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Warding Bond

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Warding Bond
  • Level: 2
  • School: Abjuration
  • Class: Cleric, Paladin
  • Casting Time: Action
  • Range: Touch
  • Components: V, S, M (a pair of platinum rings worth 50+ GP each, which you and the target must wear for the duration)
  • Duration: 1 hour

You touch another creature that is willing and create a mystic connection between you and the target until the spell ends. While the target is within 60 feet of you, it gains a +1 bonus to AC and saving throws, and it has Resistance to all damage. Also, each time it takes damage, you take the same amount of damage.

The spell ends if you drop to 0 Hit Points or if you and the target become separated by more than 60 feet. It also ends if the spell is cast again on either of the connected creatures.

Tactical Usage​

Ally Protection Bond. Warding Bond provides comprehensive protection to allies through AC bonus, saving throw bonus, and damage resistance.

Damage Sharing Risk. The caster absorbs equal damage, creating tactical decisions about protection versus self-preservation.

Support Role Enhancement. The spell enables dedicated support characters to provide substantial defensive benefits.

Spell Combinations​

Healing Coordination. Combining with healing magic ensures both caster and target maintain health during damage sharing.

Defensive Enhancement. Using alongside other protective magic amplifies the overall defensive capabilities.

Tank Strategy Support. Pairing with damage mitigation helps manage the shared damage burden.

Material Component Details​

Platinum Ring Requirement. The expensive platinum rings worth 50 gold pieces each represent binding commitment.

Paired Connection Symbolism. Both caster and target must wear rings, emphasizing mutual bond and shared fate.

Ongoing Component Dependency. The rings must be worn throughout the duration, creating vulnerability if removed.

Creator Notes​

Risk-Reward Protection. Warding Bond balances powerful protection with genuine risk to the caster.

Support Magic Design. The spell exemplifies dedicated support magic that requires personal sacrifice for ally protection.

Range Limitation Balance. The 60-foot requirement encourages tactical positioning and coordination.

Environmental Interactions​

Range Dependency. The bond breaks if the distance exceeds 60 feet, requiring tactical positioning.

Component Vulnerability. Removing or destroying the rings immediately ends the spell effect.

Duration Management. The one-hour duration provides substantial protection but requires strategic timing.

Common Rulings & Clarifications​

Damage Sharing Mechanics. The caster takes exactly the same amount of damage as the target.

Multiple Bond Restrictions. Casting the spell again on either creature ends the previous bond.

Zero Hit Point Termination. The spell ends if the caster drops to 0 hit points.

Resistance Application. The target gains resistance to all damage types.

Alternative Applications​

Bodyguard Service. Providing protection for important NPCs or vulnerable party members.

Healing Amplification. Using the resistance to effectively double healing efficiency on the protected target.

Sacrifice Strategy. Enabling tactically valuable characters to survive critical encounters through shared risk.

Protective Magic Comparison. Various spells provide protection, while Warding Bond offers comprehensive defense with personal risk.

Abjuration Support Magic. The spell represents dedicated abjuration magic focused on ally protection.

Divine Protection Tradition. The spell connects to divine magic traditions emphasizing sacrifice for others.

Scaling Analysis​

Fixed 2nd-Level Protection. Warding Bond cannot be upcast, representing consistent low-level protective capabilities.

Risk-Benefit Balance. The shared damage creates meaningful tactical decisions about protection strategies.

Duration Value. The one-hour effect provides excellent utility for important encounters or dangerous periods.

Narrative Flavor​

Mystical Bond Formation. The bond should emphasize spiritual or magical connection between caster and target.

Shared Fate Emphasis. The effect should convey that injuries to one immediately affect the other.

Divine Protection Display. The spell should demonstrate sacrificial protection through divine or magical intervention.