Crusader’s Mantle

Level 3 Evocation spell available to Paladins. Every weapon attack from you and every nearby ally deals an extra 1d4 Radiant damage for ten turns. On its own that is modest. Multiplied across a party that attacks a lot, it is not.

Spell description: Radiate a holy power that emboldens you and nearby allies. Their weapon attacks deal an additional 1d4 Radiant damage.

Spell properties

• Range: Self
• Area: 9m (30ft) radius
• Duration: 10 turns
• Concentration spell
• Damage: 1d4 Radiant per weapon attack
• Conditions applied: Crusader’s Mantle
• Cost: Action + Spell Slot
• Recharge: Per action

Spell upcasting

Casting Crusader’s Mantle at higher levels provides no additional benefits.

How to obtain Crusader’s Mantle

• Paladin at Class level 9

Source item: Mantle of the Holy Warrior

When to cast Crusader’s Mantle

Count the attacks before you judge the dice. A late-game party is making six or eight weapon attacks a round between them, and 1d4 on every single one for ten turns is a lot more damage than any one-off smite you were going to cast instead.

It scales with how many people are swinging, which means it is superb in a melee party and close to worthless in a party of casters. Two Fighters and a Barbarian, cast it. Three Wizards, do not.

Radiant is a good type to be adding, too. Very little resists it, and it works nicely with the Radiating Orb items that pile Disadvantage onto anything you keep hitting.

It is Concentration, which for a Paladin is not usually a busy slot, so the real cost is just the Action on turn one. Cast it before you charge, not after.