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Gentle Repose

Necromancy
Level: 2nd-level
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Duration: 10 days
Components: V, S, M
Materials: A pinch of salt and one copper piece placed on each of the corpse's eyes, which must remain there for the duration.

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.

Ritual

Spell Details

School: Necromancy
Level: 2
Ritual: Yes
Concentration: No
Classes: Cleric, Ritual Caster, Wizard
B-Tier Highly situational utility spell with niche but important applications for prepared adventurers dealing with death and resurrection.

Player Guide

Cast Gentle Repose immediately after an ally dies to preserve their body and extend the resurrection window from 10 days to 30+ days, eliminating time pressure on finding a resurrection spell. This is most valuable when your party lacks immediate resurrection magic or faces long journeys to reach capable NPCs. Use it defensively on important NPCs or plot-critical allies to ensure they can be brought back. Coordinate with your casters to cast this before major dungeon delves where death is likely.

DM Tips

Consider allowing players to learn this spell or hire NPCs who know it when they face character death anxiety. Remind players this only works on corpses—it won't help against disintegration, true polymorph, or other body-destroying effects.