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Sunburst

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Sunburst
  • Level: 8
  • School: Evocation
  • Class: Cleric, Druid, Sorcerer, Wizard
  • Casting Time: Action
  • Range: 150 feet
  • Components: V, S, M (a piece of sunstone)
  • Duration: Instantaneous

Brilliant sunlight flashes in a 60-foot-radius sphere centered on a point you choose within range. Each creature in the sphere makes a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 12d6 Radiant damage and has the Blinded condition for 1 minute. On a successful save, it takes half as much damage only.

A creature Blinded by this spell makes another Constitution saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.

This spell dispels Darkness in its area that was created by any spell.

Tactical Usage​

Massive Area Devastation. Sunburst delivers devastating radiant damage across a 60-foot radius, capable of affecting entire enemy formations.

Extended Blindness Control. The 1-minute blindness duration provides substantial battlefield control beyond the initial damage effect.

Anti-Undead Specialization. The radiant damage and sunlight effects make this spell particularly potent against undead creatures.

Spell Combinations​

Area Positioning Setup. Combining with movement magic enables optimal placement to maximize the number of enemies caught in the blast radius.

Damage Amplification. Using alongside other radiant damage sources creates comprehensive anti-undead strategies.

Follow-Up Exploitation. Pairing with area control spells capitalizes on the extended blindness effects for sustained advantage.

Material Component Details​

Sunstone Focus Component. The piece of sunstone serves as a magical conduit for channeling and amplifying solar energy.

Solar Energy Crystallization. Sunstone represents crystallized sunlight, symbolically connecting to the spell's radiant power.

Reusable Gem Component. The sunstone is not consumed, allowing repeated casting once the component is acquired.

Creator Notes​

High-Level Area Control. Sunburst provides excellent encounter-ending potential for high-level combat situations.

Darkness Negation Utility. The spell's ability to dispel magical darkness creates strategic value beyond pure damage.

Resource Investment Balance. The 8th-level slot represents significant magical investment for maximum area effect.

Environmental Interactions​

Massive Illumination Burst. The 60-foot radius creates intense illumination that affects visibility across large areas.

Darkness Dispelling Power. The spell automatically dispels any spell-created darkness within its area of effect.

Underground Effectiveness. The spell brings intense sunlight to areas that never experience natural solar illumination.

Common Rulings & Clarifications​

Area Selection Precision. The caster chooses the exact center point for the 60-foot radius sphere within range.

Blindness Save Timing. Blinded creatures make Constitution saves at the end of each of their turns to end the effect.

Darkness Interaction. The spell dispels only magical darkness created by spells, not natural darkness.

Line of Effect Requirements. The spell requires a clear path to the chosen center point but affects all creatures in the area.

Alternative Applications​

Siege Breaking Tool. Using the massive area and brightness to break fortifications or disperse large military formations.

Underground Exploration. Providing intense illumination for exploring vast underground areas or cavern systems.

Ceremonial Illumination. Creating spectacular displays of light for religious ceremonies or important events.

Radiant Damage Comparison. Various spells provide radiant damage, while Sunburst offers the ultimate area radiant effect.

High-Level Evocation. The spell represents peak area damage evocation magic alongside Meteor Swarm and similar effects.

Light Magic Progression. The spell serves as the culmination of light-based magical effects.

Scaling Analysis​

8th-Level Exclusivity. Sunburst cannot be upcast, representing fixed ultimate radiant magical power.

Encounter Finale Value. The spell maintains maximum impact as encounter-defining magic at high levels.

Resource Cost Justification. The significant spell slot investment provides appropriate power for critical moments.

Narrative Flavor​

Solar Explosion Manifestation. The sunburst should appear as a miniature sun exploding with overwhelming radiant energy.

Purifying Light Emphasis. The effect should convey cleansing solar power that burns away darkness and evil.

Divine Radiance Display. The spell should emphasize connection to divine or natural solar forces unleashed at maximum intensity.