Skip to main content

Javelin of Lightning

Javelin Of Lightning
  • Category: Weapon (Javelin)
  • Rarity: Uncommon

Each time you make an attack roll with this magic weapon and hit, you can have it deal Lightning damage instead of Piercing damage.

Lightning Bolt. When you throw this weapon at a target no farther than 120 feet from you, you can forgo making a ranged attack roll and instead turn the weapon into a bolt of lightning. This bolt forms a 5 -foot-wide Line between you and the target. The target and each other creature in the Line (excluding you) makes a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw, taking 4 d 6 Lightning damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a successful one. Immediately after dealing this damage, the weapon reappears in your hand. This property can't be used again until the next dawn.

Tactical Applications​

Combat Strategy: When thrown, transforms into a lightning bolt dealing massive damage in a line. Single-use item that provides exceptional area damage and can affect multiple enemies simultaneously.

Class Synergies:

  • Any Class: Universal utility for area damage and multiple enemy engagement
  • Ranged Specialists: Perfect for characters specializing in thrown weapons and projectile combat
  • Area Damage Builds: Excellent for characters requiring lightning damage and line effects
  • Tactical Strikers: Essential for characters needing high-damage options against grouped enemies

Build Considerations: Single-use limitation requires strategic deployment. Most valuable against multiple enemies in a line or single high-value targets.

Acquisition Methods​

Crafting Requirements: Requires lightning magic, electrical enchantments, and storm energy. Creation cost 3,000-6,000 gp and takes 6 weeks.

Common Sources:

  • Storm magic practitioners and lightning specialists
  • Treasure hoards of storm giants and electrical creatures
  • Commission from enchanters specializing in lightning magic
  • Found in the collections of weather mages and storm callers
  • Rewards from grateful storm-aligned organizations

Alternative Acquisition: Sometimes discovered in storm-damaged areas or obtained from electrical creature encounters.

Value & Trade​

Estimated Value: 4,500-7,500 gp, with higher demand among characters requiring area damage and lightning effects.

Trade Considerations: Popular among adventurers facing multiple enemies and characters needing reliable area damage options.

Character Integration​

Roleplay Elements: Suggests experience with storm magic, electrical phenomena, or professional roles requiring area damage capabilities.

Character Concepts:

  • Storm warrior with lightning magic training
  • Hunter specializing in multiple enemy engagement
  • Character with electrical magic connections and storm experience
  • Tactical specialist requiring area damage options

Adventure Hooks​

The Lightning Strike: Combat scenarios where line damage affects multiple enemies simultaneously.

The Storm Hunt: Missions against storm creatures where lightning damage provides tactical advantages.

The Electrical Warfare: Military operations utilizing lightning weapons for area damage.

The Multiple Target Engagement: Encounters where single attacks affecting multiple enemies determine success.

Variants & Customization​

Greater Javelin of Lightning (Rare): Enhanced damage and longer lightning bolt with additional electrical effects.

Javelin of Chain Lightning (Very Rare): Creates chain lightning that jumps between multiple targets.

Storm Lord's Javelin (Rare): Includes additional storm-based abilities and weather effects.

Specialized Variants:

  • Giant Slayer's Javelin: Enhanced damage against large creatures and giants
  • Storm Caller's Javelin: Includes weather summoning abilities and atmospheric control
  • Battle Javelin: Optimized for military use with enhanced area damage

Lore & History​

Origins: Created by ancient storm warriors who needed reliable methods for engaging multiple enemies with lightning magic.

Historical Significance: These javelins enabled crucial military victories and the development of electrical warfare tactics.

Cultural Impact: Represent the mastery of storm magic and the weaponization of natural electrical phenomena.

Magical Craft: Demonstrates understanding of lightning magic and the complex enchantments required for electrical transformation.

Balancing Notes​

Introduction Timing: Appropriate for levels 4-10 when area damage becomes important and multiple enemy encounters are common.

Campaign Impact: Provides powerful area damage option balanced by single-use limitation and strategic deployment requirements.

Lightning Consideration: Line damage requires tactical positioning to maximize effectiveness against multiple targets.

Encounter Design​

Recommended Challenges:

  • Combat scenarios with multiple enemies positioned in lines
  • Encounters where area damage provides tactical advantages
  • Storm-themed adventures where lightning damage is particularly effective
  • Military operations requiring coordinated area attacks

Tactical Adjustments: Encounters may include enemy positioning that rewards line damage effects.

Lightning Items: Storm magic weapons, Electrical damage equipment, and other items that provide lightning effects.

Area Damage Equipment:

  • Items that improve area damage and multiple target engagement
  • Equipment for storm magic and electrical combat
  • Tools for professional military operations and tactical warfare

Complementary Equipment: Items that enhance thrown weapon accuracy or provide additional electrical effects.

Roleplay Opportunities​

Storm Mastery: Characters develop expertise in lightning magic and electrical combat techniques.

Tactical Innovation: Learning to use area damage strategically teaches advanced positioning and battlefield awareness.

Electrical Connection: Lightning magic creates relationships with storm creatures and weather-based organizations.