Skip to main content

Resurrection

Necromancy
Level: 7th-level
Casting Time: 1 hour
Range: Touch
Duration: Instantaneous
Components: V, S, M
Materials: A diamond worth at least 1,000gp, which the spell consumes.

You touch a dead creature that has been dead for no more than a century, that didn't die of old age, and that isn't undead. If its soul is free and willing, the target returns to life with all its hit points. This spell neutralizes any poisons and cures normal diseases afflicting the creature when it died. It doesn't, however, remove magical diseases, curses, and the like; if such effects aren't removed prior to casting the spell, they afflict the target on its return to life. This spell closes all mortal wounds and restores any missing body parts. Coming back from the dead is an ordeal. The target takes a -4 penalty to all attack rolls, saving throws, and ability checks. Every time the target finishes a long rest, the penalty is reduced by 1 until it disappears. Casting this spell to restore life to a creature that has been dead for one year or longer taxes you greatly. Until you finish a long rest, you can't cast spells again, and you have disadvantage on all attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws.

Spell Details

School: Necromancy
Level: 7
Ritual: No
Concentration: No
Classes: Bard, Cleric
S-Tier The most powerful resurrection spell available, capable of bringing back any dead ally within 100 years with no level penalties or ability score reduction.

Player Guide

Resurrection is a campaign-defining spell that should be cast outside of combat, typically during downtime after securing the body and a safe location. Coordinate with your DM beforehand about the target's soul's willingness and ensure the body is recoverable before committing resources. Use this spell strategically for fallen companions rather than reactively, as the 1-hour casting time makes it unsuitable for urgent situations.

DM Tips

Resurrection's power demands careful calibration—consider soul availability, plane of existence, and whether the target truly wants to return. The 1-hour casting time and material cost (diamond worth 1,000 gp) serve as natural throttles; don't allow casual use to trivialize character death's narrative weight.