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Blade Barrier

Evocation
Level: 6th-level
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 90 feet
Duration: Up to 10 minutes
Components: V, S

You create a vertical wall of whirling, razor-sharp blades made of magical energy. The wall appears within range and lasts for the duration. You can make a straight wall up to 100 feet long, 20 feet high, and 5 feet thick, or a ringed wall up to 60 feet in diameter, 20 feet high, and 5 feet thick. The wall provides three-quarters cover to creatures behind it, and its space is difficult terrain. When a creature enters the wall's area for the first time on a turn or starts its turn there, the creature must make a dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, the creature takes 6d10 slashing damage. On a successful save, the creature takes half as much damage.

Concentration

Spell Details

School: Evocation
Level: 6
Ritual: No
Concentration: Yes
Classes: Cleric
A-Tier Blade Barrier is a powerful control and damage spell that excels at area denial and protecting allies, though it requires thoughtful positioning and enemy cooperation to maximize value.

Player Guide

Position the wall to divide the battlefield, forcing enemies to either take damage crossing it or spend movement going around it—a straight wall works best for this. The ringed wall configuration is superior for protecting your party, creating a mobile fortress that prevents entry without requiring concentration after placement. Use this spell when enemies are already committed to melee range or when you need to buy time for allies to escape; the damage scales well (4d10 per crossing) and hits automatically. Pair this with positioning spells or effects that force movement to guarantee enemies cross the barrier multiple times.

DM Tips

Clarify whether creatures moving through the wall take damage for each 5-foot increment passed or once per turn; most tables rule it per crossing/turn to prevent exploits. Remember the wall lasts for 10 minutes with concentration, making it a mid-combat commitment that blocks the caster's ability to cast other concentration spells.