Unerring bolts of magical force strike and repel your foes
Evocation
Damage type: Force
Action: Standard
Components: V,S
Duration: Instantaneous
Spell Lists: Arcane,Divine
Levels: 1,3,5,7,9,10
Range: Long (400 ft + 40 ft/level)
Magic Missile conjures glowing darts of magical energy that unerringly seek out and strike their targets. These missiles of pure force not only bypass mundane armor and shields but also possess significant kinetic energy, capable of pushing back creatures of increasing size in any direction as the spell's power grows.
At its most basic level, the caster hurls a number of missiles equal to their caster level, each dealing respectable force damage. What sets Magic Missile apart is its dual nature as both a damage-dealing and crowd control spell. Each missile, regardless of the caster's level, can push a medium-sized creature back 5 feet upon impact. As the caster's mastery over the spell increases, so does its ability to affect larger creatures.
The spell's reliability is legendary among spellcasters. Unlike many spells that allow saving throws or require attack rolls, these arcane projectiles always find their mark, striking with unwavering accuracy. This predictability, combined with its pushing effect, makes Magic Missile an incredibly versatile tool in any magic user's arsenal.
At higher levels, the sheer number and power of the missiles increase dramatically. By the time a caster reaches the pinnacle of their magical prowess, they can launch a veritable storm of force bolts, each capable of dealing significant damage and collectively able to push back even the most colossal of creatures.
The force of Magic Missile not only damages but also repels its targets. The push effect varies based on the spell's level and the target's size. For the largest creature size the spell can affect at each level, the push distance is always 5 feet per missile. However, when targeting smaller creatures, the push distance increases significantly.
To calculate the maximum pushback distance, start with a base of 5 feet and add 5 feet for each size category difference between the largest affected creature size and the target's size. For example, a 10th-level Magic Missile can push a Colossal+ creature 5 feet, but would push a Medium creature 30 feet per missile (5 feet base + 25 feet for five size categories smaller).
This scaling push effect allows for dramatic battlefield control, especially against smaller foes. A high-level caster could potentially push a group of medium-sized enemies hundreds of feet with a single casting, dramatically altering the battlefield dynamics or even forcing foes off cliffs or into hazardous terrain.
When used creatively, Magic Missile can serve various tactical purposes beyond simple damage. The force of the missiles can be used to create space on a battlefield, push enemies into hazardous terrain, or even propel allies short distances in emergencies. In non-combat situations, the spell can be employed to trigger distant mechanisms, clear paths of debris, or create impressive displays of magical prowess.
| Spell Level | Missiles per CL | Damage per Missile | Max Creature Size Affected | Push Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1d4 | Medium | 5 feet |
| 3 | 1 | 2d4 | Large | 5 feet |
| 5 | 1 | 4d4 | Huge | 5 feet |
| 7 | 1 | 8d4 | Gargantuan | 5 feet |
| 9 | 1 | 16d4 | Colossal | 5 feet |
| 10 | 1 | 32d4 | Colossal+ | 5 feet |