Cloud of Daggers
You fill the air with spinning daggers in a cube 5 feet on each side, centered on a point you choose within range. A creature takes 4d4 slashing damage when it enters the spell's area for the first time on a turn or starts its turn there.
At a Glance
Level
2nd
School
Conjuration
Casting Time
1 action
Range
60 feet
Duration
Concentration, up to 1 minute
Concentration
Yes
How Cloud of Daggers Works
| Casting Time | 1 action |
|---|---|
| Range | 60 feet |
| Components | V, S, M (a sliver of glass) |
| Duration | Concentration, up to 1 minuteCONCENTRATION |
Damage
4d4 slashing
At Higher Levels
When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, the damage increases by 2d4 for each slot level above 2nd.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Forgetting the damage is automatic - no save or attack roll
Common Mistake
Not realizing enemies can trigger it when forced into the area
Common Mistake
Thinking the cloud moves - it stays in one place
Common Mistake
Forgetting it's only a 5-foot cube - very small area
DM Tips
DM Tip
Best used in chokepoints or when you can force enemies through it
DM Tip
Automatic damage makes it reliable despite low average (10 damage)
DM Tip
Can be combined with forced movement effects for multiple triggers
DM Tip
The 5-foot cube is tiny - position carefully
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Further Reading
- Cloud of Daggers — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full SRD text
- Cloud of Daggers — Roll20 Compendium — Structured reference
- Cloud of Daggers — D&D Beyond — Official digital reference