Gentle Repose

A
Utility

Gentle Repose is a Utility spell. Utility spells solve problems outside of combat or provide unique situational advantages.

See all Utility spells →
 spell that preserves a corpse or remains from decay, keeping them ready for future revival and preventing undeath with gentle
preservation

Gentle Repose is a Healing spell. Healing spells restore hit points and bring characters back to life.

See all Healing spells →
.

2024 Rules
Level & School
2nd-level necromancy
Casting Time
Action or Ritual
Range
Touch
Components
V, S, M (2 copper pieces, which the spell consume)
Duration
10 days
Classes
Cleric, Paladin, Wizard

You touch a corpse or other remains. For the duration, the target is protected from decay and can't become Undead.

The spell also effectively extends the time limit on raising the target from the dead, since days spent under the influence of this spell don't count against the time limit of spells such as Raise Dead.

2014 Rules
Level & School
2nd-level necromancy
Casting Time
Action
Range
Touch
Components
V, S, M (a pinch of salt and one copper piece placed on each of the corpse's eyes, which must remain there for the duration)
Duration
10 days
Classes
Cleric, Wizard

You touch a corpse or other remains. For the duration, the target is protected from decay and can't become undead.

The spell also effectively extends the time limit on raising the target from the dead, since days spent under the influence of this spell don't count against the time limit of spells such as raise dead.

Gentle Repose 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

Gentle Repose gains the Ritual tag, so it can now be cast as a ritual if you have it prepared/known that way. It’s also now available to Paladins.

Gentle Repose popularity

Gentle Repose is a commonly chosen level 2 spell. Choosing it adds an established option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Gentle Repose

  • Raise Dead 5th-level necromancy

    Gentle Repose directly interacts with the time limit for this spell, so both are part of the same corpse-preservation and revival niche.

  • Revivify 3rd-level necromancy

    Both touch-range necromancy spells deal with restoring life or preventing permanent loss of a recently dead creature, making them commonly paired in play.

  • Sequester 7th-level transmutation

    Sequester and Gentle Repose both protect or hide a body for an extended period, serving similar preservation and safekeeping functions.

  • Feign Death 3rd-level necromancy

    This spell mimics death and can be used in similar roleplaying and mechanical situations that involve corpses or preventing a creature from being treated as truly dead.

  • Resurrection 7th-level necromancy

    Resurrection shares the same broader theme of reversing death and preserving souls, so it's a higher-level counterpart in the same utility space.

Gentle Repose is featured in