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Stinking Cloud

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Stinking Cloud
  • Level: 3
  • School: Conjuration
  • Class: Bard, Sorcerer, Wizard
  • Casting Time: Action
  • Range: 90 feet
  • Components: V, S, M (a rotten egg)
  • Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute

You create a 20-foot-radius sphere of yellow, nauseating gas centered on a point within range. The cloud is Heavily Obscured. The cloud lingers in the air for the duration or until a strong wind (such as the one created by Gust of Wind) disperses it.

Each creature that starts its turn in the sphere must succeed on a Constitution saving throw or have the Poisoned condition until the end of the current turn. While Poisoned in this way, the creature can't take an action or a Bonus Action.

Tactical Usage​

Area Incapacitation. Stinking Cloud creates a large area where creatures become poisoned and lose their actions and bonus actions.

Heavy Obscurement. The cloud blocks vision completely, creating concealment and preventing targeting within the affected area.

Constitution Save Targeting. The spell targets Constitution saves each turn, creating sustained pressure on creatures within the area.

Spell Combinations​

Area Denial Coordination. Combining with other area effects creates comprehensive battlefield control through multiple hazard layers.

Positioning Enhancement. Using alongside forced movement pushes enemies into the nauseating cloud for maximum effect.

Stealth Integration. The heavy obscurement provides excellent cover for stealth operations and tactical repositioning.

Material Component Details​

Rotten Egg Symbolism. The rotten egg represents decay and nausea, symbolically connecting to the spell's nauseating gas creation.

Organic Component. The material requirement reinforces the spell's connection to natural decay and putrid odors.

Component Preparation. Rotten eggs can be prepared in advance and preserved for consistent spell component access.

Creator Notes​

Battlefield Control Tool. Stinking Cloud provides excellent area denial that combines vision blocking with action prevention.

Non-Lethal Control. The spell incapacitates without dealing damage, offering control options for non-lethal encounters.

Wind Vulnerability. The spell's dispersion by strong winds creates tactical considerations about environmental factors.

Environmental Interactions​

Heavy Obscurement Effect. The cloud blocks all vision within the area, preventing targeting and creating concealment opportunities.

Wind Dispersion. Strong winds can disperse the cloud early, requiring tactical consideration of environmental conditions.

Persistent Area Effect. The cloud lingers for the full duration unless dispersed, creating sustained area denial.

Common Rulings & Clarifications​

Turn-Based Saves. Creatures make Constitution saves at the start of their turns if they begin in the cloud.

Action Prevention. Poisoned creatures cannot take actions or bonus actions while affected by the cloud.

Obscurement Mechanics. The heavy obscurement prevents sight-based targeting but doesn't affect other senses.

Concentration Duration. The spell requires concentration for up to 1 minute to maintain the cloud effect.

Alternative Applications​

Crowd Dispersal. Creating nauseating conditions that encourage civilian evacuation from dangerous areas.

Interrogation Control. Preventing hostile actions during questioning through incapacitating gas effects.

Area Protection. Defending important locations by making them temporarily uninhabitable through noxious gas.

Gas Cloud Comparison. Various spells create gaseous areas, while Stinking Cloud focuses on incapacitation through nausea.

Area Control Alternatives. Different spells create area denial through various mechanisms, while Stinking Cloud uses poison effects.

Vision Blocking Magic. The spell shares heavy obscurement with other magic but combines it with incapacitation.

Scaling Analysis​

Consistent Control Value. Stinking Cloud maintains area denial utility throughout character progression as action prevention remains valuable.

Constitution Save Pressure. The spell becomes increasingly effective against enemies with poor Constitution saves.

Concentration Investment. The spell justifies concentration usage through sustained area control and incapacitation effects.

Narrative Flavor​

Nauseating Gas Creation. The spell should emphasize putrid, yellow gas that creates overwhelming nausea and disorientation.

Environmental Toxicity. The cloud should feel genuinely toxic and unbreathable, explaining the mechanical incapacitation effects.

Conjured Atmosphere. The effect should demonstrate magical creation of harmful atmospheric conditions rather than simple illusion.