Among the myriad of spells that a cunning spellcaster can wield, there’s one humble cantrip that often gets overlooked but holds incredible potential: Mending.
Imagine being able to repair your trusty sword after a fierce battle, or fixing your favorite cloak after a narrow escape from a dragon’s fiery breath—all with a simple wave of your hand.
Whether you’re a new adventurer or a figure of legend, Mending is the unsung hero of utility spells, ready to save the day in the most unexpected ways.
Join us as we delve into the magical mechanics of Mending, explore its many uses, and weigh its pros and cons. Prepare to be enchanted by the spell that proves even the smallest magic can have a big impact!
What is Mending 5e?
Mending is a versatile transmutation cantrip that lets spellcasters repair small breaks or tears in objects with a simple touch.
Whether it’s a broken chain link, a torn cloak, or a shattered key, Mending can fix it all, as long as the damage is no larger than 1 foot in any dimension.
With a casting time of just 1 minute and no spell slots required, this handy spell ensures your gear is always in top shape, ready for whatever adventures lie ahead!
LEVEL: Cantrip
CASTING TIME: 1 Minute
RANGE/AREA: Touch
COMPONENTS: V, S, M*
DURATION: Instant
SCHOOL: Transmutation
ATTACK/SAVE: None
DAMAGE/EFFECT: Utility
SPELL LISTS: Artificer, Bard, Cleric, Druid, Sorcerer, Wizard
This spell repairs a single break or tear in an object you touch, such as a broken chain link, two halves of a broken key, a torn cloak, or a leaking wineskin. As long as the break or tear is no larger than 1 foot in any dimension, you mend it, leaving no trace of the former damage.
This spell can physically repair a magic item or construct, but the spell can’t restore magic to such an object.
* (two lodestones)
How to Use Mending Effectively
Ready to turn that broken junk into treasure? Here’s how to make the most of Mending:
Repair Essential Gear
Keep your weapons sharp and your armor sturdy! Mending can fix your battle-worn gear, ensuring you’re always ready to face the next challenge without having to dip into your gold stash for replacements.
A snapped bowstring or a chipped sword can spell disaster in the middle of combat. With Mending, you can quickly restore your weapons to their prime condition, ensuring you’re always ready for the next battle.
Similarly, a dented breastplate or a torn shield strap can leave you vulnerable. Use Mending to patch up your armor, maintain your defenses, and keep you safe from harm.
Whether it’s a broken lockpick, a snapped shovel handle, or a damaged alchemist’s kit, Mending can save the day. Keep your tools in top shape and be prepared for any situation that requires a bit of finesse or brute force.
It’s like having a blacksmith in your pocket… err… spellbook!
Solve Puzzles and Obstacles
Dungeons and ancient ruins are often filled with intricate mechanisms that may be damaged or broken. Mending can repair these devices, allowing you to unlock doors, disable traps, or activate hidden passages.
Sometimes, the key to a puzzle lies in reassembling a broken statue or artifact. Use Mending to piece together these items and reveal hidden compartments or clues that can lead you to your next adventure.
Likewise, a crucial map or a piece of ancient writing that’s torn or damaged can potentially (depending on the damage) be restored with Mending. No more squinting at incomplete information! Get the full picture and navigate your way to treasure and glory!
Creative Problem-Solving
A broken rope or ladder can halt your progress, but not if you have Mending! Fix these essential items and continue your climb or descent without missing a beat. It’s perfect for those daring escapes or tricky traversals.
Likewise, a leaking wineskin, a broken potion vial, or a cracked chest can be easily repaired with Mending. (Especially if we’re talking about an adventure that’s big on exploration and survival.) Keep your supplies safe and secure, and avoid losing valuable resources to damage!
Aid Your Allies
Of course, you can show some love to your fellow adventurers by fixing their broken tools and gear.
A well-timed Mending can save the day and earn you some serious brownie points with your allies. Whether it’s a snapped lute string for the Bard or a cracked potion bottle for the alchemist, your allies will appreciate your magical touch.
If your party has a construct companion, Mending can also be used to keep them in top shape. While it won’t heal their hit points, it can repair minor damages and keep them functioning smoothly.
The exception to this is the Battle Smith Artificer‘s Steel Defender which actually does recover hit points when Mending is cast on it.
Pros and Cons of Mending
Alas, like any good spell, Mending has its highs and lows. Let’s break it down:
Pros:
- Versatility: From fixing weapons and armor to mending mundane items like ropes and maps, this spell has a wide range of applications.
- Resource Saver: No need to spend your hard-earned gold on replacements. Mending keeps your gear in top shape without costing a copper.
- Unlimited Use: As a cantrip, you can cast Mending as often as you like, no spell slots required. Handy, right?
Cons:
- Time-Consuming: With a casting time of 1 minute, Mending isn’t the quickest fix in a pinch. You’ll need a bit of downtime to work your magic.
- Size Limitation: A casting of Mending can only handle breaks or tears up to 1 foot in any dimension. Anything bigger, and you’re out of luck. While you can cast it multiple times for free (since it’s a cantrip), this can quickly become a very tedious process.
- Non-Magical Repairs: While it can fix the physical form of a magic item, it can’t restore its magical properties. So, that shattered wand may look whole, but it won’t cast spells again.
- Content Not Included: Mending works like glue, tape, or sewing thread. For example, you can reattach pages into a book’s binding or even put torn pages back together, but you won’t be able to restore words. So a torn book is a job for Mending, while a burned book once held content that Mending can’t restore.
Mending is a fantastic tool in the right hands, offering great utility with a few limitations. Use it wisely, and you’ll be the go-to fixer in any adventuring party!
FAQs – Mending 5e
Yes and no. Mending can physically repair a magical item or construct, making it look as good as new. However, it can’t restore the item’s magical properties. So, while your shattered wand might be whole again, it won’t regain its spellcasting abilities.
Mending takes 1 minute to cast. It’s not the quickest spell, but the results are worth the wait!
Nope! Mending is strictly for objects. If your buddy takes a hit, you’ll need a healing spell, not Mending.
Mending can only fix one break or tear at a time. If an item has multiple damages, you’ll need to cast the spell multiple times to fully repair it.
Mending can handle both simple and complex repairs as long as the damage is no larger than 1 foot in any dimension. Whether it’s a broken gear in a clockwork device or a snapped bowstring, Mending has you covered.
No limit at all! As a cantrip, Mending can be cast as often as you need without using up any spell slots. Fix away to your heart’s content!
No, Mending cannot be used to heal Warforged. While Warforged are constructs, they are treated as living creatures in D&D 5e. Mending can repair non-living objects and minor structural damage but does not restore hit points or heal living constructs like Warforged. For healing Warforged, you would need to use traditional healing spells such as Cure Wounds or Healing Word.
Final Thoughts – Mending 5e
And there you have it, adventurers! The humble Mending spell, often overlooked, can be a game-changer in countless scenarios.
Whether you’re patching up your gear, solving intricate puzzles, or just showing off your magical prowess, Mending proves that even the smallest spells can have a massive impact. So next time you find yourself in a bind, remember that a little magical repair can go a long way.
We’d love to hear your stories and creative uses of the Mending spell! Have you ever used it in a particularly clever way? Share your experiences in the comments below and join the conversation with fellow adventurers.
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