Call Lightning
A storm cloud appears in a 60-foot-radius cylinder centered on a point you can see 100 feet directly above you. When you cast the spell, choose a point beneath the cloud. A bolt of lightning flashes down dealing 3d10 lightning damage (Dex save for half). On each of your turns until the spell ends, you can use your action to call down lightning in this way again, targeting the same or different point. If you are outdoors in stormy conditions, the damage increases by 1d10.
At a Glance
Level
3rd
School
Conjuration
Casting Time
1 action
Range
120 feet
Duration
Concentration, up to 10 minutes
Concentration
Yes
How Call Lightning Works
| Casting Time | 1 action |
|---|---|
| Range | 120 feet |
| Components | V, S |
| Duration | Concentration, up to 10 minutesCONCENTRATION |
| Saving Throw | Dexterity |
Available to:
Druid
Damage
3d10 lightning (4d10 in storm)(Dexterity)
At Higher Levels
When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 4th level or higher, the damage increases by 1d10 for each slot level above 3rd.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Forgetting you need to use your action each turn to call down lightning - it's not automatic
Common Mistake
Not applying the bonus damage die when outdoors in a storm
Common Mistake
Thinking the cloud moves with you - it stays in place once created
Common Mistake
Forgetting that you choose the point beneath the cloud, not the cloud's location on later turns
DM Tips
DM Tip
This spell is excellent sustained damage for druids in outdoor encounters
DM Tip
The visual of repeated lightning strikes makes combat cinematic
DM Tip
Consider whether the environment counts as 'stormy' - light rain probably doesn't qualify
DM Tip
Remember enemies can ready actions to dodge when they see the caster targeting
Sources & Further Reading
- Call Lightning — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full SRD text
- Call Lightning — Roll20 Compendium — Structured reference
- Call Lightning — D&D Beyond — Official digital reference