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. |
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