The Mending Spell: A Quick Overview
In the world of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, spellcasters have access to a variety of magical abilities, including the cantrip Mending. This spell is designed to repair small breaks or tears in objects, but what about using it on living creatures or their remains?
Mending and Organic Matter: RAW Interpretation
According to the Rules as Written (RAW), Mending does not work on bones or other organic materials from living creatures. The spell specifically targets objects, which are distinct from creatures or their body parts in D&D 5e terminology.
The Gray Area: Dead Creatures and Bones
While Mending cannot affect living creatures, there’s some debate about its application to corpses or detached body parts. In D&D 5e, corpses are generally considered objects, which opens up interesting possibilities for creative players and Dungeon Masters.
Practical Limitations of Mending on Bones
Even if a DM allows Mending to be used on bones or corpses, it’s important to consider the practical limitations. The spell can only fix a single break or tear no larger than 1 foot in any dimension. This means complex fractures or multiple bone breaks would likely be beyond its capabilities.
Alternative Magical Solutions for Bone Repair
For those seeking to heal bones or reattach limbs, other spells in the D&D 5e arsenal might be more appropriate. Spells like Regenerate or high-level healing magic are designed to address these more complex biological issues.
Balancing Creativity and Game Mechanics
While it’s tempting to use Mending as a quick fix for injured characters, allowing this could potentially upset game balance. Higher-level spells and abilities are specifically designed to handle more significant healing, and bypassing these with a cantrip might diminish their value.