Home/Spells/Utility & Control/Glyph of Warding

Glyph of Warding

You inscribe a glyph on a surface or within an object that can be closed to conceal it. If you choose a surface, the glyph can cover an area no larger than 10 feet in diameter. The glyph is nearly invisible (DC determined by your spell save DC to find it). You decide the trigger. When triggered, the glyph erupts with magical energy in a 20-foot-radius sphere dealing 5d8 acid, cold, fire, lightning, or thunder damage (Dex save for half), or you can store a spell of 3rd level or lower in the glyph to be cast when triggered.

At a Glance

Level
3rd
School
Abjuration
Casting Time
1 hour
Range
Touch
Duration
Until dispelled or triggered
Concentration
No

Jump to

MechanicsDamageAt Higher LevelsCommon MistakesDM TipsSources

How Glyph of Warding Works

Casting Time1 hour
RangeTouch
ComponentsV, S, M (incense and powdered diamond worth 200 gp, consumed)
DurationUntil dispelled or triggered
Saving ThrowDexterity

Available to:

BardClericWizard

Damage

5d8 (chosen type)(Dexterity)

At Higher Levels

When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 4th level or higher, the damage increases by 1d8 for each slot level above 3rd. If you create a spell glyph, you can store any spell of up to the same level as the slot you use for the glyph of warding.

Common Mistakes

Common Mistake
Forgetting the 200 gp material component that is consumed
Common Mistake
Trying to move the glyph - it becomes inactive if moved more than 10 feet from where it was cast
Common Mistake
Not setting a clear trigger condition
Common Mistake
Thinking stored spells can be concentration spells - they can, but no one maintains concentration

DM Tips

DM Tip
Great for dungeon defense and lair preparation
DM Tip
Consider having enemy spellcasters use this to protect important areas
DM Tip
The 1-hour casting time means this is for preparation, not combat
DM Tip
Creative uses include storing buff spells to trigger when allies enter an area

Sources & Further Reading