False Life

A
Support

False Life is a Support spell. Support spells strengthen, protect, or buff allies.

See all Support spells →
 spell that grants false vitality with a burst of
temporary vitality

False Life is a Healing spell. Healing spells restore hit points and bring characters back to life.

See all Healing spells →
 to help you survive the next hit.

2024 Rules
Level & School
1st-level necromancy
Casting Time
Action
Range
Self
Components
V, S, M (a drop of alcohol)
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Sorcerer, Wizard

You gain 2d4 + 4 Temporary Hit Points.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. You gain 5 additional Temporary Hit Points for each spell slot level above 1.

2014 Rules
Level & School
1st-level necromancy
Casting Time
Action
Range
Self
Components
V, S, M (a small amount of alcohol or distilled spirits)
Duration
1 hour
Classes
Sorcerer, Wizard

Bolstering yourself with a necromantic facsimile of life, you gain 1d4 + 4 temporary hit points for the duration.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, you gain 5 additional temporary hit points for each slot level above 1st.

False Life 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

The 2024 version is now Instantaneous instead of lasting 1 hour, but it still gives temporary hit points that last until lost. It also changes the base roll from 1d4 + 4 to 2d4 + 4. Upcasting still adds 5 temporary hit points per slot level above 1st.

False Life popularity

False Life is a seldom chosen level 1 spell. Choosing it adds a unique option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to False Life

  • Arcane Vigor 2nd-level abjuration

    This is a self-only, instantaneous spell that directly grants temporary hit points and serves the same bolstering role as the target.

  • Armor of Agathys 1st-level abjuration

    A 1st-level self spell that gives temporary hit points for a duration and is often chosen for the same defensive purpose in combat.

  • Heroism 1st-level enchantment

    Also a 1st-level support spell that grants temporary hit points to a creature and is used to keep allies standing in fights.

  • Aid 2nd-level abjuration

    Although higher level, it provides a lasting bolstering of a creature's hit point pool and is picked for similar survivability reasons.

  • Death Armor 2nd-level necromancy

    A necromancy option that augments a target's defenses with protective benefits and retaliation, appealing to the same mindset as False Life.

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