A beam of crackling energy lances toward a creature within range, forming a sustained arc of lightning between you and the target. Make a ranged spell attack against it. On a hit, the target takes 3d12 Lightning damage and their speed is reduced by half until the start of your next turn.
If you maintain concentration, on each of your subsequent turns you can take one of the following Bonus Actions, even if the first attack missed:
- Deal 2d12 Lightning damage to the target automatically
- The target must succeed on a Strength saving throw or be moved up to 20 feet in any direction. If the target falls out of range, the spell ends. It cannot ignore rules of movement regarding creatures or objects.
- The target must make a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the target has the Stunned condition until the start of your next turn.
The spell ends if the target is ever outside the spell’s range or if it has Total Cover from you.
Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. All damage die increase by 1d12 for each spell slot level above 3.
* - (a twig from a tree that has been struck by lightning)