Death Ward
You touch a creature and grant it a measure of protection from death. The first time the target would drop to 0 hit points as a result of taking damage, the target instead drops to 1 hit point, and the spell ends. If the spell is still in effect when the target is subjected to an effect that would kill it instantaneously without dealing damage, that effect is instead negated against the target, and the spell ends.
At a Glance
Level
4th
School
Abjuration
Casting Time
1 action
Range
Touch
Duration
8 hours
Concentration
No
How Death Ward Works
| Casting Time | 1 action |
|---|---|
| Range | Touch |
| Components | V, S |
| Duration | 8 hours |
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Forgetting it only works once and then ends
Common Mistake
Not pre-casting it before dangerous encounters
Common Mistake
Thinking it prevents damage - it just prevents dropping below 1 HP once
Common Mistake
Not realizing it protects against instant death effects like Power Word Kill
DM Tips
DM Tip
Excellent insurance policy for dangerous encounters
DM Tip
The 8-hour duration means it can be cast well before danger
DM Tip
Protection from instant death effects is extremely valuable at high levels
DM Tip
Consider using this on important NPCs in dangerous situations
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Further Reading
- Death Ward — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full SRD text
- Death Ward — Roll20 Compendium — Structured reference
- Death Ward — D&D Beyond — Official digital reference