Bless 5e: Mechanics and Guide To Using the Spell

Casting Time

1 action

School

Enchantment

Damage/Effect

Buff

Range

30 feet

Class

Cleric, Paladin

Attack/Save

N/A

Duration

1 minute

Level

1

Components

Verbal, Somatic, Material

Spell Description:

You bless up to three creatures of your choice within range. Whenever a target makes an attack roll or a saving throw before the spell ends, the target can roll a d4 and add the number rolled to the attack roll or saving throw.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, you can target one additional creature for each slot level above 1st.

1st Level, Enchantment, Buff

Level: Cleric (1), Paladin (1), Divine Soul (1), Bard (10, Magical Secrets)

Materials Required: A sprinkling of holy water

Number of Targets: 3 (increased by 1 for every spell slot level above 1st)

Die Type: d4

Number of Dice: 1 

Damage Type: N/A

Save: N/A

Damage On Successful Save: N/A

Statuses Inflicted: When a target makes an attack roll or saving throw, they can roll 1d4 and add the result to the roll total

Status Duration: 1 minute (requires concentration)

Affected By Cover: Yes

Advantage: None

Disadvantage: None

What Is Bless?

Bless is a potent buff spell granting up to three targets an extra d4 added to all attacks and save roll totals for 1 minute, 10 rounds of combat. It requires concentration to maintain the effect, but a d4 can change the tide of battle completely.

Who Can Cast Bless?

Bless is a crucial feature for the Cleric and Paladin classes, if not only for the flavor then for its ability to turn the tides of battle.

Clerics and Paladins will get access to the Bless spell at 1st level, as will Divine Soul Sorcerers who have access to the entire Cleric spell list. Bards can pick the spell up at level 10 when they get access to Magical Secrets.

When and Where Should I Cast Bless?

Assuming that you have no need for another concentration spell and are not in a position where you will take a lot of damage and thus incur concentration checks, Bless can be a powerful spell that changes the outcome of a lot of attacks and save rolls.

A d4 can balance out a player who has a negative modifier for one of their ability score and save them.

Why Should I Take Bless?

If you play a backline role, like the Divine Soul Sorcerer, Bless can be a mighty buff since you don’t have to worry about incurring concentration checks.

A d4 doesn’t seem like a particularly large change but remember that even an extra 1 can be the difference between landing a hit or missing.

Common Questions About Bless