Phantom Steed

• Casting Time: 1 minute
• Classes: Wizard
• Components: V S
• Duration: 1 hour
• Level: 3
• Name: Phantom Steed
• Range: 30 feet
• Ritual: Yes
• School: Illusion
• Target: The ground in an unoccupied space of your choice within range

A Large quasi-real, horse-like creature appears on the ground in an unoccupied space of your choice within range. You decide the creature's appearance, but it is equipped with a saddle, bit, and bridle. Any of the equipment created by the spell vanishes in a puff of smoke if it is carried more than 10 feet away from the steed.

For the duration, you or a creature you choose can ride the steed. The creature uses the statistics for a riding horse, except it has a speed of 100 feet and can travel 10 miles in an hour, or 13 miles at a fast pace. When the spell ends, the steed gradually fades, giving the rider 1 minute to dismount. The spell ends if you use an action to dismiss it or if the steed takes any damage.

---

The SendingStone review

Phantom Steed is a useful spell for wizards who need to travel quickly and discreetly. It creates a spectral horse that can carry the caster and one additional person for an hour at a time. While the spell is only available to wizards, it can be cast as a ritual, which means it doesn't consume a spell slot.

The illusionary nature of the steed means that it cannot be damaged or interact with objects in the real world, which limits its usefulness in combat. However, it can still be a valuable tool for avoiding obstacles, navigating tricky terrain, and escaping danger.

Critics of the spell argue that it is too situational to be worth a spell slot. Its usefulness is dependent on the need for quick and stealthy travel, which may not arise in every adventure. Furthermore, some argue that other spells, such as Fly or Teleportation, provide similar benefits but with greater versatility.

Overall, opinions on Phantom Steed are mixed. While some praise its ability to provide swift and silent travel, others argue that it is too niche of a spell to justify its level 3 status.

---

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

Share this article