Want to go full-on spellsword? I mean, I get it, I would too. Here are five spells that are essential for any caster going into melee mode.
Sometimes we get so caught up thinking “do I swing sword or cast spell?” that we lose sight of the important things; you can just do both. Some spells are basically made for swording. And I’m not talking about your Shields or your Blade Wards, because those can keep you safe even if you’re not swording.
I’m talking spells that were made for your mage in melee. Melee mage is an archetype D&D supports very well, and here are some spells that any caster going hand-to-hand might want to consider.
True Strike
True Strike is an essential part of any melee mage’s toolkit. It is a splash of 4th Edition in 5.5E. Because it’s just a basic attack – you cast the spell and, in so doing, you make an attack with a weapon. But the attack can do Radiant damage, it uses your Spellcasting modifier, and it scales up because it’s a Cantrip. So you’re golden with this one.
Flame Blade
What if you want even more magical melee might? Flame Blade is a fantastic spell for that. You conjure up a blade of flame as a Bonus Action leaving you free to make a melee attack with it. It hits like a truck, dealing a base damage of 3d6 + spellcasting modifier Fire Damage. Straightforward, but you’d be surprised how many creatures you’ll hew through with this one.
Fount of Moonlight
Fount of Moonlight is both a Bard and Druid spell, but it’s one that is intended for melee mages. You become bathed in a fount of moonlight that gives you Resistance to Radiant Damage, makes your melee attacks deal a greatsword’s worth of extra Radiant Damage, and on top of that, you have a reaction that can blind any creature that damages you within 60 feet, making you an absolute beast in combat.
Searing Smite
There are many smite spells in D&D. These are spells you cast immediately after you hit with a melee attack and that deal a variety of magical effects. I love ’em, though they can be tricky to get access to, so check those bonus spell lists. Of the various smites, Searing Smite is probably the one most non-Paladin classes will get the most use out of (since I think Paladins and Paladins only get Divine Smite). Searing Smite deals 1d6 extra fire damage, and then every turn deals another 1d6 fire damage and then your target has to make a save to put themselves out. It’s a gift that keeps on giving.
Steel Wind Strike
My absolute favorite one though, is Steel Wind Strike. Honestly, D&D needs more spells that are like this one. Because it’s not just a spell it’s a magical melee attack. You flourish your weapon and then vanish as you strike so fast the eye can’t follow. You make up to five melee attacks against up to five creatures, dealing 6d10 per attack, for a maximum total damage of 30d10 spread out over five targets. It’s extremely good and fun. More spells that are melee attacks just dressed up differently.
What spells do you use when doing magical melee? Are you a filthy shillelagh juggler?
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