Toll the Dead

A
Damage

Toll the Dead is a Damage spell. Damage spells focus on dealing harm to enemies.

See all Damage spells →
 spell that rings a deathly bell at one foe, testing Wisdom and punishing the wounded with heavier necrotic harm.
save-or-suck pressure

Toll the Dead is a Save or Suck spell. Save or Suck spells fall entirely flat if the target succeeds on a saving throw.

See all Save or Suck spells →

2024 Rules
Level & School
Necromancy cantrip
Casting Time
Action
Range
60 feet
Components
V, S
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Cleric, Warlock, Wizard

You point at one creature you can see within range, and the single chime of a dolorous bell is audible within 10 feet of the target. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or take 1d8 Necrotic damage. If the target is missing any of its Hit Points it instead takes 1d12 Necrotic damage.

Cantrip Upgrade. The damage increases by one die when you reach levels 5 (2d8 or 2d12), 11 (3d8 or 3d12), and 17 (4d8 or 4d12).

2014 Rules
Level & School
Necromancy cantrip
Casting Time
Action
Range
60 feet
Components
V, S
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Cleric, Warlock, Wizard

You point at one creature you can see within range, and the sound of a dolorous bell fills the air around it for a moment. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or take 1d8 necrotic damage. If the target is missing any of its hit points, it instead takes 1d12 necrotic damage.

Cantrip Upgrade. The spell’s damage increases by one die when you reach 5th level (2d8 or 2d12), 11th level (3d8 or 3d12), and 17th level (4d8 or 4d12).

Toll the Dead 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

Effectively the same spell. The 2024 version is reworded but functions identically.

Toll the Dead popularity

Toll the Dead is a commonly chosen cantrip. Choosing it adds an established option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Toll the Dead

  • Chill Touch Necromancy cantrip

    A necromancy cantrip that deals single-target necrotic-themed damage and is commonly chosen by the same spellcasters.

  • Vicious Mockery Enchantment cantrip

    A single-target cantrip that forces a save for a damaging effect and is often used as the social/insult alternative to a direct attack.

  • Mind Sliver Enchantment cantrip

    This cantrip deals damage and imposes a saving throw with a debuff-like feel, matching Toll the Dead's pick-for-save playstyle.

  • Poison Spray Necromancy cantrip

    A necromancy cantrip that deals small burst damage at range and is a go-to low-level offensive option like Toll the Dead.

  • Sacred Flame Evocation cantrip

    A single-target cantrip that forces a saving throw rather than an attack roll, making it mechanically similar in decision space.

Toll the Dead is featured in