In the chaotic world of Dungeons & Dragons 5e, combat can be brutal, and keeping your party alive is just as important as dealing damage. Aura of Vitality is a game-changing healing spell that allows spellcasters—especially Paladins—to provide sustained healing over multiple rounds. Unlike quick one-time healing spells, this spell can continuously restore hit points, making it one of the best healing tools in long battles. If you’re looking for a way to keep your allies on their feet without wasting high-level spell slots, Aura of Vitality is the perfect solution. Let’s dive into how it works and why it should be part of your spell list.
What is Aura of Vitality?
Aura of Vitality is a 3rd-level evocation spell in D&D 5e, primarily available to Paladins. It provides burst healing over a sustained duration, making it one of the best spells for keeping a party alive over time.
Spell Details:
- Level: 3rd
- School: Evocation
- Casting Time: 1 action
- Range: Self (30-foot radius)
- Components: V
- Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
- Effect: When cast, the spell creates an aura that allows the caster to heal 2d6 HP to any creature within 30 feet as a bonus action on each of their turns for up to 10 rounds.
Why Use Aura of Vitality?
Aura of Vitality is one of the most efficient healing spells in D&D 5e. Here’s why it stands out:
1. Efficient Healing Over Time
Unlike one-time healing spells like Cure Wounds, Aura of Vitality spreads healing over 10 rounds. With an average healing output of 20d6 total HP, it far surpasses other healing spells of the same level.
2. Bonus Action Healing
Since the healing effect activates as a bonus action, you can still attack, cast another spell, or move on your turn, maximizing your battlefield effectiveness.
3. Great for Downtime Healing
After combat, instead of wasting multiple spell slots, you can use Aura of Vitality to gradually restore hit points, making it a top-tier spell for dungeon crawls and extended battles.
4. Synergy with Other Spells & Abilities
- Works well with Bless to keep allies alive longer.
- Paladin’s Aura of Protection enhances its usefulness by boosting saving throws.
- Can be combined with Twinned Spell (via Sorcerer multiclassing) to heal multiple targets.
Best Classes & Builds for Aura of Vitality
While primarily a Paladin spell, it’s also available to Clerics (Twilight Domain) and Circle of the Stars Druids. Here’s why these classes should consider it:
- Paladins: Provides much-needed healing without interfering with melee attacks.
- Twilight Clerics: Extended healing aura ensures party survival in prolonged fights.
- Druids (Circle of Stars): Great synergy with support and concentration-based builds.
FAQs About Aura of Vitality in 5e
Q1: Can you use Aura of Vitality to heal yourself?
Yes! As long as you’re within the 30-foot radius, you can target yourself with the healing effect.
Q2: Does Aura of Vitality require concentration?
Yes, so if you take damage, you must make a Concentration saving throw to maintain it.
Q3: Can Aura of Vitality revive unconscious allies?
Yes! If an ally is down but not dead, you can use the spell to stabilize and heal them on your turn.
Q4: How does Aura of Vitality compare to Mass Healing Word?
Aura of Vitality heals more HP over time, while Mass Healing Word is better for quick emergency healing.
Q5: Does it work with War Caster?
Yes! War Caster helps maintain concentration, making Aura of Vitality more reliable.