Sanctuary

A
Support

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

See all Support spells →
 spell that shields one creature from attacks and harmful spells, with
battlefield control

Sanctuary is a Battlefield Shaping spell. Battlefield Shaping spells alter terrain, create obstacles, introduce hazards, and affect enemy positioning.

See all Battlefield Shaping spells →
 that forces foes to rethink their target.

2024 Rules
Level & School
1st-level abjuration
Casting Time
Bonus action
Range
30 feet
Components
V, S, M (a shard of glass from a mirror)
Duration
1 minute
Classes
Cleric

You ward a creature within range. Until the spell ends, any creature who targets the warded creature with an attack roll or a damaging spell must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or either choose a new target or lose the attack or spell. This spell doesn't protect the warded creature from areas of effect.

The spell ends if the warded creature makes an attack roll, casts a spell, or deals damage.

2014 Rules
Level & School
1st-level abjuration
Casting Time
Bonus action
Range
30 feet
Components
V, S, M (a small silver mirror)
Duration
1 minute
Classes
Cleric

You ward a creature within range against attack. Until the spell ends, any creature who targets the warded creature with an attack or a harmful spell must first make a Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the creature must choose a new target or lose the attack or spell. This spell doesn't protect the warded creature from area effects, such as the explosion of a fireball.

If the warded creature makes an attack, casts a spell that affects an enemy, or deals damage to another creature, this spell ends.

Sanctuary 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

Sanctuary now ends if the warded creature casts any spell, not just one that affects an enemy. It also now triggers on attack rolls and damaging spells instead of attacks and harmful spells, so the trigger is a bit narrower on the spell side and the break condition is broader.

Sanctuary popularity

Sanctuary is a commonly chosen level 1 spell. Choosing it adds an established option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Sanctuary

  • Protection from Evil and Good 1st-level abjuration

    Both are low-level cleric spells that place a short-term ward on a creature to protect it from hostile actions and impose special defenses that end if the creature attacks.

  • Warding Bond 2nd-level abjuration

    This spell also creates a protective link around a target that shifts the dynamics of incoming harm and is used when you want to safeguard an ally rather than harm foes.

  • Shield of Faith 1st-level abjuration

    Like Sanctuary, it’s a simple, concentration buff cast to help a single ally avoid being successfully struck in combat for a short duration.

  • Compelled Duel 1st-level enchantment

    Although it forces one enemy’s attention rather than blocking attacks, it is a single-target, short-duration option used to control who can attack whom and protect allies.

  • Shield 1st-level abjuration

    Shield is an immediate defensive abjuration that prevents attacks from landing against the caster, sharing the same defensive, reactionary feel on a smaller timescale.