What Classes Can Raise the Dead in D&D 5e?
In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, certain classes have the power to bring the dead back to life. But which ones? In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and examine the different classes that possess this ability.
Initial Answer
According to the official D&D 5e rules, the following classes can raise the dead:
- Bard: With the Raise Dead spell, which is a 5th-level spell that requires a Constitution score of 13+ to cast.
- Cleric: By casting the Raise Dead spell, which is a 5th-level spell that requires a Constitution score of 13+ to cast.
- Paladin: By using the Raise Dead spell, which is a 5th-level spell that requires a Constitution score of 13+ to cast.
More About Raise Dead
Raise Dead is a spell that allows the caster to bring a dead creature back to life. The creature must have been dead no longer than 10 days, and the caster must succeed on a Constitution saving throw (DC 15 + the creature’s Constitution score). If the spellcasting fails, the creature does not return to life, and the caster must then make a Wisdom saving throw (DC 15). If the Wisdom saving throw fails, the caster dies.
Other Spells Related to Resurrection
Apart from Raise Dead, there are other spells related to resurrection that can be found in the Player’s Handbook:
- Revivify: Allows the caster to bring a creature back to life even if it has been dead for more than 10 days. The creature does not gain any lost level or experience points.
- Reincarnate: Allows the caster to bring a creature back to life, but the creature is reincarnated and does not retain its past life’s memories or identity.
- True Resurrection: Allows the caster to bring a creature back to life, restoring all lost levels, experience points, and abilities.
Can a Cleric Multiclass with a Necromancer?
Yes, it is possible for a cleric to multiclass with a necromancer. For example, a cleric could take one level of bard and then 19 levels of wizard, allowing them to access necromantic spells like Animate Dead.
Table of Spells
Here is a table summarizing the different spells related to resurrection and their requirements:
| Spell | Classes | Constitution Score | Minimum Time Since Death | Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raise Dead | Bard, Cleric, Paladin | 13+ | 10 days | Brings creature back to life |
| Revivify | Bard, Cleric | 13+ | Instant | Brings creature back to life |
| Reincarnate | Bard, Cleric | 13+ | Instant | Reincarnates creature |
| True Resurrection | Cleric, Druid | 13+ | 200 years | Brings creature back to life with all lost levels and abilities |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the classes that can raise the dead in D&D 5e are the Bard, Cleric, and Paladin, using the Raise Dead spell. There are other spells related to resurrection that can be found in the Player’s Handbook, including Revivify, Reincarnate, and True Resurrection. By understanding these spells and their requirements, players and DMs can create immersive and exciting storylines centered around resurrection and the themes of life and death.
Additional Tips and FAQs
- Can I use Raise Dead on a creature that has been dead for more than 10 days? No, Raise Dead will not work on a creature that has been dead for more than 10 days.
- Can I use Revivify on a creature that has been dead for more than 10 days? Yes, Revivify allows you to bring a creature back to life even if it has been dead for more than 10 days.
- Can a cleric multiclass with a necromancer? Yes, it is possible for a cleric to multiclass with a necromancer, allowing them to access necromantic spells like Animate Dead.
- Can I cast Spare the Dying on myself? No, you cannot Ready the Spare the Dying spell to cast it on yourself, but you can use your reaction to cast it on another creature that drops to 0 hp.