What Is an Emanation in 5E (And How Does It Work)?
An emanation is a circular area of effect that extends outward from the creature in all directions - usually 10, 15, or 30 feet - and affects anything in that radius. It’s like an aura, but triggered by an ability.
What It Used to Be Called
In the original 2014 edition of 5E, these effects were often described in long-form:
“Each creature within 10 feet of you...” or
“An aura extends 30 feet in every direction centered on you...”
Starting in 2024-era rules (and Foe Foundry), the keyword emanation is used instead. It's just a shorthand to make rules clearer and faster to parse.
How Big Are Emanations in D&D 5E?
| Radius | Area Size | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 10 ft | 5x5 | Close-range pulses (roars, shocks) |
| 15 ft | 7x7 | Medium auras (Spirit Guardians, fear fields) |
| 30 ft | 13x13 | Battlefield control (boss auras, divine storms) |
| 60 ft | 25x25 | Legendary-scale auras, domain-wide effects |
Player Tips: How to use Emanation Abilities
Use emanations when you want to:
- Affect enemies around you without needing to aim
- Trigger effects when creatures enter your range
- Combo with positioning (e.g. charge into the middle of enemies, then release)
- Protect allies with supportive auras like healing or damage reduction
DM Tips: Make Emanations Matter
Want monsters with built-in emanations?
Try out our free & powerful Lich to see what emanations are capable of
Want to add emanations to your monsters?
Check out our free Emanation Powers for inspiration.
Emanations shine when they change how players move. Use them for:
- Lingering auras: A Wight's aura of despair or a solar’s divine halo
- Triggered pulses: A Banshee’s scream or psychic nova
Here are two emanation examples - Raging Flames and Draconic Standard
Raging Flames
Actions
Raging Flames (Recharge 5-6). The wizard creates a Medium Raging Flames Token (AC/DC 11, 3 Charges) in an unoccupied space within 30 feet. Each creature that starts its turn within a 30 foot emanation of the Raging Flames takes 11 (2d10) fire damage.
Used by Archlich (CR 26), Lich (CR 21), Pyromancer (CR 6)
Draconic Standard
Actions
Aspirant's Breath (When Draconic Standard Charged). The kobold breathes draconic force in a 15 ft cone. Each creature in the area must make a DC 11 Dexterity save. On a failure, the creature takes 4 (1d8) force damage or half as much on a success.
Bonus Actions
Draconic Standard (1/day). The kobold reverently places its Draconic Standard Token (AC/DC 10, 1 Charges) in an unoccupied space within 5ft. Whenever another Kobold dies within a 60ft emanation of the standard, its draconic zeal is absorbed by the standard, which gains 1 charge. Whenever the standard has at least 5 charges, it grants all Kobolds within a 60 foot emanation the ability to use the Aspirant's Breath as an Action at the cost of expending a charge.
Used by Kobold Ascendant (CR 1)
Try It Out
Foe Foundry is a free 5E monster generator that can create monsters with emanation powers. For example, the Kobold Ascendant has a fun and unique emanation ability:
Kobold Ascendant
Summoned with Foe FoundrySmall Humanoid (Dragon*, Kobold)
AC 17 (Splint Armor) Initiative +0 (10)
HP 27 (6d6 + 6)
Speed 30 ft.
| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Str | 15 | +2 | +2 |
| Dex | 11 | +0 | +0 |
| Con | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Int | 8 | -1 | -1 |
| Wis | 7 | -2 | -2 |
| Cha | 8 | -1 | -1 |
Senses Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 8
Languages Common, Draconic
CR 1 (200 XP; PB +2)
Traits
Draconic Servants. The kobold has resistance to the damage type of its draconic overlord (Fire, Cold, Lightning, Poison, or Acid). Additionally, if the kobold is within 60 feet of a True Dragon then its attacks deal an additional 1d6 damage of that dragon's element.
Actions
Multiattack. The kobold makes two Dragonfang Halberd attacks.
Dragonfang Halberd. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 10ft., one target. Hit 7 (1d10 + 2) slashing damage.
Aspirant's Breath (When Draconic Standard Charged). The kobold breathes draconic force in a 15 ft cone. Each creature in the area must make a DC 12 Dexterity save. On a failure, the creature takes 11 (2d10) force damage or half as much on a success.
Bonus Actions
Draconic Standard (1/day). The kobold reverently places its Draconic Standard Token (AC/DC 10, 1 Charges) in an unoccupied space within 5ft. Whenever another Kobold dies within a 60ft emanation of the standard, its draconic zeal is absorbed by the standard, which gains 1 charge. Whenever the standard has at least 5 charges, it grants all Kobolds within a 60 foot emanation the ability to use the Aspirant's Breath as an Action at the cost of expending a charge.
Reactions
Coordinated Strike. Whenever an ally within 5 feet misses an attack and the kobold is within 5 feet of the target, the kobold can use their reaction to make an attack against the target. This ability can only trigger once per round for each such group of allies with this trait.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 30-foot emanation?
A 30-foot emanation is a circular effect centered on the caster or creature, affecting everything within 30 feet.
Is an emanation the same as an aura?
Essentially, yes. An emanation is the specific rules keyword that describes aura-like effects in 5E.
How big is a 10-foot emanation?
It covers a 20-foot diameter circle centered on the caster, or a 5x5 square on a grid.
Whether you’re building terrifying undead or protecting allies with divine light, emanations give you powerful tools for battlefield control. Explore more powers or summon your own monster to put them to work.