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Vampiric Touch

Necromancy
Level: 3rd-level
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self
Duration: Up to 1 minute
Components: V, S

The touch of your shadow-wreathed hand can siphon life force from others to heal your wounds. Make a melee spell attack against a creature within your reach. On a hit, the target takes 3d6 necrotic damage, and you regain hit points equal to half the amount of necrotic damage dealt. Until the spell ends, you can make the attack again on each of your turns as an action.

At Higher Levels: When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 4th level or higher, the damage increases by 1d6 for each slot level above 3rd.

Concentration

Spell Details

School: Necromancy
Level: 3
Ritual: No
Concentration: Yes
Classes: Warlock, Wizard
B-Tier Vampiric Touch offers solid action economy with self-healing, but requires melee range and concentration, limiting its utility compared to other 3rd-level damage spells.

Player Guide

Use this spell when you expect sustained combat where you'll land multiple attacks over several rounds, as the healing compounds with each hit. Position yourself near a single high-damage target and concentrate on repeated touches rather than casting other spells. The spell shines for survivability in protracted fights where other casters would need healing support, effectively turning your damage into durability. Consider using it against enemies you can reliably hit, as a missed attack wastes both your action and concentration.

DM Tips

Clarify that the spell requires a melee spell attack roll, meaning it uses the caster's spell attack modifier and the target can use AC or dodge mechanics. Remember that the healing happens on a hit, so failed attacks provide no healing benefit—this keeps the spell balanced despite its action economy.