Get Ready to Make Some Noise!
If you’re a fan of Dungeons & Dragons 5e, you know that there’s nothing quite like the sound of thunder and lightning to get your adrenaline pumping. And there’s no better way to unleash that thunderous energy than with the powerful Paladin spell known as Thunderous Smite. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this spell, including how to cast it, what makes it so effective, and how you can use it to take your combat skills to the next level.
Thunderous Smite: A Powerful Paladin Spell
Thunderous Smite is a spell that’s exclusive to Paladins in D&D 5e. When you cast this spell, your weapon crackles with thunderous energy, and your next melee attack deals extra damage and emits a loud thunderclap that can be heard up to 300 feet away. The target of your attack must also make a Constitution saving throw or be pushed 10 feet away from you and knocked prone.
How to Cast Thunderous Smite in 5e
To cast Thunderous Smite, you must be a Paladin with a spellcasting ability of at least 1st level. You must also have a free spell slot of 1st level or higher. You can cast this spell as an action, and its effects last for one minute or until you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack.
Thunder and Lightning: The Perfect Pairing
Thunderous Smite pairs perfectly with lightning spells like Call Lightning or Lightning Bolt. When you combine these spells, you can create a deadly storm of thunder and lightning that will decimate your enemies in combat. Plus, the thunderous energy of your attacks can be used to create distractions, allowing you to sneak past guards or create diversions.
What Makes Thunderous Smite So Effective?
What makes Thunderous Smite so effective is its ability to knock enemies prone and push them away from you. This can be particularly useful in combat situations where you’re outnumbered or facing enemies that are larger and more powerful than you. By knocking them prone, you can gain an advantage in combat and reduce their ability to attack.
The Impact of Thunderous Smite on Combat
Thunderous Smite can have a significant impact on combat. When you use this spell, you can create a distraction that can give your party an opening to attack. You can also use the spell to take out weaker enemies quickly and efficiently. Plus, the thunderclap that accompanies your attack can be used to intimidate foes and create a sense of fear.
Combining Thunderous Smite with Divine Smite
Another way to make Thunderous Smite even more powerful is to combine it with Divine Smite. Divine Smite allows you to deal extra radiant damage to your foes when you hit them with a melee attack. When you combine this with Thunderous Smite, you can deal massive amounts of damage and knock your enemies prone all at once.
Thunderous Smite: Not Just for Paladins!
While Thunderous Smite is a Paladin spell, there are other ways to use it in combat. For example, a Bard with the Magical Secrets feature can choose Thunderous Smite as one of their spells, allowing them to use the spell to great effect in combat. Additionally, a multiclassed character with levels in Paladin can also use Thunderous Smite.
Other Classes that can Benefit from Thunderous Smite
While Paladins are the primary users of Thunderous Smite, there are other classes that can benefit from the spell. Clerics, for example, can use the spell to great effect in combat, particularly if they’re focused on dealing damage. Fighters and Rangers can also benefit from the spell, particularly if they’re focused on melee combat.
Creative Ways to Use Thunderous Smite in D&D 5e
There are many creative ways to use Thunderous Smite in D&D 5e. For example, you can use the spell to create a distraction that allows you to sneak past guards. You can also use it to intimidate foes and create a sense of fear. Additionally, you can use it to create diversions or knock enemies off cliffs or ledges.
Frequently Asked Questions about Thunderous Smite
Q: Can Thunderous Smite be used with ranged weapons?
A: No, Thunderous Smite can only be used with melee weapons.
Q: Can creatures with immunity to thunder damage still be affected by Thunderous Smite?
A: Yes, creatures with immunity to thunder damage can still be affected by the spell’s knockback effect.
Q: Can Thunderous Smite be used with a magical weapon?
A: Yes, Thunderous Smite can be used with any melee weapon, including magical weapons.
Conclusion: Unleash the Power of Thunderous Smite!
With its ability to knock enemies prone and create a loud thunderclap, Thunderous Smite is a powerful spell that can be used to great effect in combat. Whether you’re a Paladin looking to take your combat skills to the next level or a Bard looking for a new spell to add to your repertoire, Thunderous Smite is a spell that you won’t want to overlook. So get out there and start making some noise!