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. |
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