Sanctuary
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 popularity
How popular is Sanctuary? It is a commonly found spell in the game, and is often chosen over other options when available. This spell is a reliable addition to any spellbook.
- Top 25% of all 5e spells
- Top 50% picked level 1 Cleric spell
- Bottom 50% of all level 1 spells
Spells similar to Sanctuary
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.
Players prefer Shield over Sanctuary
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.
Players prefer Shield of Faith over Sanctuary
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.
Players prefer Sanctuary over Warding Bond
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.
Players prefer Sanctuary over Compelled Duel
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.
Players prefer Sanctuary over Protection from Evil and Good