Life Transference
2014 Rules
- Level & School
- 3rd-level necromancy
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range
- 30 feet
- Components
- V, S
- Duration
- Instantaneous
- Classes
- Cleric, Wizard
- Source
- Xanathar's Guide to Everything
You sacrifice some of your health to mend another creature's injuries. You take 4d8 necrotic damage, which can't be reduced in any way, and one creature of your choice that you can see within range regains a number of hit points equal to twice the necrotic damage you take.
Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 4th level or higher, the damage increases by 1d8 for each slot level above 3rd.
Life Transference 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences
Life Transference is currently only available in the 2014 edition.
Life Transference popularity
How popular is Life Transference? It is a commonly found spell in the game, but is chosen less than other options when available. This spell may be situational for many spellbooks.
- Top 50% of all 5e spells
- Bottom 50% picked level 3 Wizard spell
- Bottom 50% of all level 3 spells
- Bottom 25% picked level 3 Cleric spell
Read about how this popularity data is calculated.
Spells similar to Life Transference
Revivify 3rd-level necromancy
Like Life Transference, this is a third-level cleric staple centered on saving allies from dying or staying down.
Players prefer Revivify over Life Transference
Beacon of Hope 3rd-level abjuration
Both are cleric-focused support spells from the same level band, and each is about turning the tide through healing.
Players prefer Beacon of Hope over Life Transference
Aura of Vitality 3rd-level abjuration
It occupies a similar slot as a strong healing spell, though it spreads the recovery out over a minute instead of paying a price upfront.
Players prefer Aura of Vitality over Life Transference
Vampiric Touch 3rd-level necromancy
This also mixes necromancy with draining life for your own benefit, so it has the same dark, self-sacrificing feel.
Players prefer Vampiric Touch over Life Transference
Wither and Bloom 2nd-level necromancy
It’s the closest match in theme, since it uses necrotic energy to hurt foes while also restoring someone’s vitality.
Players prefer Wither and Bloom over Life Transference