Chain Lightning - DnD 5e stats

Chain Lightning

  • Casting Time: 1 action
  • Classes: Sorcerer, Wizard
  • Components: V S M
  • Damage: 10d8
  • Damage Type: Lightning
  • Duration: Instantaneous
  • Higher Spell Slot Desc: When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 7th level or higher, one additional bolt leaps from the first target to another target for each slot level above 6th.
  • Level: 6
  • Material: A bit of fur; a piece of amber, glass, or a crystal rod; and three silver pins
  • Name: Chain Lightning
  • Range: 150 feet
  • Save: Dexterity
  • School: Evocation
  • Target: A target of your choice that you can see within range

You create a bolt of lightning that arcs toward a target of your choice that you can see within range. Three bolts then leap from that target to as many as three other targets, each of which must be within 30 feet of the first target. A target can be a creature or an object and can be targeted by only one of the bolts.

A target must make a Dexterity saving throw. The target takes 10d8 lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much on a successful one.

At Higher Levels: When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 7th level or higher, one additional bolt leaps from the first target to another target for each slot level above 6th.


The SendingStone review

The spell Chain Lightning is an extremely powerful spell that can deal a massive 10d8 lightning damage to multiple targets in the area. This spell is exclusive to the Sorcerer and Wizard classes, making it a rare and valuable resource for those who can use it. It has a relatively short casting time of just one action, which makes it an excellent choice for quick, high-damage attacks. Additionally, it has no duration, meaning that once it's cast, the lightning damage is dealt instantly and cannot be avoided. Overall, Chain Lightning is a must-have spell in the arsenal of any experienced Sorcerer or Wizard player.


Chain Lightning is D&D (Dungeons & Dragons) 5th edition content, but other TTRPGs may have their own version such as a Chain Lightning Pathfinder edition. Want to use Chain Lightning in a VTT (virtual tabletop)? Try out SendingStone for free today!


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