Stone Shape: Cast the First Stone

Usable By: Artificer, Cleric, Druid, Wizard

Spell Level: 4

School: Transmutation

Casting Time: 1 action

Range: Touch

Duration: Instantaneous

Components: V, S, M (Soft clay, which must be worked into roughly the desired shape of the stone object)

You touch a stone object of Medium size or smaller or a section of stone no more than 5 feet in any dimension and form it into any shape that suits your purpose. So, for example, you could shape a large rock into a weapon, idol, or coffer, or make a small passage through a wall, as long as the wall is less than 5 feet thick. You could also shape a stone door or its frame to seal the door shut. The object you create can have up to two hinges and a latch, but finer mechanical detail isn’t possible.

Review by Sam West, Twitter: @CrierKobold

We’ve all been there when you’re back against the wall, butt naked covering your bits in somebody else's castle. In those moments, wouldn’t you like an easy exit? How about a surprise staircase, or a giant hole to get those pesky guards out? When you need it, Stone Shape is there.

This effect shines to me because it does what spells like Fabricate are doing but also can remove barriers, and does so instantly. It is all the flexibility in making a series of stone tools and weapons, which is just whatever in practice, and adds on the crucial text of offering gates, passages, and barricades, all in the blink of an eye. Stone Shape doesn’t just make things; it breaks them too.

Its bigger brother Move Earth suffers from just taking far too long to do anything impactful. Passwall is a level higher than this and does the more relevant part a bit better, but lacks the flexibility Stone Shape has in doubling as a barricade and suite of odd tools. This is another one of those spells where it may not read particularly strong, but in practice with a creative mind and a diversity of environments, it can stand out as an amazing tool to have access to.

I adore situations where you just find yourself with a boulder and a barbarian and find some wild things to do. Move it to the perfect spot and weld it to the door, throw it at a kobold and quickly transform it into a stoney prison, or just make it into a battering ram, pole, or some other useful object you need. The spell can lead to so many moments where everyone just pauses and goes “Uh, you did WHAT?” and I’m just the biggest fan of that kind of magic.

No, Stone Shape isn’t revolutionary, and it won’t be a spell you’re casting every session for the most part. While all tables will typically include some level of stone, seafaring games or plane hopping adventures are two examples of situations where uses for Stone Shape will be few and far between. Still, if you’re in the market for something that will itch that creative problem solving part of the brain, Stone Shape can absolutely be it.

5e Spells

Stone Shape: Cast the First Stone