Ray of Sickness

Level & School
1st-level necromancy
Casting Time
Action
Range
60 feet
Components
V, S
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Sorcerer, Wizard

You shoot a greenish ray at a creature within range. Make a ranged spell attack against the target. On a hit, the target takes 2d8 Poison damage and has the Poisoned condition until the end of your next turn.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The damage increases by 1d8 for each spell slot level above 1.

Level & School
1st-level necromancy
Casting Time
Action
Range
60 feet
Components
V, S
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Sorcerer, Wizard

A ray of sickening greenish energy lashes out toward a creature within range. Make a ranged spell attack against the target. On a hit, the target takes 2d8 poison damage and must make a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, it is also poisoned until the end of your next turn.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the damage increases by 1d8 for each slot level above 1st.

Ray of Sickness 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

Both versions deal 2d8 poison damage on hit, with damage increasing by 1d8 per slot level above 1st. The 2024 version explicitly states the target "has the Poisoned condition" until the end of your next turn, while the 2014 version states the target "is also poisoned." The wording change clarifies the condition application.

Spells similar to Ray of Sickness

  • Poison Spray

    Both deal poison damage and require a spell attack against a single target.
  • Inflict Wounds

    Both require a spell attack and deal damage based on a physical touch.
  • Chill Touch

    Both require an attack roll, deal necrotic damage, and apply a condition that hinders healing.
  • Ray of Frost

    Both are ranged spells that involve an attack roll and deal damage while imposing a movement penalty.
  • Wrathful Smite

    Both deal damage and can inflict a condition that affects the target's actions.

Ray of Sickness is featured in