Shield
An invisible barrier of magical force appears and protects you. Until the start of your next turn, you have a +5 bonus to AC, including against the triggering attack, and you take no damage from magic missile.
At a Glance
Level
1st
School
Abjuration
Casting Time
1 reaction, which you take when you are hit by an attack or targeted by the magic missile spell
Range
Self
Duration
1 round
Concentration
No
How Shield Works
| Casting Time | 1 reaction, which you take when you are hit by an attack or targeted by the magic missile spell |
|---|---|
| Range | Self |
| Components | V, S |
| Duration | 1 round |
Available to:
SorcererWizard
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Forgetting the +5 AC applies to the attack that triggered the spell
Common Mistake
Not tracking that the bonus lasts until the start of your next turn, protecting against multiple attacks
Common Mistake
Thinking it requires concentration - it doesn't
Common Mistake
Not realizing it completely negates magic missile damage, not just grants a bonus
DM Tips
DM Tip
One of the best defensive spells for wizards and sorcerers
DM Tip
The +5 bonus can turn a hit into a miss retroactively, which feels great for players
DM Tip
Can be cast multiple times per turn if the caster has multiple reactions (very rare)
DM Tip
Smart enemies will try to drain spell slots by forcing repeated Shield casts
DM Tip
Describe the shimmering barrier appearing just in time to deflect the blow
Sources & Further Reading
- Shield — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full SRD text
- Shield — Roll20 Compendium — Structured reference
- Shield — D&D Beyond — Official digital reference