Bane 5e
Bane is a 1st-level concentration spell that targets up to three creatures within 30 feet. Each one that fails a Charisma saving throw subtracts 1d4, an average of 2.5, from every attack roll and saving throw it makes for up to 1 minute. Each slot level above 1st adds one more target.
Pick a slot and press Roll.
Bane at a glance
| Level | 1st-level enchantment |
| Casting time | 1 action |
| Range | 30 feet |
| Components | V, S, M (a drop of blood) |
| Duration | Concentration, up to 1 minute |
| Classes | Bard, Cleric, Warlock |
| Resolution | Charisma saving throw; no effect on a success |
Bane roll by slot level
| Slot | Dice | Min | Average | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st-level slot (3 creatures) | 1d4 | 1 | 2.5 | 4 |
| 2nd-level slot (4 creatures) | 1d4 | 1 | 2.5 | 4 |
| 3rd-level slot (5 creatures) | 1d4 | 1 | 2.5 | 4 |
| 4th-level slot (6 creatures) | 1d4 | 1 | 2.5 | 4 |
| 5th-level slot (7 creatures) | 1d4 | 1 | 2.5 | 4 |
| 6th-level slot (8 creatures) | 1d4 | 1 | 2.5 | 4 |
| 7th-level slot (9 creatures) | 1d4 | 1 | 2.5 | 4 |
| 8th-level slot (10 creatures) | 1d4 | 1 | 2.5 | 4 |
| 9th-level slot (11 creatures) | 1d4 | 1 | 2.5 | 4 |
How Bane works
How it works: Choose up to three creatures you can see within 30 feet. Each makes a Charisma saving throw. Any that fail must roll a d4 and subtract it from every attack roll and saving throw they make until the spell ends. You have to hold concentration, up to 1 minute.
What the penalty does: A goblin warrior attacking at +4 against AC 16 hits 45 percent of the time. Under Bane, that drops to 32.5 percent. On a Wisdom save at +0 against DC 13, its success chance falls from 40 to 27.5 percent. That second number is the real prize: Bane makes your party's other save spells land more often.
Who to target: Charisma is a weak save for many beasts, undead and brutes, so look for low-Charisma enemies. Avoid fiends, dragons and spellcasters, who often have strong Charisma. Bane and Bless push the same d20 math from opposite sides, but each needs concentration, so running both takes two casters.
Upcasting: Each slot above 1st adds one target. The penalty stays a single d4. Roll it for each affected roll with the d4 roller or the one above.
Bane: 2014 vs 2024 rules
| 2014 PHB | 2024 PHB | |
|---|---|---|
| Penalty | -1d4 to attack rolls and saving throws | -1d4 to attack rolls and saving throws |
| Save | Charisma | Charisma |
| Targets | 3, +1 per slot above 1st | 3, +1 per slot above 1st |
| Classes | Bard, Cleric | Bard, Cleric, Warlock |
Bane FAQ
What does Bane do in 5e?
Up to three creatures that fail a Charisma save subtract 1d4 from their attack rolls and saving throws for up to 1 minute while you concentrate.
Is Bane the opposite of Bless?
Yes. Bless adds 1d4 to allies' attack rolls and saves, and Bane subtracts 1d4 from enemies' attack rolls and saves. Bane allows a Charisma save; Bless does not.
Does Bane affect damage or ability checks?
No. It only applies to attack rolls and saving throws.
Can warlocks cast Bane?
In the 2024 rules, yes: Bane is on the bard, cleric and warlock lists. In the 2014 rules it was bard and cleric only.
Related
- Roll a d4
- Bless 5e
- Concentration in 5e Explained
- Saving Throws in 5e: Full Guide
- All spell damage rollers
Other 1st-level spells
- Animal Friendship
- Bless
- Charm Person
- Color Spray
- Command
- Comprehend Languages
- Create or Destroy Water
- Cure Wounds
- Detect Evil and Good
- Detect Magic
- Detect Poison and Disease
- Disguise Self
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