In the current rules, Shield of Faith can’t be upcast (well, it can – you just don’t get any benefits from doing it), so the +2 AC bonus is all you get. This 1st level spell was originally introduced to D&D back in 3e and scaled with the caster’s level. Using Shield of Faith on a squishy ally who’s in a tight spot can be way more impactful than just giving the AC 18 fighter an AC of 20. If you’re fighting intelligent enemies, however, then buffing the big dude standing up front holding a massive sword and a sign that says “HIT ME”, while the 6 hp wizard with 10 AC hides behind a tree, might not be super smart anything remotely smart from a goblin up is going to realize that they’re going to have more luck targeting the wizard and use their ranged attacks or spells accordingly. If you’re fighting something mindless like a gelatinous cube, then giving the fighter in the front a nice AC boost is probably the way to go.
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It’s one of the most simple spells in the game, with zero luck involved, and therefore a level of reliability that I actually find sort of refreshing. Shield of Faith is a solid, reliable way to add some survivability to your character, your allies, or just to any creature in the vicinity who’s about to get punched by an enraged orc.
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Components: V, S, M (a small parchment with a bit of holy text written on it)Ī shimmering field appears and surrounds a creature of your choice within range, granting it a +2 bonus to AC for the duration.
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Whether you want to keep your damage-dealing wizard or rogue alive when they get in over their heads or elevate your party’s already tanky frontliner into an unhittable wall of shimmering light and steel, Shield of Faith is a simple, elegant 1st level spell that really rewards careful, considered play.
Shield of faith 5e how to#
We’ll be going over how the spell works, how to get the most out of it, and some options like scrolls, wands, rings that allow a party to cast this spell if no one has it prepared. Today, we’re going to be talking about Shield of Faith, an iconic 1st level spell available to clerics and paladins who know that the best type of heal is to make sure your buddy never gets hit in the first place. Clerics and paladins excel not only at raining down holy fire upon their enemies, but also ensuring that their fellow party members stay in the fight long enough to bring their own abilities to bear.