Call Lightning
Level 3 · Conjuration
- Concentration
- Damage
- Save
- AOE
- Summon
Call Lightning is a conjuration spell at level 3, sitting on the druid list. Cast time: Action. Range 120 feet, components V/S, duration up to 10 minutes. Marked concentration. Effect: A storm cloud appears at a point within range that you can see above yourself. At higher levels: The damage increases by 1d10 for each spell slot level above 3.
Stat Block
- Level
- 3
- School
- Conjuration
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range / Area
- 120 feet
- Components
- V, S
- Duration
- up to 10 minutes
- Ritual
- No
- Concentration
- Yes
- Classes
- Druid
- Material
- —
Description
A storm cloud appears at a point within range that you can see above yourself. It takes the shape of a Cylinder that is 10 feet tall with a 60-foot radius. When you cast the spell, choose a point you can see under the cloud. A lightning bolt shoots from the cloud to that point. Each creature within 5 feet of that point makes a Dexterity saving throw, taking 3d10 Lightning damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a successful one. Until the spell ends, you can take a Magic action to call down lightning in that way again, targeting the same point or a different one. If you're outdoors in a storm when you cast this spell, the spell gives you control over that storm instead of creating a new one. Under such conditions, the spell's damage increases by 1d10.
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
The school of Conjuration is two skills in one: summoning and teleporting. Most great Conjurers specialise in one of the two. Call Lightning sits among the Conjurations on the strength of the spell places matter or creatures into the world that were not there before the cast. Tier-2 play opens up 3rd-level slots regularly; Call Lightning fits the daily rotation.
Class Fit
- Druid: Druids prepare Call Lightning from the full list each day, but the Wild Shape economy means prep cycles look different from a Cleric's. Call Lightning reaches 120 feet, which lets the caster stay clear of the front line.
Related Spells
Frequently Asked Questions about Call Lightning
- What level spell is Call Lightning?
- In D&D 5e, Call Lightning is classified as a level 3 spell of the Conjuration school. Available classes: Druid.
- How much damage does Call Lightning deal?
- At base level, Call Lightning's damage is 3d10 (lightning). Higher slots increase the damage as listed.
- What save does Call Lightning require?
- Call Lightning calls for a Dexterity save against the caster's DC. Success conditions are described in the spell text.
- What is the range of Call Lightning?
- From the caster's position, Call Lightning reaches 120 feet.
- Is Call Lightning a concentration spell?
- Call Lightning runs on concentration for up to 10 minutes. The caster can drop it on their next turn or lose it to a failed save after taking damage.
- What components and casting time does Call Lightning need?
- For Call Lightning: Call Lightning requires V, S, casting is a normal Action.