Hello magic casters of all shapes and sizes! Welcome to my spellbook and thank you so much for checking out the 61st episode of our 1st level spell series. Today we’re going to be talking about sanctuary 5e spell. Which is an oldie but a goodie, let me tell you. I think this has been around almost as long as D&D has.
It’s a true classic spell, it’s mechanics haven’t changed a whole lot since it was initially started its just a great spell, just great spell. It is usable by the cleric and the artificer which is super great, i’m really happy there to forgot this however you want to pronounce it but. And it is found in the good old players handbook. With that hyped-up intro out of the way let’s take a look at its mechanics.
Mechanics
- Level: 1st
- Casting Time: 1 Bonus Action
- Range/Area: 30 ft
- Components: V, S, M *
- Duration: 1 Minute
- School: Abjuration
- Attack/Save: WIS Save
- Damage/Effect: Buff
Its cast time is one bonus action which is awesome. It also has a range of 30 feet which is pretty good considering it’s a buff. Duration is one minute and it is not concentration which is particularly impressive. Actually using this spell on yourself is highly suggested to use it fully.
The effect at a glance at least is as followed: You ward a target from harm. If any creature attempts to directly harm the target. They must first make a wisdom save. If they fail the save, the warded target cannot be targeted. This effect can be ended if the target does anything to effect an enemy or deal damage. Which kind of makes sense you know.
Its components are somatic, material and verbal. Meaning you have to gesture with one hand. Use the material component in this case a small silver mirror or component pouch and speak forth an incantation. The school is unsurprisingly abjuration. It’s all about protection so it makes sense…right! That being said, let’s take a look at its full description and let’s better understand the way the spell works.
Description
You ward a creature within range against attack. Until the spell ends, any creature who targets the warded creature with an attack or a harmful spell must first make a Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the creature must choose a new target or lose the attack or spell. This spell doesn’t protect the warded creature from area effects, such as the explosion of a fireball. If the warded creature makes an attack, casts a spell that affects an enemy, or deals damage to another creature, this spell ends. * – (a small silver mirror)
Which kind of makes sense it’s kind of peace in exchange for peace. Let’s at least the genetal idea here. Now something i would like to point out here is by harmful effects. It doesn’t just mean damage for example something like bane would be considered a harmful effect, so bear that in mind.
Also based on the way this spell is worded in terms of deactivating the spell prematurely. You can cast spells that effect friendly or neutral targets so for example you can still heal, you can still buff your allies or you can do harmful effects to an enemy that doesn’t quite know they’re an enemy yes so isn’t a hostile, you know if that makes sense. Also read this 5e sanctuary spirit guardians.
I mean i think that last one might be up for a little bit of debate but i would probably allow it one of my games so use your DMs discretion. That being said, let’s take a look at some alternative uses here. You may also have interested in 5e sanctuary grapple.
Alternative Uses
So the best one i can think of personally at least would be to protect an important NPC. More than likely they’re not going to be doing any attacking anyways so this is just one other layer of protection on them. Outside of that they could really really useful when it comes to helping allies or friendly units escape harm’s way.
Not only do they have to make that attack role but they also got to make wisdom save as well, so i just think it works really well for that too. Don’t miss this sanctuary and spirit guardians interacted each other.
Conclusion
That being said, if you have any alternative uses for sanctuary 5e please put them down in the comments beneath. As well as if you have any cool stories, thoughts, ideas, questions, put it all down there and i really appreciate it and i know everyone else does as well. That being said guys, thank you so much i really do appreciate it. I hope you all have a wonderful day and as always happy casting.
Keep reading bless 5e | cure wounds 5e | shield of faith 5e | sacred flame 5e | twilight sanctuary 5e |