Flame Blade

Level 2 Evocation spell available to Druids. Summons a scimitar of fire into your hand for a Bonus Action: 3d6 Fire damage a swing, lights the area, lasts ten turns. It is the Druid’s version of Shadow Blade with a worse damage type and a better damage die.

Spell description: Conjure a flaming scimitar in your hand that deals 3d6 Fire damage and sheds bright light in a 3m radius and dim light in a 6m radius. The blade can be unequipped and equipped again, but has to stay on the spellcaster’s person.

Spell properties

• Range: Self
• Duration: 10 turns
• Damage: 3d6 Fire
• Conditions applied: Conjures a flaming scimitar that deals 3d6 Fire damage and sheds bright light in a 3m radius.
• Cost: Bonus Action + Spell Slot
• Recharge: Per action

Spell upcasting

Damage increases by 1d6 Fire for every two spell slot levels above the 2nd. A total of 4d6 at Levels 4 and 5, and 5d6 at Level 6.

How to obtain Flame Blade

• Druid at Class level 3

Source item: Scroll of Flame Blade

When to cast Flame Blade

3d6 is a big number for a Level 2 weapon, and a Bonus Action to summon means you can conjure it and still attack in the same turn. For a Druid who is going to be in melee anyway, that is a real upgrade over a mundane scimitar.

The problem is Fire. From the Underdark onward you will meet a lot of things that resist it, and a resisted Flame Blade is a very expensive dagger. Check what you are fighting before you spend the slot.

It also swings off your weapon Attack Roll and Druids are not built for that. A Druid with 10 Strength and 12 Dexterity will summon a beautiful sword and miss with it. It suits a melee-leaning Druid who has invested in Dexterity, and not many others.

The bright light is a nice bonus in the dark places, and it is not Concentration, so it runs alongside Spike Growth or Moonbeam without complaint.