There are a plethora of spells in the Dungeons and Dragons games. These spells come in handy in times of need. It could be that a party member is injured and needs healing, it could be to undo a spell that caused damage to you or a party member. Whatever the situation is, spells are very vital while planning your campaign.
In this article, we will be discussing the Witch Bolt Spell. We will be expounding your knowledge on the fundamentals of this spell and how to use it. By the end of this article, you must have learned how to properly use this spell effectively like a professional and you will be well on your way.
What is the Witch Bolt Spell?
The Witch Bolt Spell when cast releases a beam of crackling, blue energy lances out towards the creature which is within range. This beam creates a sustained arc of lightning between the spell caster and the target. This allows you to go ahead and make a ranged spell attack against it.
Upon a hit, the target takes 1d12 lightning damage and on each of your turns for the duration, you can use your action to deal 1d12 lightning damage to the target. However, at levels other than the 1st level, the initial damage increases by 1d12 for each slot level.
Statistics for the Witch Bolt Spell
This spell statistics is an excerpt from the Player’s Handbook. It is important to get a player’s handbook. If you don’t already have one, you can get one through this link. If you need the Players handbook with DND dice and a complete printable kit-DND core rule book all in one pack, click this link This will save you some cash than having to go buy them separately but you will have to pay more upfront. However, if you don’t have the funds at this time to purchase one, we got you covered as we will supply you with the most important statistics for the Witch Bolt Spell excerpted from the Players handbook.
Spell level: 1st Level spell
Casting time: 1 action
Range: 30feet
Classes: Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard
Components: V, S, M (A twig from a tree that has been struck by a lightning bolt)
Duration: Concentration, Up to 1 minute.
Delving into the Witch Bolt spell
The Witch Bolt Spell is a first-level evocation spell. This spell can be cast by Sorcerers, Wizards, and warlocks. When this spell is cast, a beam of sputtering blue energy will be ejected towards a target creature that is in the spell’s range. This ejected beam now creates a demarcation between you and the target.
However, the spell demands the use of the Visual, somatic, and Material components to work. We will explain what these components mean in a bit. Do not forget that this spell will have no effect on creatures or enemies that are not within a 30 feet range. This spell needs great concentration and the duration of the spell is a minute.
Components of the Witch Bolt Spell
There are 3 components needed to pull off a Witch Bolt spell. These components are the Verbal, Somatic, and Material components. We will explain the three components to get you started. For a spell like Witch Bolt that needs these 3 components, you will be well on your way to succeeding in the activation of the spell.
The Verbal component: As you already know, most spells if not all require the spell caster to chant or mutter some mystic words or abracadabra. If you have this spell and you don’t have the perfect abracadabra for its activation, the spell will not work.
The Somatic component: This component is a basic part of casting spells. Many spells would require some sort of motion for the casting creature to perform it. In situations where the spell caster cannot pull these motion stunts, the spell cannot be activated.
The material component: Sometimes, you would need material to be able to cast a spell. This is not always the case as some spells can be cast without having any material. An example of a material component that is required to cast the Witch Bolt spell is a twig from a tree that has been struck by a lightning bolt.
Witch Bolt Spell in Combat
The Witch Bolt spell is a powerful spell to use during combat. Inasmuch as it is a 1st level spell, it could do a lot for you during combat regardless. The witch bolt tethers both you and your target together with an energy lance, and you can deal 1d12 lightning damage if your ranged attack roll hits.
Then you can continue in sending that 1d12 down the chain until you kill the target or you take another action. Remember, this spell will end if you use your action to perform another task or if the targeted creature is outside the validity range of the spell.
If you effectively use the 1d12 for its full effect during the spell casting, you could turn the deadliest enemies into cinders. This kills the enemies immediately. However, if the enemies are not killed immediately, the spell would have wreaked havoc on the enemy so that others can kill them swiftly.
FAQs
When does the Witch Bolt Spell end?
The Witch Bolt spell does not remain forever. This spell will end if you use your action to perform another task or if the targeted creature is outside the validity range of the spell. This is expected as the spell cannot be valid when the target is not in the spell’s range.
Does the Witch Bolt have downsides?
Yes, there are downsides while casting the Witch Bolt spell. First off, the spell only works for enemies in a 30 feet range. If an enemy is not in this range, you cannot use the spell. Also, the spell is not open for all classes. There are classes that are good at using this spell effectively such as the wizards, sorcerers, and warlocks. Furthermore, If you use your action to do anything other than sending another 1d12 point of damage down towards the enemy, that ends the spell. The spell also lasts up to a minute. I think I will appreciate it more if it lasted longer.
What enemies are vulnerable to lightning?
There are only 35 enemies that are resistant to lightning according to the Monster Manual. Nevertheless, only 10 of these enemies are completely resistant to lightning damage. Here is a list of enemies who are immune to lightning damage. Djinni, Behir, Bronze Dragon, Ochre Jelly, Will-O-Wisp, Blue Dragon, Black Pudding, Flesh Golem, Shambling Mound, Storm Giant, or a Kraken. This list will help you to better use the spell on creatures who are not immune to lightning bolt damage.
Can I be in motion when casting the Witch Bolt spell?
First off, movement is not considered as an action except you use both your actions to dash. Nevertheless, since the rules for the witch bolt states that the spell terminates if you use your action to do anything else, many have wondered if moving would render their Witch bolt spell useless.
Well, I don’t think moving is an action unless you moved out of range. However, it will be the duty of your Dungeon Master and their house rules to determine whether or not it should be counted as an action.