Branding Smite
Level 2 · Evocation
- Concentration
- Damage
- AOE
Branding Smite (paladin) casts from a 2nd-level slot in the evocation school. Cast time: Bonus Action. Range Self, components V, duration up to 1 minute. Marked concentration. Effect: The next time you hit a creature with a weapon attack before this spell ends, the weapon gleams with astral radiance as you strike. At higher levels: When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, the extra damage increases by 1d6 for each slot level above 2nd.
Stat Block
- Level
- 2
- School
- Evocation
- Casting Time
- Bonus Action
- Range / Area
- Self
- Components
- V
- Duration
- up to 1 Minute
- Ritual
- No
- Concentration
- Yes
- Classes
- Paladin
- Material
- —
Description
The next time you hit a creature with a weapon attack before this spell ends, the weapon gleams with astral radiance as you strike. The attack deals an extra 2d6 radiant damage to the target, which becomes visible if it is invisible, and the target sheds dim light in a 5-foot radius and can't become invisible until the spell ends.
5e (2014) vs 2024 changes
This spell has both a 5e (2014) and 2024 Player's Handbook version. Doungim shows the current 2024 stat block above. Differences between editions typically affect components, range, or scaling — check both source books for the table.
Doungim Lore
School Fit
Evocation handles every spell that converts magical energy into physical effect at range. The school's signature is area-of-effect damage but it includes single-target rays and bursts too. What lands Branding Smite in Evocation is the spell focuses magical energy into a visible, immediate effect. 2nd-level slots become common enough that Branding Smite can be cast in two or three encounters per long rest.
Class Fit
- Paladin: Auras dominate Paladin identity. Branding Smite is a discretionary slot the Paladin chooses to add on top of the always-on aura suite. Keep in mind that Branding Smite ends the moment the caster takes concentration off it for any reason.
Related Spells
Frequently Asked Questions about Branding Smite
- What level spell is Branding Smite?
- The spell Branding Smite is a level 2 spell in the Evocation school. Paladin all have access to it.
- How much damage does Branding Smite deal?
- On a base cast, Branding Smite deals 2d6 radiant damage. The damage scales when upcast — see the higher-level note.
- What is the range of Branding Smite?
- As a self-target spell, Branding Smite affects only the caster.
- Is Branding Smite a concentration spell?
- Yes — Branding Smite requires concentration, lasting up to 1 minute. Casting another concentration spell ends this one; damage taken triggers a Constitution save (DC 10 or half the damage, whichever is higher) to maintain it.
- What components and casting time does Branding Smite need?
- For Branding Smite: the components are V; on top of that, the casting time is bonus action (not a standard Action).
- Can Branding Smite be upcast?
- Branding Smite scales when upcast: When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, the extra damage increases by 1d6 for each slot level above 2nd.