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Does Dungeons and Dragons need Fireworks?

Since I was a kid, I have always loved Fireworks. The colors the sounds, the oohs and aahs of the crowd. They are even slightly celebrated in the Lord of the rings movies. Fireworks in Dungeons & Dragons bring an exciting and dynamic element to the game, adding visual spectacle and dramatic flair to celebrations, festivals, and grand events within the campaign world. These magical displays can serve as powerful narrative tools, marking significant moments such as the victory over a formidable foe, the coronation of a new ruler, or the annual festivities of a vibrant city. Fireworks can also provide clever adventurers with creative solutions, acting as distractions during heists, signals for allies during coordinated attacks, or even traps for unwary enemies. By incorporating fireworks into D&D, Dungeon Masters can enhance the immersive experience, making the game world feel more alive, vibrant, and filled with wonder, while giving players new ways to engage with the story and environment. Despite all of this, doing a search on D&D Beyond I find about 10 times throughout all the books that mentioned the words fireworks. It is a place of business and a variety of small trap-like instances. There are also a few times that is is just a word that is thrown in saying fireworks go off in the air with no effect. So if it is in the rules why does it have so little mechanical aspects. The Spell Pyrotechnics has a component of fireworks, but that is a 2nd level spell and causes an instantaneous effect that could blind a target for a round due to flame. Hardly the sky lighting effect of sound and color that fireworks is known to create. So because of it I will create some new spells that you can add to your game. Feel free to adjust as you see fit for your game/world.

Celebration of Lights

2nd-level illusion

Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 120 feet
Components: V, S, M (a pinch of powdered magnesium and a small piece of flint)
Duration: 10 minutes

Ritual Spell

You create a dazzling display of fireworks that light up the sky in a 120-foot radius centered on a point within range. The fireworks burst into vibrant colors and intricate patterns, captivating anyone who watches.

For the duration of the spell, the fireworks provide bright light in a 120-foot radius and dim light for an additional 120 feet. The display can be shaped and directed by you as you focus on it, creating various forms, messages, or images in the sky.

Effect:

• Visual Delight: Creatures within the illuminated area who can see the fireworks must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or be charmed by the display for the duration. Charmed creatures are captivated and will not move or take hostile actions unless attacked or harmed. Affected creatures can make a new save at the end of their turns should they choose to end teh charmed effect.
• Auditory Accompaniment: You can add sounds of whistling, crackling, and booming that accompany the fireworks, creating an immersive experience. These sounds can be heard up to 300 feet away.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, the radius of the bright light increases by 60 feet for each slot level above 2nd, and the DC for the saving throw increases by 1 for each slot level above 2nd.

This is a spell for Bard, Cleric, Sorcerer, Wizard.

Grand Finale

3rd-level illusion

Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 150 feet
Components: V, S, M (a handful of colored sand and a pinch of sulfur)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute

Ritual spell

You create a breathtaking finale to a fireworks display, filling the sky with a magnificent and dazzling array of lights and sounds. The grand finale bursts with an intensity that captivates and awes those who witness it.

For the duration of the spell, you concentrate on the display, creating a series of explosive, colorful bursts in a 150-foot radius centered on a point within range. The fireworks provide bright light in a 150-foot radius and dim light for an additional 150 feet.

Effect:

• Spectacular Show: Creatures within the illuminated area who can see the fireworks must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or be stunned by the awe-inspiring display for 1 minute. Stunned creatures are immobilized and unable to take actions or reactions, though they can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of their turns, ending the effect on a success.
• Thunderous Applause: The fireworks crescendo with a series of thunderous booms that can be heard up to 600 feet away. Creatures within 150 feet of the center point must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or be deafened for 1 minute.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 4th level or higher, the radius of the bright light and the range of the spell increase by 50 feet for each slot level above 3rd, and the DC for the saving throw increases by 1 for each slot level above 3rd.

This is a spell for Bard, Cleric, Sorcerer, Wizard.

Incorporating fireworks into your D&D campaign can bring a whole new level of excitement and immersion to your game. With spells like Celebration of Lights and Grand Finale, you can create dazzling displays that captivate your players and add a magical touch to your world’s celebrations. Whether you’re marking a festival, a triumphant victory, or simply adding some festive flair, these spells offer endless possibilities for enhancing the atmosphere and storytelling of your campaign. So why not light up the sky and let your players experience the awe and wonder of magical fireworks in their next adventure? With these new additions, your D&D world will be more vibrant and memorable than ever.

Thanks for reading. Until Next Time, Stay Nerdy!