

Concentration Coordination. Planning concentration usage helps balance the spell's ongoing benefits against other magical needs.

Material Component Details

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

Divine Invocation. The verbal component represents divine words that channel sacred light through weapon strikes.

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

Creator Notes

Paladin Support Identity. Shining Smite exemplifies paladin magic that enhances both personal combat and party coordination through divine light.

Concentration Management. The spell requires concentration decisions about maintaining light effects versus casting other spells.

Tactical Advantage Focus. The spell provides ongoing tactical benefits beyond initial damage through sustained target marking.

Environmental Interactions

Illumination Creation. The spell provides 5-foot radius bright light that affects visibility, stealth, and environmental interaction.

Stealth Disruption. The continuous light makes stealth impossible for affected targets and reveals their location consistently.

Divine Light Manifestation. The radiant light creates obvious divine magic effects that might affect interactions with light-sensitive creatures.

Common Rulings & Clarifications

Immediate Damage Application. The 2d6 radiant damage applies to the triggering attack that hits the target.

Concentration Duration. The spell requires concentration for up to 1 minute to maintain the ongoing light and advantage effects.

Advantage Scope. All attack rolls against the illuminated target gain advantage, benefiting the entire party.

Invisibility Prevention. The target cannot gain benefit from the invisible condition while under the spell's effects.

Alternative Applications

Target Marking. Identifying and tracking important enemies through divine illumination that prevents concealment.

Party Coordination. Providing tactical advantages that benefit all party members through improved attack accuracy.

Divine Demonstration. Displaying divine power through radiant light that reinforces paladin religious authority.

Related Spells

Paladin Smite Comparison. Different smite spells provide various effects, while Shining Smite focuses on ongoing tactical advantages.

Light Magic Integration. The spell combines damage with illumination effects, bridging combat and utility magic.

Advantage Generation. Few spells provide ongoing advantage to all attackers, making Shining Smite unique in tactical support.

Scaling Analysis

Solid Damage Scaling. Shining Smite scales well with higher-level slots while maintaining consistent tactical benefits.

Ongoing Value. The concentration effects provide sustained value beyond initial damage through prolonged tactical advantages.

Party Support Focus. The spell becomes increasingly valuable in party-based combat through shared advantage benefits.

Narrative Flavor

Divine Radiance. The spell should emphasize holy light that marks targets with divine power while illuminating them for allies.

Weapon Light Integration. The radiant effect should appear to emanate from the weapon strike, creating thematic connection between martial and divine magic.

Sustained Illumination. The ongoing light should feel like divine marking that brands targets with sacred energy for continued tactical focus.