The clash of blades rings out across the battlefield. Your fighter is locked in combat with a hulking orc chieftain, his greataxe swinging in broad arcs as your ally narrowly dodges each strike. As a spellcaster, you know the tide of battle can be changed in an instant—with just a few arcane words and an open flame, you can turn the very armor protecting this chief into an instrument of their agony. You begin casting heat metal, watching with glee as the orc's breastplate glows a molten red. They bellow in pain but cannot remove the searing hot metal keeping you from spilling their guts. The smell of burnt flesh wafts through the air as the battle turns in your favor.
What is Heat Metal?
Heat metal is a potent spell in D&D 5e that can melt armor and cause immense damage. It is a 2nd level transmutation spell with a casting time of 1 action. The spell's range is 60 feet and it requires verbal, somatic, and material components (a piece of iron and a flame). The duration of the spell is “concentration, up to 1 minute.”
When cast, the caster chooses a manufactured metal object within range, causing it to glow red hot. Any creature touching the object takes 2d8 fire damage immediately, with no attack roll or save required. The caster can then use a bonus action on subsequent turns to have the object deal 2d8 fire damage again to any creature still in contact with it.
If a creature is holding the object, they must make a Constitution save when damaged. If failed, the creature is forced to drop the object if possible. If they succeed or cannot drop the object, that creature has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks until the start of the caster's next turn.
The Power of Heat Metal
Heat metal is a deceptively powerful spell. It deals automatic damage each round, as long as concentration is maintained. The initial 2d8 damage is already significant, and it can be increased by spending a bonus action each subsequent turn to reactivate the spell's damage. Over the 1 minute duration, a standard 2nd level casting of heat metal can potentially inflict 20d8 fire damage.
In addition to its damage potential, heat metal provides battlefield control by potentially forcing opponents to drop their metal objects. This can disarm enemies or render them defenseless without their armor. The spell also has various utility applications, such as melting locks, forging temporary weapons, cauterizing wounds, igniting kindling, and branding or torturing captives.
Combining Heat Metal with Other Spells
Heat metal can be combined with other spells to create devastating effects. Some powerful combos include:
- Telekinesis + Heat Metal: Force an enemy into the searing hot metal against their will using telekinesis.
- Web + Heat Metal: Restrain enemies with webs and then burn them.
- Grease + Heat Metal: Knock enemies prone onto sizzling metal.
- Spike Growth + Heat Metal: Bake enemies like potatoes wrapped in foil.
- Hold Person + Heat Metal: Paralyze enemies while pressing molten metal against their flesh.
These combos can be devastating, but it's important to clear any ethically questionable combinations with your DM first.
Optimal Tactics for Using Heat Metal
To maximize the effectiveness of heat metal, consider the following tactics:
- Use heat metal against heavily armored foes to make them choose between taking damage or rendering themselves defenseless.
- Disarm enemies of deadly weapons by forcing them to drop their weapons.
- Position yourself just outside melee range to cast heat metal without breaking concentration.
- Use cover and illusions to hide and avoid being targeted.
- Coordinate with allies to maximize the spell's effectiveness.
- Upcast heat metal when facing groups of enemies for more damage.
Defending Against Heat Metal
To defend against heat metal, consider the following strategies:
- Seek cover and concealment to break line of sight.
- Use Dispel Magic to end heat metal.
- Enter an Antimagic Field for total protection.
- Use spells like Death Ward for fire immunity.
- Flee to get out of the spell's range.
- Remove metal armor to stop the damage.
Heat Metal FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about using heat metal:
Q: Does heat metal work on creatures like Warforged?
A: No, heat metal only affects manufactured metal objects, not living constructs like Warforged.
Q: Can I use heat metal on magic items?A: Yes, but magic items may have some protections against the spell's damage.Q: Is there a size limit for objects I can heat?
A: The spell description doesn't specify a size limit, but it's best to consult your DM.
Q: Does heat metal stack if cast multiple times on one target?
A: No, the effects of heat metal do not stack.
Q: Can I melt metal with heat metal?
A: The spell doesn't have a rule for melting or destroying items, but you can discuss it with your DM.
Mastering heat metal requires understanding its limitations and capabilities. With creativity and proper tactics, heat metal can be a powerful tool in your spellcasting arsenal. Use it responsibly, synergize its power with allies, and unleash your inner arsonist upon your foes!
