Bane

A
Control

Bane is a Control spell. Control spells restrict enemy options through debuffs or denial effects.

See all Control spells →
 spell that curses
multiple foes

Bane is a Multi Target spell. Multi Target spells have an area of effect or can explicitly target multiple allies or enemies.

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, sapping those who
fail

Bane is a Save or Suck spell. Save or Suck spells fall entirely flat if the target succeeds on a saving throw.

See all Save or Suck spells →
 and making their attacks and saves falter.

2024 Rules
Level & School
1st-level enchantment
Casting Time
Action
Range
30 feet
Components
V, S, M (a drop of blood)
Duration
Concentration, 1 minute
Classes
Bard, Cleric, Warlock
Source
Player's Handbook (2024)

Up to three creatures of your choice that you can see within range must each make a Charisma saving throw. Whenever a target that fails this save makes an attack roll or a saving throw before the spell ends, the target must subtract 1d4 from the attack roll or save.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. You can target one additional creature for each spell slot level above 1.

2014 Rules
Level & School
1st-level enchantment
Casting Time
Action
Range
30 feet
Components
V, S, M (a drop of blood)
Duration
Concentration, 1 minute
Classes
Bard, Cleric
Source
Player's Handbook (2014)

Up to three creatures of your choice that you can see within range must make Charisma saving throws. Whenever a target that fails this saving throw makes an attack roll or a saving throw before the spell ends, the target must roll a d4 and subtract the number rolled from the attack roll or saving throw.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, you can target one additional creature for each slot level above 1st.

Bane 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

The 2024 version adds Warlock to the class list. Otherwise, it works the same at the table. Now also available to Warlocks.

How popular is Bane in 5e?

Bane is the #24 most popular level 1 spell (of 82) and the #9 most picked level 1 Bard spell (of 27).

Among level 1 spells, Bane ranks just below Burning Hands and just above Feather Fall in popularity.

Read about how this popularity data is calculated.

Spells similar to Bane