When you cast this spell, you inscribe a glyph that harms other creatures, either upon a surface (such as a table or a section of floor or wall) or within an object that can be closed (such as a book, a scroll, or a treasure chest) to conceal the glyph. If you choose a surface, the glyph can cover an area of the surface no larger than 10 feet in diameter. If you choose an object, that object must remain in its place, if the object 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 invisible and requires a successful Intelligence (Investigation) check against your spell save DC to be found.
You decide what triggers the glyph when you cast the spell. For glyphs inscribed on a surface, the most typical triggers include touching or standing on the glyph, removing another object covering the glyph, approaching within a certain distance of the glyph, or manipulating the object on which the glyph is inscribed. For glyphs inscribed within an object, the most common triggers include opening that object, approaching within a certain distance of the object, or seeing or reading the glyph. Once a glyph is triggered, this spell ends.
You can further refine the trigger so the spell activates only under certain circumstances or according to physical characteristics (such as height or weight), creature kind (for example, the ward could be set to affect aberrations or drow), or alignment. You can also set conditions for creatures that don't trigger the glyph, such as those who say a certain password.
When you inscribe the glyph, choose explosive runes or a spell glyph.
Explosive Runes: When triggered, the glyph erupts with magical energy in a 20-foot-radius sphere centered on the glyph. The sphere spreads around corners. Each creature in the aura must make a Dexterity saving throw. A creature takes 5d8 acid, cold, fire, lightning, or thunder damage on a failed saving throw (your choice when you create the glyph), or half as much damage on a successful one.
Spell Glyph: You can store a prepared spell of 3rd level or lower in the glyph by casting it as part of creating the glyph. The spell must target a single creature or an area. The spell being stored has no immediate effect when cast in this way. When the glyph is triggered, the stored spell is cast. If the spell has a target, it targets the creature that triggered the glyph. If the spell affects an area, the area is centered on that creature. If the spell summons hostile creatures or creates harmful objects or traps, they appear as close as possible to the intruder and attack it. If the spell requires concentration, it lasts until the end of its full duration.
At Higher Levels: When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 4th level or higher, the damage of an explosive runes glyph increases by 1d8 for each slot level above 3rd. If you create a spell glyph, you can store any spell of up to the same level as the slot you use for the glyph of warding.
The Glyph of Warding spell is a powerful tool for any magic user, offering a wide range of possibilities for both defensive and offensive purposes. Its one-hour casting time might seem like a major drawback, but its long-lasting duration and versatility more than make up for the wait. The ability to place the glyph on any object or surface, and then determine its trigger conditions, means that the spell could be used to protect an entire area or to set up a deadly ambush for unsuspecting opponents.
While the Glyph of Warding spell does have some limitations, such as its reliance on spell slot usage and its vulnerability to dispelling effects, it is still an incredibly useful tool in the hands of a skilled caster. Its versatility means that it can be used in a wide range of situations, from simple alarms to deadly traps, and the ability to set it up in advance allows for careful planning and preparation. All in all, the Glyph of Warding spell is a powerful and flexible tool that should not be underestimated by any magic user looking for additional defensive or offensive options.
Glyph of Warding is D&D (Dungeons & Dragons) 5th edition content, but other TTRPGs may have their own version such as a Glyph of Warding Pathfinder edition. Want to use Glyph of Warding in a VTT (virtual tabletop)? Try out SendingStone for free today!
Subscribe to get notified of new articles, upcoming adventures, new features, and more
Adventure awaits, your friends are remote, and teleportation circles aren’t canon in this world. Playing online is the only option.
Privacy • Terms • Blog • Compendium • Name Generators • Beyond20 • PLAN Gaming • Pathfinder • Daggerheart • Cosmere RPG • Powered by the Apocalypse • Credits
© 2024 Artificer, LLC