Slow

← Back to Spell List

• Level: 3
• School: Transmutation
• Class: Bard, Sorcerer, Wizard
• Casting Time: Action
• Range: 120 feet
• Components: V, S, M (a drop of molasses)
• Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute

You alter time around up to six creatures of your choice in a 40-foot cube within range. Each target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or be affected by this spell for the duration.

An affected target's Speed is halved, it takes a -2 penalty to AC and Dexterity saving throws, and it can't take Reactions. On its turns, it can take either an action or a Bonus Action, not both, and it can make only one attack if it takes the Attack action. If it casts a spell with a Somatic component, there is a 25 percent chance the spell fails as a result of the target making the spell's gestures too slowly.

An affected target repeats the save at the end of each of its turns, ending the spell on itself on a success.

Tactical Usage

Comprehensive Action Debuff. Slow significantly reduces enemy capabilities through speed reduction, AC penalties, and action limitations affecting combat effectiveness.

Multi-Target Control. The spell affects up to six creatures, providing excellent value for controlling multiple enemies simultaneously.

Spellcaster Disruption. The 25% spell failure chance creates significant problems for enemy spellcasters attempting to maintain magical activities.

Spell Combinations

Action Advantage. Combining with effects that grant additional actions maximizes the advantage over slowed enemies.

Wisdom Debuff Synergy. Using alongside effects that reduce Wisdom saves improves initial spell success and reduces escape chances.

Positioning Exploitation. The speed reduction enables positioning magic to trap slowed enemies more effectively.

Material Component Details

Molasses Symbolism. The drop of molasses represents viscosity and slowness, symbolically connecting to the spell's time-altering effects.

Viscosity Reference. The sticky, slow-moving nature of molasses mirrors the spell's effect on creature movement and actions.

Component Preparation. Molasses can be carried in small vials and remains effective as a material component indefinitely.

Creator Notes

Classic Debuff Magic. Slow represents iconic battlefield control through comprehensive action limitation rather than damage or incapacitation.

Time Magic Theme. The spell manipulates temporal flow around targets, creating thematic connection to time-based magic schools.

Save Repetition. The ongoing save chances prevent permanent effects while maintaining sustained battlefield control.

Environmental Interactions

Time Distortion. The spell creates localized time effects that slow all aspects of affected creature behavior and reactions.

Movement Limitation. Halved speed affects both combat movement and exploration mobility for affected targets.

Reaction Prevention. The inability to take reactions significantly impacts enemy defensive capabilities and opportunity attacks.

Common Rulings & Clarifications

Action Limitation. Affected creatures can take either an action or bonus action on their turns, not both.

Attack Restriction. Taking the Attack action allows only one attack regardless of Extra Attack or similar features.

Spell Failure Mechanics. Spells with somatic components have 25% failure chance due to slowed gesture execution.

Save Repetition. Affected creatures repeat Wisdom saves at the end of each turn to potentially end the effect.

Alternative Applications

Puzzle Solving. Slowing mechanisms or processes to examine complex systems or prevent dangerous automated sequences.

Crowd Control. Managing large groups through movement limitation that prevents stampedes or dangerous rushing.

Investigation Aid. Slowing fast-moving phenomena to enable detailed observation and analysis.

Related Spells

Time Magic Alternatives. Haste provides opposite effects, while other time-based magic offers different temporal manipulations.

Debuff Magic Comparison. Various spells impose penalties, while Slow provides comprehensive action and movement limitations.

Multi-Target Control. Few spells affect six creatures simultaneously, making Slow excellent for group encounter control.

Scaling Analysis

Excellent Action Economy. Slow provides outstanding value by affecting multiple enemies with significant debuffs for sustained duration.

High-Level Relevance. The spell maintains effectiveness against powerful enemies through comprehensive action limitation.

Concentration Investment. The spell justifies concentration usage through substantial impact on multiple enemies simultaneously.

Narrative Flavor

Temporal Distortion. The spell should emphasize slowed movement and actions as if targets are moving through thick air or altered time.

Frustrated Reactions. Affected creatures should appear to struggle with coordination and timing as their temporal perception shifts.

Time Magic Manifestation. The effect should feel like localized time manipulation rather than physical encumbrance or magical binding.