What is the Slow Time Spell in 5e?
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The Slow spell in Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition is a potent 3rd-level transmutation spell designed to disrupt enemy formations and hinder their effectiveness in combat. It allows a spellcaster to manipulate time, creating a localized temporal distortion that significantly reduces the actions of up to six creatures within a specific area. Specifically, the Slow spell targets up to six creatures of your choice within a 40-foot cube within range. Each target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or be affected by the spell for its duration of one minute, which requires concentration from the caster. This spell is all about debuffs and controlling the flow of the battlefield. Let’s look at exactly how this spell impacts its victims.
How Slow Affects Its Targets
An affected target of the Slow spell experiences a range of debilitating effects:
- Reduced Speed: Their movement speed is halved, making it much more difficult for them to close distances or escape danger.
- AC and Dexterity Saving Throw Penalty: They take a -2 penalty to AC and Dexterity saving throws, making them more vulnerable to attacks and other hazardous effects.
- No Reactions: They are completely unable to use their reactions, cutting off a valuable defensive and offensive tool.
- Limited Attacks: Regardless of their typical abilities, including Multiattack, a creature affected by Slow can make only one melee or ranged attack during its turn.
These combined effects make the Slow spell a powerful tool for any adventurer looking to gain an advantage in a fight. It’s not a spell for dealing direct damage, but it excels in setting up situations where your party can capitalize on slowed enemies.
Benefits of Using Slow
The Slow spell provides several tactical advantages:
- Area Control: The large 40-foot cube area of effect makes it useful for controlling multiple enemies at once, especially when they’re clustered together.
- Debilitating Effects: The combination of reduced speed, AC penalties, and the inability to react makes it easier to hit the targets, control their movement, and capitalize on opportunity attacks.
- Combats Multiattack: One of Slow’s key strengths is its ability to neutralize the effectiveness of Multiattack, severely limiting the damage output of many powerful monsters.
- Action Economy: By slowing down enemies, you indirectly increase your party’s action economy. This makes for easier combat where the party can deal more damage or complete objectives.
Understanding the Limitations
While Slow is powerful, it’s important to note its limitations:
- Wisdom Saving Throw: Enemies with high Wisdom scores have a greater chance of resisting the effects of the spell.
- Concentration: Requiring concentration from the caster makes them vulnerable to attacks, potentially breaking the spell’s effect.
- No Direct Damage: The spell does not deal direct damage, making it more suited for support roles.
- Legendary Actions: Slow does not stop a creature from using Legendary Actions or Lair Actions because these aren’t taken as part of their turn.
FAQs: Slow in D&D 5e
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Slow spell, providing a deeper understanding of its mechanics and uses:
1. Is Slow a good spell in 5e?
Yes, Slow is generally considered a very good spell in D&D 5e. Its potent debuffs, wide area of effect, and ability to shut down multiattacking enemies make it a valuable asset for controlling the battlefield.
2. What classes can learn the Slow spell?
The Slow spell is typically available to Sorcerers, Wizards, Warlocks, and Artificers. Some subclasses or specific feats may also grant access to this spell.
3. Can a slowed creature become hastened with a single casting of haste?
No, they cancel each other out. If your ally is slowed, a single casting of haste will return them to their normal speed, it won’t grant the hastened bonus of double speed.
4. Does heavy armor slow you down in 5e?
Yes, heavier armor can slow you down if you lack the required Strength score. If the armor table shows “Str 13” or “Str 15”, the armor reduces your speed by 10 feet unless you have a Strength score equal to or higher than the listed score.
5. Does Slow affect legendary actions?
No, Slow does not affect legendary actions. Legendary actions are special abilities a creature can use outside of their turn, and are not considered standard actions that Slow limits. Slow only affects the number of attacks and reactions a creature can take.
6. How do you get rid of the Slow spell in 5e?
You can remove the Slow spell by:
* Killing or damaging the caster, causing them to lose concentration.
* Casting Dispel Magic on the affected target(s).
* Ending your own concentration, if you were the caster, though this will affect all slowed targets.
7. What is the maximum movement speed a creature can have in 5e?
There isn’t a specific cap on movement speed in 5e, but it is mostly limited by creature abilities and feats. Spells like Haste can significantly increase movement speed, and speed boosts are considered additive.
8. Does Slow prevent Multiattack?
Yes, absolutely. A creature affected by Slow can only make one melee or ranged attack, regardless of whether they have multiattack. This ability is one of the key strengths of Slow and can be debilitating to powerful enemies that rely on multiple attacks.
9. Can a stunned enemy take legendary actions?
No, a stunned enemy cannot take legendary actions. A stunned creature is incapacitated and cannot take any actions, including legendary ones.
10. Are legendary actions stopped by being incapacitated?
Yes, legendary actions are stopped by being incapacitated. As stated in the Monster Manual introduction, “it can’t use them while incapacitated or otherwise unable to take actions”.
11. What happens if you wear armor you aren’t proficient in 5e?
If you wear armor that you lack proficiency in, you have disadvantage on any ability check, saving throw, or attack roll that involves Strength or Dexterity, and you can’t cast spells.
12. Can a rogue wear a breastplate?
Yes, a rogue can wear a breastplate, as long as they have proficiency with medium armor. Rogues are proficient with light armor by default, and some subclasses grant medium armor proficiency.
13. What is the “heavy” weapon rule in 5e?
The “heavy” property on weapons indicates that Small creatures have disadvantage on Attack rolls when using a heavy weapon. The size and bulk of these weapons make them difficult to wield effectively for small creatures.
14. Is Slow better than Haste in 5e?
It depends on the situation. Haste is great for buffing a single hard-hitting ally, while Slow is best against a group of 5 or more enemies. However, neither is very useful against casters or ranged attackers.
15. Does the Slow spell have any effect on allies?
The Slow spell can affect allies if they are within the area of effect and fail their Wisdom saving throw. This is why careful placement of the spell is essential. A caster should be aware of which characters would be within the 40-foot cube before casting the spell.
Final Thoughts
The Slow spell is a fantastic tool for tactical players in D&D 5e. Its ability to debuff multiple enemies simultaneously can turn the tide of battle, making it a must-have for any caster focused on control and battlefield manipulation. While not as flashy as spells that deal direct damage, Slow’s strategic value and debuffs are invaluable when facing a group of enemies. Understanding its mechanics and how to use it effectively can make a big difference in your campaigns.