In the Dungeons and Dragons world, players often encounter numerous spells that may not appear to be of great significance at first glance. When striving for optimal character performance, it is natural to be drawn to the most potent spells available. However, it is essential to consider that each spell has its unique applications and may be advantageous in specific situations. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of the spell “Word of Radiance,” a seemingly underwhelming cantrip compared to its counterpart, “Sacred Flame.” Despite its initial appearance, Word of Radiance can be a valuable asset in the right circumstances.
Word of Radiance is a spell that allows players to be near their enemies without being at a disadvantage or providing their opponents with an advantage on their Constitution saving throws. This spell is handy when dealing with multiple adversaries within range, as it enables the caster to inflict damage on all of them simultaneously.
When examining the potential of Word of Radiance, one could argue that it could be even more powerful if the game rules were slightly altered to allow Paladins to wield it. This change would provide Paladins with an additional area-of-effect damage option, expanding their tactical repertoire. It is up to players to strategize and utilize the rules to their advantage, making the most out of the spells available to them.
Is Word of Radiance Related to the Stormlight Archive?
Although Word of Radiance is primarily a Cleric spell, it is crucial in breaking the stereotype that Clerics are merely “heal bots.” Instead, this spell empowers Clerics to become formidable fighters in their own right, actively participating in combat and dealing damage alongside their allies. In this manner, Word of Radiance contributes to the overall versatility and adaptability of the Cleric class.
What is Word of Radiance
Word of Radiance is an evocation cantrip that can be found in Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, a supplement for Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition. This spell immediately impacts the area around the caster, and all that is required is for them to utter their Word of Radiance. The spell affects every creature within a five-foot radius, forcing them to make a Constitution saving throw against the caster’s Spell Save DC. If they fail, they take 1d6 radiant damage. The damage increases by 1d6 when the caster reaches levels 5, 11, and 17. If a creature succeeds on their Constitution saving throw, they take no damage. This spell is designed exclusively for Clerics to use.
What is a Cantrip?
Understanding Word of Radiance
Word of Radiance is available to players right from the beginning of their campaign as a cantrip. However, it is essential to ensure that your Dungeon Master is comfortable with using spells from supplements like Xanathar’s Guide to Everything. Before incorporating this cantrip into your character’s repertoire, consult with your DM to confirm that your gaming table allows expansion content.
Once you have received the green light from your DM, you can confidently use this spell to vanquish your enemies within a five-foot radius. To cast the spell, you must say your divine word aloud and concentrate on your Holy Symbol. As you utter the holy word, a brilliant light erupts around you, affecting all creatures within your chosen range. Each targeted creature must succeed on a Constitution saving throw or take 1d6 radiant damage. If they pass their saving throw, they avoid taking any damage.
Scaling Damage with Levels
As your character gains levels, the damage inflicted by Word of Radiance increases by 1d6. Upon reaching level 5, the spell deals 2d6 damage. At level 11, the damage increases to 3d6, and finally, at level 17, it rises to 4d6. This means that you can potentially deal up to 24 points of damage without expending a single spell slot. Since Word of Radiance is a cantrip, you can use this spell as soon as you create your character and choose your spells.
The School of Evocation in D&D 5e
The School of Evocation is one of several magical disciplines players can explore. This school focuses on harnessing the raw power of the elements, allowing spellcasters to wield incredible forces. The School of Evocation is the most suitable magical domain for spells like the Word of Radiance cantrip.
Although divine spellcasters and divine magic play a significant role in Dungeons and Dragons, they don’t neatly fit into any specific school of magic. This is primarily because divine magic typically originates from deities, transcending the limits of mortal understanding and capabilities. Consequently, it’s impractical for a single school of magic to encompass the vast array of divine powers.
Instead of adhering to a single magical school, devoted followers of deities receive unique abilities that allow them to draw from multiple schools of magic. This flexible approach continues until divine spellcasters delve into their specialized subclasses.
What is Xanthars Guide to Everything?
This expansion, created by the Wizards RPG Team, first hit the shelves in November 2017. It significantly broadened the D&D 5e universe by introducing new subclasses, spells, racial feats, and backstories.
Xanathar’s Guide to Everything also offers Dungeon Masters innovative approaches to utilizing traps, magic items, and downtime activities, enriching the overall gaming experience. The iconic standard cover features Xanathar, the Beholder, alongside his cherished, albeit nameless, pet fish.
It’s crucial to note that this expansion does not alter the core gameplay of Dungeons & Dragons 5e. Instead, it provides great official content for those who may not feel comfortable creating their own campaigns or struggle with balancing game elements. The expansion supplements and enhances the content found in the Player’s Handbook.
Who Can Wield the Power of Word of Radiance, and How?
By default, the Word of Radiance spell is exclusively available to Clerics, which may be disappointing for other spellcasting classes, particularly Paladins. Despite both classes utilizing divine magic, the rules restrict Paladins from accessing this spell. However, alternative methods exist to bypass this class-based limitation for those who prefer to adhere to the rules while avoiding homebrew.
To circumvent the rules without resorting to homebrew, players can opt to take a Feat to acquire this cantrip. While multiclassing into Cleric is quicker, it may not suit every character or storyline. Instead, consider taking a Feat. Though it may require more time, obtaining desired cantrips is a straightforward approach.
Is it worth the effort? That ultimately depends on individual playstyles and preferences. For those interested, the Magic Initiate Feat is the most accessible option for learning Word of Radiance. This Feat allows you to learn two cantrips and a first-level spell. Acquiring this Feat early in a campaign can significantly impact gameplay, transforming you into a formidable spellcaster or a melee fighter capable of casting spells like Word of Radiance.
To use Word of Radiance, a Cleric can unleash it when surrounded to quickly damage multiple nearby targets. It’s useful for charging through the battlefield, emitting bursts of radiant damage each turn, or when the party is cornered in tight spaces within a dungeon.
Is Word of Radiance Good in Dungeons and Dragons 5e?
It’s not the best.
In 5e, Word of Radiance is a fairly average attack Cantrip with limited out-of-combat applications. While Sacred Flame, another Cleric attack Cantrip, offers greater damage and range, it is less effective when the target is nearby or prone. Word of Radiance allows you to engage opponents closely without the disadvantage associated with ranged attacks.
It doesn’t have broad use, but it is a good choice for Clerics who prefer close-quarters combat over fighting from a distance.
Additional Information:
Is Word of Radiance a Bonus Action? No, Word of Radiance is not a bonus action. Generally, cantrips and spells cannot be changed from action attacks to bonus actions. However, with a feat like “Warcaster,” you may be able to use Word of Radiance or other spells as a reaction.
How many cantrips can a Cleric prepare? Initially, Clerics have access to three cantrips. At level 4, they can use up to four cantrips, and at level 10, they can use up to five. Note that Clerics cannot change cantrips. Once chosen, they remain with the character. This is the same for other spellcasting classes.
Will casting a Cantrip end my Concentration spell? No, casting a cantrip that doesn’t require concentration, like Word of Radiance, will not end a spell requiring concentration. Concentration spells are only disrupted if you lose concentration, cast another concentration spell, or take damage and fail a Constitution saving throw or concentration check, causing the spell to be dropped.
