This new evocation spell for Dungeons & Dragons creates a whirlwind or a whirlpool that your character can control.
Vortex
4th level evocation
Casting Time: 1 Action
Range: 60 ft
Components: V, S
Duration: 1 minute, concentration
You create a vortex in the air (a whirlwind) or in the water (a whirlpool). The vortex is 5 feet wide at the base, 20 feet wide at the top, and 25 feet tall. Until the spell ends, you can use your action to move the vortex up to 30 feet. The vortex sucks up any Medium or smaller objects that aren’t secured to anything and that aren’t worn or carried by anyone.
When a Large or smaller creature enters the vortex for the first time, it must make a Strength saving throw. On a failed save, the creature takes 2d8 bludgeoning damage and is restrained in the vortex until the spell ends. On a successful save, the creature takes half damage, and isn’t restrained. A creature restrained in the vortex can use its action to try to break free of the vortex, but has disadvantage on the Strength (Athletics) check to do so.
The creature or object takes 2d8 bludgeoning damage at the start of each turn it remains in the vortex. A restrained creature moves with the vortex. If the creature is in a whirlwind, it falls 5d4 feet when the spell ends, unless the creature has some means to stay aloft. Creatures that cannot breathe water must hold their breath inside a whirlpool.
Classes: Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard
At Master Level. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 5th-7th level, the vortex is 10 feet wide at the base, 40 feet wide at the top, and 50 feet tall. A Large or smaller creature or object within 25 feet of the vortex is pulled 10 feet toward it. A creature can move away from the vortex by making a Strength (Athletics) check against your spell save DC. Also, choose 1 option:
- The range increases by 20 feet for each slot level above 4th.
or - The duration increases by 5 rounds (30 seconds) for each slot level above 4th.
or - The damage increases by 1d8 for each slot level above 4th.
At Epic Level. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 8th or 9th level, you can move the vortex up to 50 feet each turn. The vortex is 15 feet wide at the base, 50 feet wide at the top, and 80 feet tall. A Large or smaller creature that starts its turn restrained by the vortex is pulled 5 feet higher inside a whirlwind or 5 feet lower inside a whirlpool. Also, choose 1 option:
- The range increases by 20 feet for each slot level above 4th.
or - The duration increases by 5 rounds (30 seconds) for each slot level above 4th.
or - The damage increases by 1d8 for each slot level above 4th.
Upcasting Spells in Dungeons & Dragons 5e
The 5th edition Dungeons & Dragons rules have few options for upcasting spells beyond increasing the damage or number of targets. This new spell can be found in our upcoming book, Upcasting: New options for casting spells at higher levels.
The book provides new options for spellcasters who want to add more flavor and powers to their favorite spells and cantrips.
At Higher Levels. When you cast a spell using a slot that is of a higher level than the spell, the spell assumes the higher level for that casting. The higher the spell slot expended, the more powerful the spell becomes. Most spells have several benefit options to choose from.
At Master Level. Even experienced adventurers don’t have many high level spell slots, so expending one on a lower level spell should be worthwhile. When you cast a lower level spell using a spell slot of 5th-7th level, you gain master level benefits in addition to the higher level benefit you chose.
At Epic Level. Only the mightiest spellcasters have 8th and 9th level spell slots, so using one is an epic move. When you cast a spell using a spell slot of 8th or 9th level, you gain epic level benefits in addition to the higher level benefit you chose.
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