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As a GM, you know that combat encounters can be one of the most thrilling parts of any tabletop RPG. And when it comes to dishing out damage, there are few types more satisfying than force damage. In 5e, it is the "strongest" type of damage. Only a few enemies have resistance to it (although if you have a force damage heavy party the Lorelock monster archive has a few more you might find interesting). With its ethereal, otherworldly feel, force damage is the perfect way to add a touch of magic to your battles.


Unfortunately, there is a but. Describing the effects of any magic can be a challenge when you are also trying to keep track of the story, roleplay NPCs, and adjudicate the rules. It is a lot to do all of that and convey the sensation of being pummeled by invisible fists or struck by a blast of pure magical energy. That's where this list of descriptions of force damage comes in. Not only will it help you add some additional flavor to your combat encounters, but it will also help to take some of the mental strain off so that you can focus on keeping the game moving and everyone having fun!

Even if you only use Wizards of the Coast materials, there are A LOT of different spells in the game. I have tried to make things as generic as possible but if these just aren't working, consider asking your player to describe the effects of their spell on the target.

Roll

Description

1

With a resounding crack, your force blast smashes into the enemy, sending them hurtling backwards as if struck by a battering ram.

2

As magical energy courses through you and into your foe's body, they convulse and thrash about wildly, their body unable to contain the energy of your attack.

3

Your enemy is lifted off their feet as if struck by a giant invisible hand, slamming back into the ground with a sickening thud.

4

Your spell streaks across the battlefield and strikes the enemy square in the chest, leaving behind a glowing blue afterimage that dances in the air for a moment before fading away.

5

As your attack strikes home, the enemy's skin ripples and distorts, as if the force of the blow is warping the fabric of reality itself.

6

Your foe screams in agony as your attack smashes into them, their body glowing with a faint aura as they stagger backwards.

7

The enemy grunts in pain as your spell hits them, their body visibly compressing under the impact before rebounding like a spring.

8

Magical energy envelops your enemy in a swirling vortex of force, slamming them repeatedly against the ground and tearing chunks of earth and stone loose with each impact.

9

As your attack slams into the enemy, they are lifted off their feet like a ragdoll, their body tumbling end over end in the air before landing with a sickening crunch.

10

The enemy's body contorts and twists as your attack slams into them, their limbs bending and warping in unnatural ways as if made of rubber.

This post, like all of my work, is brought to you by the patrons of the Lorelock! Become a patron at patreon.com/lorelock or subscribe to the Lorelock Newsletter for a free 5e adventure, weekly DM tools, and much more!





When it comes to combat in 5E, few things are as thrilling as the crack of thunder and the roar of explosive energy. Spells that deal thunder damage can create powerful shockwaves, leaving enemies stunned and reeling from the force of the impact. As a GM, it's your job to bring these electrifying combat encounters to life and make them memorable for your players. This blog post lays out 10 descriptions of thunder damage that you can read verbatim, or use as a starting point for your own descriptions. My hope is that they will help you create a sense of excitement and danger in your players. So, grab your d10 and get ready to roll as we delve into the ear-popping world of thunder damage!

Even if you only use Wizards of the Coast materials, there are A LOT of different spells in the game. I have tried to make things as generic as possible but if these just aren't working, consider asking your player to describe the effects of their spell on the target.

Roll

Description

1

Thunder crashes into your enemy like a tidal wave, shattering bones and rending flesh as it rips through their body.

2

The explosive energy rips through the air with a sonic boom, leaving behind a trail of dust and debris.

3

Your enemy is engulfed in a blast of thunderous energy, their body convulsing as the shockwaves tear through them.

4

Thunder strikes your enemy with the force of a battering ram, sending them flying sprawling wit ha hideous thud.

5

Thunderous energy envelops your enemy in a deafening roar, their screams drowned out by the sheer volume of the attack.

6

Your spell creates a blast of energy that shimmers in the air, crackling with power and leaving behind a scent of ozone.

7

Your enemy is surrounded by a shockwave of roiling energy, their body rattles like a leaf in a storm.

8

Your attack strikes your enemy with a thunderclap so loud it makes your ears ring, leaving them disoriented and vulnerable.

9

You strike with a blast of energy that tears through your enemy's body like a tornado, leaving them battered and broken.

10

Your enemy is engulfed in a storm of thunderous energy, their hair standing on end as the spell courses through their body, leaving them reeling.

This post, like all of my work, is brought to you by the patrons of the Lorelock! Become a patron at patreon.com/lorelock or subscribe to the Lorelock Newsletter for a free 5e adventure, weekly DM tools, and much more!





In the world of TTRPGs, few things are as awe-inspiring and terrifying as the crackle of lightning energy. Spells that deal lightning damage can strike with incredible force, leaving enemies stunned and reeling from the power of the storm. As a GM, it's your job to bring these electrifying combat encounters to life and make them memorable for your players, but it can be hard to come up with great descriptions in the middle of running combat. In this blog post, we'll explore 10 evocative descriptions of an enemy being hit with lightning damage. These descriptions are designed to be read aloud during combat encounters, and to create a sense of excitement and danger in your players. So, grab your d10 and get ready to roll as we delve into the electrifying world of lightning damage!

Even if you only use Wizards of the Coast materials, there are A LOT of different spells in the game. I have tried to make things as generic as possible but if these just aren't working, consider asking your player to describe the effects of their spell on the target.

Roll

Description

1

Your lightning bolt strikes the enemy, causing it to convulse and spasm uncontrollably as the electricity courses through its body.

2

The enemy's skin crackles and smokes as your lightning energy scorches it, leaving behind blackened and charred flesh.

3

Your lightning bolt arcs through the air and strikes the enemy, leaving a trail of smoke and ozone in its wake.

4

The enemy's eyes widen in shock as your lightning blasts into them, causing its hair to stand on end and its muscles to tense up.

5

Your lightning causes the enemy to glow with a crackling light, illuminating the surrounding area with an eerie blue glow.

6

The enemy lets out a deafening scream as your lightning energy overwhelms its senses, causing it to temporarily lose its hearing and vision.

7

Your lightning bolt hits the enemy, causing it to temporarily freeze in place as the electrical charge contracts its muscles.

8

Your lightning bolt leaves a trail of destruction in its wake as it obliterates nearby objects and scorches the ground.

9

The enemy's skeleton momentarily flashes with an intense white light as your lightning energy sears through its bones, leaving them blackened and brittle.

10

Your lightning bolt strikes the enemy and the air around it briefly ionizes, leaving behind a faint smell of burning ozone.

This post, like all of my work, is brought to you by the patrons of the Lorelock! Become a patron at patreon.com/lorelock or subscribe to the Lorelock Newsletter for a free 5e adventure, weekly DM tools, and much more!





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