How Much Damage Does a 5th Level Divine Smite Do?
In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, Paladins are known for their unwavering dedication to justice and their ability to unleash holy wrath upon their enemies. One of the most powerful abilities a Paladin can use is the Divine Smite, a spell that deals radiant damage to undead and fiendish creatures. But just how much damage can a 5th level Divine Smite deal?
The Basics of Divine Smite
Before we dive into the specifics of a 5th level Divine Smite, let’s take a look at the basics of the spell. Divine Smite is a 1st-level Paladin spell that deals 1d8 + your Charisma modifier radiant damage to an undead or fiendish creature. The spell can be cast at will, and it’s a great way for Paladins to deal damage to enemies that are resistant to non-magical attacks.
5th Level Divine Smite
Now, let’s talk about the 5th level Divine Smite. As a Paladin gains levels, their Divine Smite ability becomes more powerful. At 5th level, a Paladin’s Divine Smite deals 6d8 radiant damage to an undead or fiendish creature. This is a significant increase from the 1d8 + Charisma modifier damage dealt by the 1st-level version of the spell.
Factors Affecting Damage
There are a few factors that can affect the damage dealt by a 5th level Divine Smite. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Charisma modifier: Your Charisma modifier is added to the damage dealt by the spell. This means that if you have a high Charisma score, you’ll deal more damage with your Divine Smite.
- Spellcasting ability: Your spellcasting ability score can also affect the damage dealt by the spell. If you have a high Intelligence score, for example, you’ll deal more damage with your Divine Smite.
- Divine Smite bonus: Some Paladins may have a bonus to their Divine Smite damage from their class features or abilities. This can increase the damage dealt by the spell.
Example Scenarios
To give you a better idea of just how much damage a 5th level Divine Smite can deal, let’s look at a few example scenarios:
| Scenario | Damage Dealt |
|---|---|
| Average Paladin (Charisma 16, Intelligence 10) | 42 |
| High-Charisma Paladin (Charisma 20, Intelligence 10) | 54 |
| High-Intelligence Paladin (Charisma 16, Intelligence 18) | 60 |
As you can see, the damage dealt by a 5th level Divine Smite can vary significantly depending on the Paladin’s ability scores and class features. However, in general, a 5th level Divine Smite can deal a significant amount of damage to an undead or fiendish creature.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a 5th level Divine Smite is a powerful ability that can deal significant damage to undead and fiendish creatures. The damage dealt by the spell is affected by the Paladin’s ability scores and class features, so it’s important to consider these factors when planning your combat strategy. With a high Charisma score and a few class features, a Paladin can deal a significant amount of damage with their Divine Smite, making it a valuable addition to their arsenal of abilities.