Guiding Bolt is a powerful and dazzling spell in the 5th edition of Dungeons & Dragons (5e) that belongs to the Evocation school of magic.
This spell allows a cleric to call forth a radiant beam of energy from the sky to strike a target, dealing significant damage and leaving them marked for attack.
When cast, the spell illuminates the target in the mystical dim light that persists until the end of the caster’s next turn, granting an advantage on the next attack roll made against the target.
The spell is a 1st-level spell, making it accessible to low-level characters, but it can also be cast at higher levels to increase its damage output.
Clerics who specialize in the Evocation school of magic often favor this spell due to its versatility, as it can be used for both offensive and defensive purposes.
Guiding Bolt requires both verbal and somatic components and has a casting time of only 1 action, allowing the cleric to quickly unleash its power during combat. The spell has a range of 120 feet, making it ideal for striking targets from a safe distance.
It is an impressive and useful spell that can help clerics deal significant damage to their enemies while marking them for further attacks. Its flexibility and ease of use make it a popular choice among clerics who seek to vanquish their foes with divine energy.
Mechanics and Description
Sure, here is a more detailed explanation of the mechanics and description of Guiding Bolt in 5th edition Dungeons & Dragons:
Guiding Bolt is a 1st-level evocation spell that allows the caster to unleash a beam of divine energy to strike a target. The spell has a casting time of 1 action and a range of 120 feet.
The spell requires verbal and somatic components, meaning that the caster must speak a specific incantation and make a specific gesture to cast the spell.
When the spell is cast, the caster makes a ranged spell attack against the target. If the attack hits, the target takes 4d6 radiant damage, and the target is also marked with a “guiding bolt” effect.
The damage dealt by the spell increases as the spell is cast at higher levels. For each level above 1st, the spell deals an additional 1d6 radiant damage to the target.
The “guiding bolt” effect grants an advantage to the next attack roll made against the target before the end of the caster’s next turn.
This means that the next attack made against the target by anyone (including the caster themselves) has the advantage, making it more likely to hit and potentially deal extra damage.
This effect can be particularly useful in combat situations where allies need to take down a particularly tough foe quickly.
Overall, Guiding Bolt is a versatile spell that deals significant radiant damage and grants a potentially powerful advantage to the next attack against a marked target.
Its relatively low level and accessible components make it a popular choice for divine spellcasters in 5th edition D&D.
Can Guiding Bolt 5e be used outside of combat?
Yes, Guiding Bolt can be used outside of combat, although its use may be limited compared to other spells.
Guiding Bolt deals radiant damage and grants an advantage on the next attack roll against the target. These effects are primarily useful in combat situations, where dealing damage and taking down opponents quickly is important.
There may be situations where Guiding Bolt 5e can be useful outside of combat.
For example, if the party is facing a difficult obstacle, such as a locked door or a trap, the caster could use Guiding Bolt to blast the obstacle and grant an advantage to the next party member attempting to break through or disarm it.
It can be used as a show of force or intimidation against NPCs, especially if they are resistant to the caster’s persuasion or intimidation attempts. The radiant damage and bright light produced by the spell can impress or scare off potential threats.
The Guiding Bolt 5e Effect
The “guiding bolt” effect is a special effect that occurs when a target is hit by the Guiding Bolt spell. When the target is hit, they take 4d6 radiant damage (or more if the spell is cast at a higher level), and they are marked with the “guiding bolt” effect.
The guiding bolt effect grants an advantage to the next attack roll made against the target before the end of the caster’s next turn.
This means that the next attack made against the target by anyone (including the caster themselves) has the advantage, making it more likely to hit and potentially deal extra damage.
The advantage is a powerful mechanic in 5th edition D&D that allows the attacker to roll two d20s and choose the higher of the two rolls.
This increases the likelihood of rolling a critical hit (a natural 20 on the d20) and can make it easier to hit a target with a high armor class or other defensive abilities.\
The guiding bolt effect lasts until the end of the caster’s next turn, meaning that any attack made against the target before that point benefits from the advantage granted by the effect.
This can be particularly useful in combat situations where allies need to take down a particularly tough foe quickly, or when the caster themselves needs to follow up with another attack or spell.
Its effects are powerful and potentially game-changing mechanic that makes Guiding Bolt a popular spell choice for many divine spellcasters in 5th edition D&D.
Its ability to grant advantage to the next attack against a marked target can be a significant tactical advantage, and its relatively low-level and accessible components make it an attractive option for many characters.
An Example of Guiding Bolt 5e in Combat
Sure, here’s an example of how Guiding Bolt might be used in combat in 5th edition Dungeons & Dragons:
The party of adventurers has encountered a powerful undead creature guarding a treasure trove. The creature is a wight, a fearsome undead creature with powerful attacks and resistance to many types of damage.
The party’s cleric, a human named Leandra, decides to take the lead in the fight and casts Guiding Bolt on the wight as her first action.
Leandra’s player rolls a d20 and adds her spellcasting ability modifier and proficiency bonus to the roll to determine her attack roll. She rolls a 14, which is enough to hit the wight’s armor class.
She then rolls 4d6 for the damage dealt by the spell and gets a total of 16 radiant damage.
The wight takes the damage and is marked with the guiding bolt effect. The party’s fighter, a half-orc named Garak, takes advantage of this by rushing forward and attacking the wight with his greatsword.
Garak’s player rolls two d20s for the attack roll and takes the higher result thanks to the advantage granted by the guiding bolt effect. He rolls a natural 20, dealing critical damage and slicing the weight in half.
Thanks to the guiding bolt effect, Leandra was able to set up Garak for a devastating critical hit, taking down the weight quickly and allowing the party to claim their treasure.
Without the guiding bolt effect, the fight might have been much more difficult and drawn out, with the wight potentially taking down one or more of the party members before they were able to defeat it.
Guiding Bolt can be a powerful tool in combat, allowing casters to deal significant damage and set up their allies for powerful attacks.
Its combination of damage and the guiding bolt effect makes it a versatile and popular spell choice for many divine spellcasters in 5th edition D&D.
Combination with Other Spells and Abilities
Guiding Bolt 5e is a versatile spell that can be combined with other spells and abilities to create powerful combinations and synergies.
One of the most obvious combinations is with spells that deal radiant damage. Since Guiding Bolt deals radiant damage, it can be used to complement other spells that deal similar types of damage, such as Spiritual Weapon or Flame Strike.
By using Guiding Bolt to mark an enemy, the caster can then follow up with other radiant spells that deal additional damage to the marked target, potentially taking them down quickly and efficiently.
Another potential combination is with abilities that grant advantage on attack rolls.
Since Guiding Bolt grants the guiding bolt effect, which gives an advantage on the next attack roll against the target, it can be a useful tool for enhancing the effectiveness of abilities that also grant an advantage.
For example, a rogue might use their Sneak Attack ability to deal extra damage, taking advantage of the guiding bolt effect to ensure that their attack hits its mark.
Guiding Bolt can also be combined with abilities that grant extra attacks, such as the fighter’s Extra Attack ability or the ranger’s Hunter’s Mark spell.
By using Guiding Bolt to mark an enemy, the caster can then follow up with additional attacks that benefit from the guiding bolt effect, potentially dealing significant damage and taking the enemy down quickly.
It can be combined with abilities that allow for the movement or repositioning of enemies. For example, a wizard might use the spell Thunder Wave to push enemies away from the party, then follow up with Guiding Bolt to mark a target that has been separated from their allies.
This can allow the party to focus their attacks on the isolated target, potentially taking them down before the rest of the enemies can regroup and retaliate.
Guiding Bolt is a spell that can be combined with a wide range of other spells and abilities to create powerful and synergistic combinations.
By using the spell in creative ways and taking advantage of its unique properties, players can enhance their effectiveness in combat encounters and overcome even the toughest enemies.
Another way that Guiding Bolt can be combined with other spells is by using it to set up area-of-effect (AOE) spells.
Since Guiding Bolt targets a single creature, the caster can use it to mark a high-priority target and then follow up with an AOE spell like Fireball or Shatter, hitting multiple enemies and potentially taking out the marked target as well.
Guiding Bolt can be combined with abilities that grant additional damage or effects on a hit.
For example, a paladin might use their Divine Smite ability to deal extra damage on a hit, taking advantage of the guiding bolt effect to ensure that their attack hits its mark and deals maximum damage.
Is Guiding Bolt 5e Better Than Inflict Pain?
Comparing Guiding Bolt and Inflict Pain is difficult as they are different spells with different purposes. Guiding Bolt is a combat-oriented spell that deals damage and grants an advantage to the next attack against the target.
while Inflict Pain is a utility spell that inflicts psychic damage and allows the caster to read the target’s surface thoughts.
In terms of damage output, Guiding Bolt deals more damage than Inflict Pain. Guiding Bolt deals 4d6 radiant damage at 1st level, while Inflict Pain deals 1d10 psychic damage.
However, Inflict Pain has the added benefit of potentially revealing valuable information about the target’s thoughts, which can be useful for roleplaying and problem-solving outside of combat.
The guiding effect of Guiding Bolt can be a powerful tool for helping allies hit their targets in combat, making it a useful spell for supporting allies and taking down tough opponents quickly.
However, Inflict Pain’s ability to read surface thoughts can also be useful for gathering information and solving puzzles, making it a versatile spell in and out of combat.
A decision to use Guiding Bolt or Inflict Pain depends on the situation and the character’s goals. If the character is focused on dealing damage in combat and supporting allies, Guiding Bolt may be the better choice.
If the character is more interested in gathering information and roleplaying, Inflict Pain may be a better fit.
Flavor and Roleplaying
In addition to its mechanical benefits, Guiding Bolt also has a rich flavor and can add an interesting element to roleplaying in 5th edition Dungeons & Dragons.
Guiding Bolt is a spell that draws upon the caster’s divine connection to channel radiant energy into a powerful beam of light. This beam is described in the spell’s description as being “gleaming and bright”, and its impact is said to be like “a bolt of lightning”.
This imagery can be a powerful tool for roleplaying, allowing the caster to describe the dramatic effects of their spellcasting in detail and adding a layer of visual interest to combat encounters.
The guiding bolt effect can be used to enhance roleplaying by creating opportunities for teamwork and cooperation. A caster might use Guiding Bolt to mark a tough enemy, allowing their allies to work together to take it down quickly.
Alternatively, a character might use Guiding Bolt to support another party member in combat, setting them up for a powerful strike or attack.
These types of interactions can create interesting dynamics between characters and make combat encounters more dynamic and engaging.
Outside of combat, Guiding Bolt can also be used for roleplaying purposes. A cleric might use the spell to perform a dramatic display of their divine connection in a religious ceremony or to dispel dark energy from a sacred site.
The spell’s radiant energy and guiding bolt effect could also be used to create a sense of awe or wonder in NPCs or other characters, adding to the cleric’s reputation as a powerful and respected figure worldwide.
It is more than just a tool for dealing with the damage and setting up allies for powerful attacks. Its rich flavor and potential for roleplaying can add depth and interest to combat encounters and make for more engaging and memorable gameplay experiences.
Make Monsters Tougher
If you’re looking to make monsters tougher in your Dungeons & Dragons game, there are a few ways you can incorporate Guiding Bolt to increase the difficulty and challenge of combat encounters.
One way to make monsters tougher is to give them resistance or immunity to radiant damage.
Since Guiding Bolt deals radiant damage, this can make the spell less effective against certain enemies, forcing the players to come up with new strategies and approaches to take down tough opponents.
You can also incorporate monsters that have the ability to deflect or counter spells, making Guiding Bolt less effective in combat.
For example, a monster with the Spell Turning ability can deflect spells back at the caster, potentially causing damage to the party or disrupting their tactics. Another way to make monsters tougher is to increase their hit points or give them access to healing abilities.
This can make it more difficult for the players to take down enemies quickly, requiring them to use Guiding Bolt and other spells in creative ways to whittle down the enemy’s health over time.
you can increase the number and toughness of monsters in combat encounters, forcing the players to use Guiding Bolt strategically to take down high-priority targets quickly and efficiently.
By creating more challenging and varied encounters, you can help the players develop their skills and strategies, making their victories all the more satisfying.
It’s worth noting that making monsters tougher shouldn’t be done arbitrarily or excessively, as this can lead to frustration and disengagement from the players. Instead, aim to create challenging but fair encounters that push the players to think creatively and make strategic choices.
Ultimately, the key to making monsters tougher with Guiding Bolt is to keep the focus on player engagement and enjoyment.
By creating challenging but fair encounters that require creative thinking and strategic planning, you can help your players feel like their choices and actions have a meaningful impact on the game world, leading to a more immersive and rewarding gameplay experience.
FAQs
How does guiding bolt work?
Guiding Bolt is a spell in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) that allows you to make a ranged spell attack against a target. If the attack hits, it deals damage and the target becomes illuminated, granting advantage on the next attack roll made against it before the end of your next turn.
Does guiding bolt cancel invisibility?
No, guiding bolt does not cancel invisibility. Invisibility can be ended by certain spells or effects, but guiding bolt is not one of them. The spell will still require a successful attack roll against the invisible target.
Is guiding bolt good in D&D?
Guiding Bolt is considered a powerful spell in D&D. It deals decent damage and provides the benefit of granting advantage on the next attack against the target. Additionally, it has a long range, making it effective for ranged spellcasters.
Does guiding bolt give advantage?
Yes, if the attack roll of guiding bolt is successful, it illuminates the target and grants advantage on the next attack roll made against that target. This can be a significant advantage for you or your allies when targeting the illuminated creature.
