Circle of Death

Level & School
6th-level necromancy
Casting Time
Action
Range
150 feet
Components
V, S, M (the powder of a crushed black pearl worth 500+ GP)
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard

Negative energy ripples out in a 60-foot-radius Sphere from a point you choose within range. Each creature in that area makes a Constitution saving throw, taking 8d8 Necrotic damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a successful one.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The damage increases by 2d8 for each spell slot level above 6.

Level & School
6th-level necromancy
Casting Time
Action
Range
150 feet
Components
V, S, M (the powder of a crushed black pearl worth at least 500 gp)
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard

A sphere of negative energy ripples out in a 60-foot radius sphere from a point within range. Each creature in that area must make a Constitution saving throw. A target takes 8d6 necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 7th level or higher, the damage increases by 2d6 for each slot level above 6th.

Circle of Death 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

Both versions deal 8d8 necrotic damage on a failed save, increasing by 2d8 per slot level above 6th. The 2024 version specifies "Negative energy" and "Sphere" with hyphenation, but these are stylistic. No significant mechanical differences are present.

Spells similar to Circle of Death

  • Blight

    Both deal 8d8 Necrotic damage in an area and require a Constitution saving throw.

  • Harm

    Both inflict high amounts of Necrotic damage based on Constitution saving throws.

  • Eyebite

    Both have effects that manipulate or debilitate living creatures with a focus on restorative powers.

  • Create Undead

    Both are high-level Necromancy spells that deal with manipulating the dead.

  • Finger of Death

    Both can instantly deal Necrotic damage and potentially kill the target outright.