Skip to content
Link copied to clipboard

Bestow Curse 5e

Level 3 Necromancy

Bestow Curse is a level 3 necromancy spell in D&D 5e. Casting time: 1 action, range: Touch, duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute. Available to Bard, Cleric, Wizard.

Casting Time

1 action

Range

Touch

Duration

Concentration, up to 1 minute

Components

V, S

Necromancy Level 3

You touch a creature, and that creature must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or become cursed for the duration of the spell. When you cast this spell, choose the nature of the curse from the following options:

  • Choose one ability score. While cursed, the target has disadvantage on ability checks and saving throws made with that ability score.
  • While cursed, the target has disadvantage on attack rolls against you.
  • While cursed, the target must make a Wisdom saving throw at the start of each of its turns. If it fails, it wastes its action that turn doing nothing.
  • While the target is cursed, your attacks and spells deal an extra 1d8 necrotic damage to the target.

A *remove curse* spell ends this effect. At the GM's option, you may choose an alternative curse effect, but it should be no more powerful than those described above. The GM has final say on such a curse's effect.

At Higher Levels. If you cast this spell using a spell slot of 4th level or higher, the duration is concentration, up to 10 minutes. If you use a spell slot of 5th level or higher, the duration is 8 hours. If you use a spell slot of 7th level or higher, the duration is 24 hours. If you use a 9th level spell slot, the spell lasts until it is dispelled. Using a spell slot of 5th level or higher grants a duration that doesn't require concentration.

Classes Bard, Cleric, Wizard

Spellcasting & Tactical Insights

Action Economy

Standard Action • Primary turn investment.

Concentration

Requires Concentration (taking damage triggers DC 10 / half-damage Con saves).

School Role

Necromancy: Manipulates life, death, and vitality. Inflicts status effects, drains hit points, or animates undead minions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What level spell is Bestow Curse and what school does it belong to?

Bestow Curse is a Level 3 spell belonging to the school of Necromancy in D&D 5e.

What are the casting time, range, and duration of Bestow Curse?

Bestow Curse has a casting time of 1 action, range of Touch, and duration of Concentration, up to 1 minute.

Does Bestow Curse require concentration or ritual casting?

Yes, Bestow Curse requires Concentration. It cannot be cast as a ritual.

Use Bestow Curse in your campaign

Dungeon Manager lets you add Bestow Curse to your characters, reference it during sessions, and track spell slots across encounters — all free.