Symbol

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• Level: 7
• School: Abjuration
• Class: Bard, Cleric, Druid, Wizard
• Casting Time: 1 minute
• Range: Touch
• Components: V, S, M (powdered diamond worth 1,000+ GP, which the spell consumes)
• Duration: Until dispelled or triggered

You inscribe a harmful glyph either on a surface (such as a section of floor or wall) or within an object that can be closed (such as a book or chest). The glyph can cover an area no larger than 10 feet in diameter. If you choose an object, it must remain in place; if it is moved more than 10 feet from where you cast this spell, the glyph is broken, and the spell ends without being triggered.

The glyph is nearly imperceptible and requires a successful Wisdom (Perception) check against your spell save DC to notice.

When you inscribe the glyph, you set its trigger and choose which effect the symbol bears: Death, Discord, Fear, Pain, Sleep, or Stunning. Each one is explained below.

Set the Trigger. You decide what triggers the glyph when you cast the spell. For glyphs inscribed on a surface, common triggers include touching or stepping on the glyph, removing another object covering it, or approaching within a certain distance of it. For glyphs inscribed within an object, common triggers include opening that object or seeing the glyph.

You can refine the trigger so that only creatures of certain types activate it (for example, the glyph could be set to affect Aberrations). You can also set conditions for creatures that don't trigger the glyph, such as those who say a certain password.

Once triggered, the glyph glows, filling a 60-foot-radius sphere with Dim Light for 10 minutes, after which time the spell ends. Each creature in the sphere when the glyph activates is targeted by its effect, as is a creature that enters the sphere for the first time on a turn or ends its turn there. A creature is targeted only once per turn.

Death. Each target makes a Constitution saving throw, taking 10d10 Necrotic damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a successful save.

Discord. Each target makes a Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, a target argues with other creatures for 1 minute. During this time, it is incapable of meaningful communication and has Disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks.

Fear. Each target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or have the Frightened condition for 1 minute. While Frightened, the target must move at least 30 feet away from the glyph on each of its turns, if able.

Pain. Each target must succeed on a Constitution saving throw or have the Incapacitated condition for 1 minute.

Sleep. Each target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or have the Unconscious condition for 10 minutes. A creature awakens if it takes damage or if someone takes an action to shake it awake.

Stunning. Each target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or have the Stunned condition for 1 minute.

Tactical Usage

Persistent Area Control. Symbol creates long-lasting magical traps that provide area denial and threat protection without requiring ongoing concentration.

Flexible Trigger Configuration. The customizable trigger conditions enable precise activation criteria tailored to specific security or tactical needs.

Multiple Effect Options. The choice of six different harmful effects allows adaptation to various strategic situations and enemy types.

Spell Combinations

Layered Defense Systems. Combining with other trap magic creates comprehensive security networks that address multiple threat vectors.

Detection Enhancement. Using alongside magical sensors and alarms creates complete monitoring and response systems.

Access Control Magic. Pairing with password-based triggers and identification magic enables sophisticated security protocols.

Material Component Details

Diamond Dust Investment. The spell consumes expensive diamond powder worth 1,000 gold pieces, representing significant magical resource commitment.

Permanent Enchantment Component. The consumed diamond dust powers the persistent magical effect until triggered or dispelled.

Economic Security Consideration. The high component cost makes each symbol placement a substantial financial investment.

Creator Notes

Long-Term Security Magic. Symbol provides excellent mechanics for creating persistent magical defenses and area protection.

Encounter Design Tool. The spell enables creators to place sophisticated magical hazards with precise activation conditions.

Resource Investment Balance. The expensive component cost prevents casual use while providing substantial security value.

Environmental Interactions

Surface Integration Requirements. The glyph must be inscribed on stable surfaces or within objects that remain stationary.

Visibility Considerations. The nearly imperceptible glyph requires active perception checks to detect before activation.

Movement Limitations. Objects containing glyphs cannot be moved more than 10 feet without breaking the magical effect.

Common Rulings & Clarifications

Single Targeting Rule. Each creature can only be targeted once per turn by the same symbol regardless of movement.

Trigger Specificity. The caster defines exact trigger conditions during casting, including creature type restrictions and password exemptions.

Area Effect Duration. The 60-foot radius effect lasts for 10 minutes after activation before ending completely.

Detection Difficulty. Noticing the glyph requires a Wisdom Perception check against the caster's spell save DC.

Alternative Applications

Vault Security. Protecting valuable storage areas with customized triggers and appropriate defensive effects.

Message Protection. Securing important documents or information with symbols that activate when unauthorized readers access them.

Emergency Activation. Creating defensive systems that activate when specific threats approach protected areas.

Related Spells

Trap Magic Comparison. Various spells create magical traps, while Symbol provides the most sophisticated and persistent options.

Abjuration Protection. The spell represents defensive abjuration magic focused on area protection rather than personal defense.

Glyph Magic Tradition. The spell connects to magical glyph traditions found throughout various magical schools and cultures.

Scaling Analysis

Fixed 7th-Level Power. Symbol cannot be upcast, representing consistent high-level magical security capabilities.

Long-Term Value Investment. The persistent duration makes the expensive casting cost worthwhile for important security needs.

Campaign Security Utility. The spell provides excellent value for protecting important locations throughout extended campaigns.

Narrative Flavor

Mystical Glyph Inscription. The symbol creation should emphasize careful magical inscription requiring precise concentration and arcane knowledge.

Power Activation Display. The triggered effect should manifest dramatically with appropriate magical energy corresponding to the chosen effect type.

Ancient Security Magic. The spell should convey connection to traditional magical protection methods used by ancient civilizations and magical institutions.