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Warding Bond

Abjuration
Level: 2nd-level
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Duration: 1 hour
Components: V, S, M
Materials: A pair of platinum rings worth at least 50gp each, which you and the target must wear for the duration.

This spell wards a willing creature you touch and creates a mystic connection between you and the target until the spell ends. While the target is within 60 feet of you, it gains a +1 bonus to AC and saving throws, and it has resistance to all damage. Also, each time it takes damage, you take the same amount of damage. The spell ends if you drop to 0 hit points or if you and the target become separated by more than 60 feet. It also ends if the spell is cast again on either of the connected creatures. You can also dismiss the spell as an action.

Spell Details

School: Abjuration
Level: 2
Ritual: No
Concentration: No
Classes: Cleric
A-Tier Warding Bond provides exceptional defensive utility for protecting key allies while the spell-caster maintains tactical flexibility within 60 feet.

Player Guide

Cast this spell on your party's most vulnerable or important member (cleric, wizard, or damage dealer) before or early in combat to grant them +1 AC and damage resistance. Position yourself within 60 feet of the bonded ally and consider it a commitment to staying near them—breaking the 60-foot range or switching targets wastes the spell slot. The damage-sharing mechanic incentivizes you to cast damage-prevention spells (Absorb Elements, Shield) or stay behind cover to minimize the hit to your own health pool. This spell shines in prolonged encounters where the bonded ally faces consistent threats, but be cautious in deadly combats where you may need to retreat or your ally may venture far from you.

DM Tips

Clarify that the spell-caster and bonded ally must stay within 60 feet or the spell ends; this distance can be monitored between turns rather than tracked continuously. Remind players that the damage-sharing mechanic applies to all damage types (magical, physical, poison, etc.) and occurs *after* the ally applies their resistance, so the spell-caster takes the already-reduced damage.