Contingency: A Versatile Spell for Anticipating and Responding to Uncertainties

Contingency is a versatile 6th-level spell in Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition that allows casters to prepare for potential future events by casting a contingent spell that triggers under specific circumstances. This spell offers a wide range of applications, from defensive measures to proactive strategies, making it a valuable asset for spellcasters seeking to mitigate risks and seize opportunities.

Key Facts

  1. Spell Description:
    • Contingency is a 6th-level spell that requires 10 minutes to cast and has a duration of 10 days.
    • The caster chooses a spell of 5th level or lower that they can cast, has a casting time of 1 action, and can target themselves.
    • The chosen spell is cast as part of casting Contingency, using spell slots for both spells.
    • The contingent spell doesn’t come into effect immediately but instead takes effect when a certain circumstance occurs, as described by the caster during the casting of Contingency.
    • The contingent spell only affects the caster, even if it can normally target others.
    • Only one Contingency spell can be active on the caster at a time, and casting Contingency again ends the effect of any previous Contingency spell on the caster.
    • If the material component (a statuette of the caster carved from ivory and decorated with gems worth at least 1,500 gp) is not on the caster’s person, Contingency ends.
  2. Triggering the Contingent Spell:
    • The trigger for the contingent spell can be any circumstance that the caster can describe, as long as it is something they can anticipate or imagine.
    • The trigger can be vague or specific, and there are no mechanical restrictions on the trigger’s nature.
    • Examples of triggers could include specific actions or events, thoughts or intentions, or even the actions or thoughts of others.
    • It is important to discuss and agree upon the trigger with the Dungeon Master to ensure it aligns with the game’s narrative and mechanics.
  3. Creative Uses of Contingency:
    • Contingency allows for creative uses and can be a powerful utility spell limited only by the caster’s imagination.
    • Triggers can be used to respond to specific threats or situations, such as detecting lies, defending against attacks, or reacting to enemy actions.
    • It is important to consider the intended use of the spell and discuss it with the DM to ensure it aligns with the game’s balance and narrative.

Spell Description and Mechanics

Contingency requires 10 minutes to cast and has a duration of 10 days. The caster selects a spell of 5th level or lower that they can cast, has a casting time of 1 action, and can target themselves. The chosen spell is cast as part of casting Contingency, using spell slots for both spells.

The contingent spell doesn’t take effect immediately but instead triggers when a certain circumstance occurs, as described by the caster during the casting of Contingency. The contingent spell only affects the caster, even if it can normally target others. Only one Contingency spell can be active on the caster at a time, and casting Contingency again ends the effect of any previous Contingency spell on the caster.

The material component for Contingency is a statuette of the caster carved from ivory and decorated with gems worth at least 1,500 gp. If the material component is not on the caster’s person, Contingency ends.

Triggering the Contingent Spell

The trigger for the contingent spell can be any circumstance that the caster can describe, as long as it is something they can anticipate or imagine. The trigger can be vague or specific, and there are no mechanical restrictions on the trigger’s nature. Examples of triggers could include specific actions or events, thoughts or intentions, or even the actions or thoughts of others.

It is important to discuss and agree upon the trigger with the Dungeon Master (DM) to ensure it aligns with the game’s narrative and mechanics. The DM may rule that certain triggers are too vague or subjective to be effective or may require clarification or modification to ensure fairness and balance.

Creative Uses of Contingency

Contingency allows for creative uses and can be a powerful utility spell limited only by the caster’s imagination. Triggers can be used to respond to specific threats or situations, such as detecting lies, defending against attacks, or reacting to enemy actions.

For instance, a caster could set a trigger to cast Blink on themselves when they are targeted by an attack, effectively teleporting them out of harm’s way. Alternatively, they could use Contingency to cast Greater Invisibility on themselves when they enter a dangerous area, granting them an advantage in stealth and surprise.

It is important to consider the intended use of the spell and discuss it with the DM to ensure it aligns with the game’s balance and narrative. Contingency should not be used to gain unfair advantages or undermine the challenges presented by the game.

Conclusion

Contingency is a versatile and powerful spell that allows casters to anticipate and respond to uncertain events. Its flexible trigger mechanism and wide range of potential applications make it a valuable tool for strategic spellcasting and creative problem-solving. However, it is essential to use Contingency responsibly and in accordance with the game’s rules and narrative to maintain balance and fairness.

Sources

FAQs

What is the basic function of the Contingency spell?

Contingency allows a caster to prepare for potential future events by casting a contingent spell that triggers under specific circumstances.

What are the requirements for casting Contingency?

Contingency is a 6th-level spell with a casting time of 10 minutes and a duration of 10 days. The caster must choose a spell of 5th level or lower that they can cast, has a casting time of 1 action, and can target themselves. The material component is a statuette of the caster carved from ivory and decorated with gems worth at least 1,500 gp.

How does the contingent spell trigger?

The contingent spell triggers when a certain circumstance occurs, as described by the caster during the casting of Contingency. The trigger can be any circumstance that the caster can anticipate or imagine, such as specific actions or events, thoughts or intentions, or even the actions or thoughts of others.

What are some creative uses of Contingency?

Contingency can be used in various creative ways, such as casting Blink on oneself when targeted by an attack, casting Greater Invisibility when entering a dangerous area, or casting False Life when taking damage to prevent unconsciousness.

Are there any limitations or restrictions on the trigger for Contingency?

There are no mechanical restrictions on the trigger for Contingency, but the DM may rule that certain triggers are too vague or subjective to be effective or may require clarification or modification to ensure fairness and balance.

Can Contingency be used to target others?

No, the contingent spell only affects the caster, even if it can normally target others.

Can multiple Contingency spells be active simultaneously?

No, only one Contingency spell can be active on the caster at a time. Casting Contingency again ends the effect of any previous Contingency spell on the caster.

What happens if the material component for Contingency is not on the caster’s person?

If the material component (the statuette) is not on the caster’s person, Contingency ends.