Contingency 5e
Level 6 Evocation
Contingency is a level 6 evocation spell in D&D 5e. Casting time: 10 minutes, range: Self, duration: 10 days. Available to Wizard.
Casting Time
10 minutes
Range
Self
Duration
10 days
Components
V, S, M (a statuette of yourself carved from ivory and decorated with gems worth at least 1,500 gp)
Choose a spell of 5th level or lower that you can cast, that has a casting time of 1 action, and that can target you. You cast that spell-called the contingent spell-as part of casting *contingency*, expending spell slots for both, but the contingent spell doesn't come into effect. Instead, it takes effect when a certain circumstance occurs. You describe that circumstance when you cast the two spells. For example, a *contingency* cast with *water breathing* might stipulate that *water breathing* comes into effect when you are engulfed in water or a similar liquid.
The contingent spell takes effect immediately after the circumstance is met for the first time, whether or not you want it to, and then *contingency* ends.
The contingent spell takes effect only on you, even if it can normally target others. You can use only one *contingency* spell at a time. If you cast this spell again, the effect of another *contingency* spell on you ends. Also, *contingency* ends on you if its material component is ever not on your person.
Spellcasting & Tactical Insights
Action Economy
Standard Action • Primary turn investment.
Concentration
No Concentration • Safe to stack with persistent effects.
School Role
Evocation: Channels raw elemental energy. Delivers explosive area-of-effect damage, healing magic, or elemental barriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What level spell is Contingency and what school does it belong to?
Contingency is a Level 6 spell belonging to the school of Evocation in D&D 5e.
What are the casting time, range, and duration of Contingency?
Contingency has a casting time of 10 minutes, range of Self, and duration of 10 days.
Does Contingency require concentration or ritual casting?
No, Contingency does not require Concentration. It cannot be cast as a ritual.
Use Contingency in your campaign
Dungeon Manager lets you add Contingency to your characters, reference it during sessions, and track spell slots across encounters — all free.