Sanctuary

Level 1 Abjuration spell available to Clerics, cast as a Bonus Action. Until the target attacks, enemies simply cannot target it. A one-turn safety bubble for a rescuer or a squishy caster.

Spell description: Ward yourself or an ally against enemy attacks. Until the affected entity attacks or harms another creature, it cannot be targeted by enemy attacks. However, it can still take damage from spells that affect a large area.

Spell properties

• Range: 18m (60ft)
• Duration: 10 turns
• Conditions applied: Sanctuary. The creature cannot be directly targeted by enemy attacks.
• Cost: Bonus Action + Spell Slot
• Recharge: Per action

Spell upcasting

Casting Sanctuary at higher levels provides no additional benefits.

How to obtain Sanctuary

• Cleric at Class level 1
• Oath of Devotion (Paladin) at Class level 3
• College of Lore (Bard) at Class level 6 via Magical Secrets
• Bard at Class level 10 via Magical Secrets
• Granted by features: Magic Initiate: Cleric

Sanctuary

Level 1 Abjuration Spell

Ward yourself or an ally against enemy attacks. Until the affected entity attacks or harms another creature, it cannot be targeted by enemy attacks. However, it can still take damage from spells that affect a large area.

Range: 18m (60ft) Duration: 10 turns

Bonus Action Level 1 Spell Slot

When to cast Sanctuary

It is a Bonus Action, which is what makes it good. Drop it on a downed ally’s rescuer, on your squishy caster, or on someone who just got surrounded, and the enemy AI simply cannot target them with attacks until they act aggressively.

The rule that trips people: the protected creature can still heal, Help, hide, or run, but the instant it attacks or harms an enemy, Sanctuary ends. Use it to buy a turn of safety, not to attack from behind.