How much damage does turn undead do?

How Much Damage Does Turn Undead Do?

Turn Undead is a crucial channel divinity power for many clerics in Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition. It’s a powerful spell that allows the cleric to push back undead creatures, damaging them and potentially destroying them. In this article, we’ll delve into the mechanics of Turn Undead, exploring the amount of damage it deals and the factors that influence it.

Damage Calculation

The official spell description states that Turn Undead deals 1d10 + Wisdom modifier radiant damage to undead creatures. The radiant type of damage is particularly effective against undead, as it ignores immunity to non-magical bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage. Here’s the breakdown:

• 1d10: The spell deals a random number of radiant damage points between 1 and 10 (inclusive).
• + Wisdom modifier: The cleric’s Wisdom modifier (negatively or positively) is added to the total damage.

For example, a 1st-level cleric with a Wisdom modifier of +2 would deal 1d10 + 2 = 3-12 + 2 = 5-14 damage. As the cleric levels up and increases their Wisdom modifier, the damage potential also increases.

Factors Influencing Damage

While the base damage is straightforward, there are several factors that influence the actual damage output. We’ll explore these factors in detail below:

• Challenge Rating: Turn Undead’s damage scales with the CR of the undead creature. This means that higher-CR undead are more resistant to the spell, making the damage output less effective. A Table of Turn Undead Damage Scales by CR is provided below.

Damage Scales by CR Table:

For instance, a CR 1/2 undead creature would receive 60% reduction to the base damage, making it receive only 40% of the calculated damage.

• Cleric Level: As the cleric levels up, they become more effective at dealing damage. From 5th level onwards, Turn Undead’s damage increases by +2, +3, and so on, for every 2-3 levels gained.
• Number of Targets: While not explicitly stated, it’s commonly accepted that Turn Undead deals half damage to each additional undead target. This means that spreading the spell’s effect across multiple creatures may reduce the overall damage output.
• Resistance and Immunity: As with any spell, resistance to radiant damage can reduce or even eliminate the effects of Turn Undead.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Turn Undead is a powerful spell that can significantly impact the battlefield. Understanding how the damage calculation works, combined with the factors that influence its effectiveness, will help you optimize your use of the spell. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting out, mastering Turn Undead is crucial for any cleric looking to vanquish the undead hordes. Remember to account for CR, cleric level, target count, and resistance when deploying Turn Undead, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a force to be reckoned with.