Cordon of Arrows

Level & School
2nd-level transmutation
Casting Time
Action
Range
Touch
Components
V, S, M (an ornamental braid)
Duration
8 hours
Classes
Ranger

You touch up to four nonmagical Arrows or Bolts and plant them in the ground in your space. Until the spell ends, the ammunition can't be physically uprooted, and whenever a creature other than you enters a space within 30 feet of the ammunition for the first time on a turn or ends its turn there, one piece of ammunition flies up to strike it. The creature must succeed on a Dexterity saving throw or take 2d4 Piercing damage. The piece of ammunition is then destroyed. The spell ends when none of the ammunition remains planted in the ground. When you cast this spell, you can designate any creatures you choose, and the spell ignores them.

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Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The amount of ammunition that can be affected increases by two for each spell slot level above 2.

Level & School
2nd-level transmutation
Casting Time
Action
Range
5 feet
Components
V, S, M (four or more arrows or bolts)
Duration
8 hours
Classes
Ranger

You plant four pieces of nonmagical ammunition – arrows or crossbow bolts – in the ground within range and lay magic upon them to protect an area. Until the spell ends, whenever a creature other than you comes within 30 feet of the ammunition for the first time on a turn or ends its turn there, one piece of ammunition flies up to strike it. The creature must succeed on a Dexterity saving throw or take 1d6 piercing damage. The piece of ammunition is then destroyed. The spell ends when no ammunition remains.

When you cast this spell, you can designate any creatures you choose, and the spell ignores them.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, the amount of ammunition that can be affected increases by two for each slot level above 2nd.

Cordon of Arrows 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

The 2024 version changes the damage to 2d4 piercing (up from 1d6), specifies ammunition can't be physically uprooted, and clarifies the spell ends when no ammunition remains planted. Range is now touch, and the affected ammunition count increases by two per slot level above 2nd.

Spells similar to Cordon of Arrows

  • Spike Growth

    Both create an area of effect that hinders movement, causing damage when entering.

  • Hail of Thorns

    Both invoke an ammunition-based attack that deals damage to targets within range.

  • Conjure Barrage

    Both involve creating attacks that affect multiple targets in an area.

  • Summon Beast

    Both spells involve summoning entities to attack or hinder an opponent.

  • Druidcraft

    Both are transmutation spells used by Rangers and Druids with utility aspects.