Maddening Darkness

• Level: 8th-level
• School: Evocation
• Casting Time: 1 action
• Range: 150 feet
• Components: V, M (a drop of pitch mixed with a pinch of powdered iron)
• Duration: Concentration, up to 10 minutes

Description

Maddening Darkness creates an overwhelming sphere of magical darkness filled with whispers and other maddening sounds. The spell combines the effects of magical darkness with psychic damage, making it a potent control and damage spell.

Effects:

• Area of Effect:

  • The spell creates a 60-foot-radius sphere of magical darkness, centered on a point you choose within range.
  • The area is filled with a cacophony of whispers, slurping noises, and other unsettling sounds.

• Magical Darkness:

  • The darkness created by this spell is impenetrable, even to creatures with darkvision. No light, magical or otherwise, can illuminate the area.

• Psychic Damage:

  • At the start of their turn, any creature inside the darkness must make a Wisdom saving throw.
  • On a failed save, the creature takes 8d8 psychic damage.
  • On a successful save, the creature takes half damage.

Strategic Applications:

• Battlefield Control:

  • Maddening Darkness can be used to deny large areas of the battlefield to enemies, forcing them to move out of the darkness or suffer significant psychic damage.

• High Damage Potential:

  • The spell deals substantial damage over time, especially if enemies remain within the darkness. The psychic damage can quickly wear down even the most resilient foes.

• Disruption:

  • The maddening whispers and other disturbing sounds can disorient and demoralize enemies, making it difficult for them to coordinate or concentrate.

• Ambush or Retreat:

  • The spell is useful for setting up ambushes or covering retreats, as it obscures vision and punishes creatures that remain within its area of effect.

Limitations:

• Concentration:

  • The spell requires concentration, making it vulnerable to disruption if the caster takes damage or is otherwise distracted.

• Area of Effect:

  • The large area of the spell can make it difficult to avoid affecting allies. Careful placement is necessary to ensure that your allies are not caught in the sphere.

• Saving Throw:

  • Creatures that succeed on their Wisdom saving throws take only half damage, reducing the spell's effectiveness against those with high Wisdom or proficiency in Wisdom saves.

• Line of Sight:

  • Since the spell creates an area of impenetrable darkness, it can also obscure the caster’s line of sight, potentially complicating further spellcasting or ranged attacks.

Notes:

• Synergy with Other Spells:

  • Combining Maddening Darkness with spells that restrict movement, like Wall of Force or Entangle, can trap enemies within the area, maximizing the spell's damage potential.

• Roleplay and Thematic Use:

  • This spell is particularly thematic for characters associated with madness, fear, or dark, eldritch powers. It can be a terrifying and dramatic tool in the hands of a warlock or a sorcerer.

• Enemies' Reactions:

  • The unsettling nature of the spell can cause fear or panic among NPCs or enemies, potentially leading to roleplay opportunities where enemies flee or surrender to avoid the effects.

• Ideal For:

  • Warlocks, sorcerers, and wizards who want to control the battlefield and deal significant damage while imposing a psychological toll on their enemies. The spell is particularly effective against groups of enemies who lack the means to quickly escape the area of effect.