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Flame Tongue

A Flame Tongue is a magical sword that can burst into flames at the wielder's command. When activated, the blade is wreathed in fire, shedding bright light and dealing significant extra fire damage. This iconic magic weapon has appeared in D&D lore for decades, representing the classic "flaming sword" fantasy. While inactive, the weapon appears as a normal, high-quality sword with subtle flame motifs or runes etched into the blade. The fire springs to life with a mental command, transforming it into a devastating instrument of destruction.

At a Glance

Type
Weapon (any sword)
Rarity
Rare
Attunement
Required

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MechanicsCommon MistakesDM TipsFAQSources

How It Works

You can use a bonus action to speak this magic sword's command word, causing flames to erupt from the blade. These flames shed bright light in a 40-foot radius and dim light for an additional 40 feet. While the sword is ablaze, it deals an extra 2d6 fire damage to any target it hits. The flames last until you use a bonus action to speak the command word again or until you drop or sheathe the sword. This weapon functions as a magic sword for purposes of overcoming resistance and immunity to nonmagical attacks and damage. The base damage depends on the type of sword (longsword, greatsword, scimitar, etc.).

Common Mistakes

Common Mistake
Forgetting that activating/deactivating the flames requires a bonus action each time
Common Mistake
Not tracking the bright light radius (40 feet bright, 40 feet dim) which can ruin stealth
Common Mistake
Thinking the sword is always on fire (it requires activation and deactivates when dropped or sheathed)
Common Mistake
Not realizing the +2d6 fire damage is substantial (averages 7 extra damage)
Common Mistake
Forgetting that fire damage can ignite flammable objects and interact with environmental effects
Common Mistake
Assuming the weapon provides a bonus to hit (it doesn't - just extra damage when activated)

DM Tips

DM Tip
The 2d6 extra fire damage is significant but balanced by requiring attunement and activation
DM Tip
Enemies resistant or immune to fire dramatically reduce this weapon's effectiveness
DM Tip
The bright light can be a drawback in stealth scenarios but useful in darkness
DM Tip
Perfect thematic weapon for <a href="/characters/classes/paladin-5e/">paladins</a>, <a href="/characters/classes/fighter-5e/">fighters</a>, and martial characters
DM Tip
Consider the environmental implications of carrying a flaming sword (lighting, fire hazards)
DM Tip
The activation/deactivation mechanic adds tactical depth to combat
DM Tip
Typical market value around 5,000-7,000 gp as a rare magic weapon
DM Tip
Works well with Great Weapon Fighting style (can reroll 1s and 2s on the 2d6 fire damage)
DM Tip
Fire damage makes this excellent against <a href="/monsters/troll-5e/">trolls</a> and other regenerating creatures
DM Tip
Consider describing the appearance of the flames (color, intensity) for flavor

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Further Reading