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When a wizard calls upon a Lightning Bolt spell, he releases a powerful charge of electrical energy that immediately launches itself towards the target creature and bounces on walls. The Wand of Lightning can apply a version of this spell, which differs between BG1 and BG2.

Description[]

Lightning Bolt
Upon casting this spell, the wizard releases a powerful stroke of electrical energy that inflicts 1d6 points of damage per level of the caster (maximum damage of 10d6) to each creature within its area of effect. A successful Saving Throw vs. Spell reduces this damage to half (round fractions down). The bolt begins at a range and height decided by the caster and streaks outward in a direct line from the casting wizard (e.g., if a 40-ft. bolt was started at 180 ft. from the wizard, the far end would reach 220 ft.(180+40)). If the Lightning Bolt intersects with a wall, it will bounce until it reaches its full length. The bolt does not stop when it hits its target. It continues on its trajectory, bouncing off obstacles at new angles, until it reaches the end of its range.

Gameplay[]

The caster selects a single-creature target and casts the spell (including self) - which launches a lightning bolt projectile at that target.

Any creature that has intersected the path of the lightning bolt is exposed to its effects.

The bolt can be blocked by Magic resistance, and a successful Saving throw will half the Electricity damage.

Any spell protection such as Minor Spell Deflection or Minor Globe of Invulnerability can block the bolt from damaging the protected creature.

Bugs[]

  • Should the caster target themselves, the Lightning Bolt:
    • Enhanced Editions two letters logoBaldur's Gate I & II: Enhanced Editions
      This icon indicates content from all Enhanced Editions of the Baldur's Gate games. May situationally encompass Siege of Dragonspear and The Black Pits I & II content as well.
      Will be fired towards the Southeast instead of the direction being faced. Most of the time the caster will not be hurt as the bolt springs from their hands.
    • Original games two letters logoBaldur's Gate I & II Classic
      This icon indicates content from all original Baldur's Gate games, extensions included.
      Will be fired either towards the North or the direction being faced, depending on the graphical orientation of the caster. It will always hurt them. With certain orientations, the bolt does not continue past them.
  • Lightning Bolt cast from a wand only checks for obstructions prior to striking the target once every six casts. Therefore, if Farsight is cast to reveal a location and then a target is selected during the first through fifth casting of this spell, then the lightning bolt will noclip to strike the enemy's location. Once the target is stricken, the lightning bolt will behave normally, regaining its collision physics.

Where to obtain its scroll[]

The Black Pits[]

Sold by[]

Baldur's Gate[]

Shadows of Amn[]

Treasure

Throne of Bhaal[]

Mod content[]

Mods icon This section is about unofficial content that is only available via fan-made mods.

Spell Revisions mod has changed this arcane spell, revising its saving throw. See below for description:
Lightning Bolt
Level: 3
School: Evocation
Range: Long
Duration: Instant
Casting Time: 3
Area of Effect: 1 creature
Saving Throw: Breath half

Upon casting this spell, the wizard releases a powerful stroke of electrical energy that inflicts 1d6 points of damage per level of the spellcaster (maximum damage of 10d6) to the target creature. A successful saving throw vs. breath at -4 reduces this damage to half.

Note:The SR mod's arcane spell lightning bolt projectile is No. 241 - No bounce variety. SR doesn't change other lightning bolt sources such as innate spells, wands, and traps etc.

External links[]

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