Banishment
You attempt to send one creature that you can see within range to another plane of existence. The target must succeed on a Charisma saving throw or be banished. If the target is native to a different plane, it is sent home and doesn't return if the spell lasts the full duration. Otherwise, the creature is sent to a harmless demiplane and returns when the spell ends.
At a Glance
Level
4th
School
Abjuration
Casting Time
1 action
Range
60 feet
Duration
Concentration, up to 1 minute
Concentration
Yes
How Banishment Works
| Casting Time | 1 action |
|---|---|
| Range | 60 feet |
| Components | V, S, M (an item distasteful to the target) |
| Duration | Concentration, up to 1 minuteCONCENTRATION |
| Saving Throw | Charisma |
Available to:
ClericPaladinSorcererWarlockWizard
At Higher Levels
When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 5th level or higher, you can target one additional creature for each slot level above 4th.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Forgetting that banished creatures return to the same space (or nearest unoccupied space) when concentration ends
Common Mistake
Not tracking that native creatures are only permanently banished if concentration lasts the full minute
Common Mistake
Assuming extraplanar creatures can save again to return - they don't, they're gone for good if concentration lasts
DM Tips
DM Tip
Great for removing a powerful enemy from combat temporarily or permanently if they're extraplanar
DM Tip
Describe the demiplane flavor - gray void, misty realm, etc. to add atmosphere
DM Tip
Remember this can be used on possessed creatures to separate them from possessing entities
DM Tip
Consider having banished allies react negatively to being sent away without consent
Sources & Further Reading
- Banishment — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full SRD text
- Banishment — Roll20 Compendium — Structured reference
- Banishment — D&D Beyond — Official digital reference