Spike Growth
- Level: 2
- School: Transmutation
- Class: Druid, Ranger
- Casting Time: Action
- Range: 150 feet
- Components: V, S, M (seven thorns)
- Duration: Concentration, up to 10 minutes
The ground in a 20-foot-radius sphere centered on a point within range sprouts hard spikes and thorns. The area becomes Difficult Terrain for the duration. When a creature moves into or within the area, it takes 2d4 Piercing damage for every 5 feet it travels.
The transformation of the ground is camouflaged to look natural. Any creature that can't see the area when the spell is cast must take a Search action and succeed on a Wisdom (Perception or Survival) check against your spell save DC to recognize the terrain as hazardous before entering it.
Tactical Usage
Area Hazard Creation. Spike Growth creates a dangerous 20-foot radius area that damages creatures for every 5 feet of movement within it.
Camouflaged Trap. The spell creates naturally-appearing hazards that require active perception checks to detect before entry.
Movement Control. The difficult terrain and damage mechanics severely limit enemy movement and positioning options.
Spell Combinations
Forced Movement Synergy. Combining with spells that push or pull enemies maximizes damage by forcing movement through the hazardous area.
Area Denial. Using alongside other control magic creates comprehensive battlefield manipulation and enemy restriction.
Stealth Integration. The camouflaged nature enables surprise area denial that enemies don't anticipate.
Material Component Details
Seven Thorns Symbolism. The thorns represent the natural spikes that will emerge from the ground through transmutation magic.
Natural Component. The thorns connect the spell to natural plant defenses and druidic harmony with nature.
Component Preparation. Thorns can be gathered from various plants and preserved for consistent spell component access.
Creator Notes
Battlefield Control Magic. Spike Growth provides excellent area denial that affects both movement and enemy positioning decisions.
Natural Hazard Creation. The spell exemplifies druidic magic that uses natural elements to create environmental dangers.
Perception Challenge. The camouflaged nature creates interesting tactical decisions about revealing or concealing the hazard.
Environmental Interactions
Ground Transformation. The spell physically alters terrain to create genuine spikes and thorns that cause real damage.
Natural Appearance. The transformation appears natural, blending with existing vegetation and terrain features.
Damage Per Movement. The spell deals damage based on distance traveled rather than time spent in the area.
Common Rulings & Clarifications
Movement Damage. Creatures take 2d4 piercing damage for every 5 feet traveled within the area.
Difficult Terrain Effect. The area counts as difficult terrain, requiring extra movement to traverse.
Perception Requirements. Creatures must actively search and succeed on Wisdom checks to recognize the hazard.
Camouflage Mechanics. The spell's natural appearance makes detection challenging without deliberate investigation.
Alternative Applications
Perimeter Defense. Creating protective barriers around campsites, important locations, or strategic positions.
Crowd Control. Channeling enemy movement through specific routes by blocking others with hazardous terrain.
Escape Route Protection. Covering retreat paths to prevent pursuit while maintaining natural area appearance.
Related Spells
Area Hazard Comparison. Various spells create dangerous areas, while Spike Growth focuses on movement-based damage.
Terrain Magic. Other spells modify terrain differently, while Spike Growth creates damaging natural hazards.
Druidic Control. The spell reinforces druid battlefield control through natural environmental manipulation.
Scaling Analysis
Consistent Control Value. Spike Growth maintains battlefield utility throughout character progression as area denial remains valuable.
Concentration Investment. The 10-minute duration provides substantial area control for reasonable concentration investment.
Natural Hazard Effectiveness. The damage remains threatening against enemies of various levels through movement-based mechanics.
Narrative Flavor
Natural Growth Acceleration. The spell should emphasize rapid growth of natural thorns and spikes from existing ground vegetation.
Camouflaged Danger. The hazard should appear completely natural until creatures experience the painful reality of the enhanced terrain.
Druidic Environmental Control. The effect should demonstrate the druid's ability to weaponize natural plant defenses.