Deep Sleep
Our spells up to this point, such as Arctic Rush and Prepare for Adventure, have been largely centered around player usage. However, the place certain spells hold in a DM's toolbox should not be underrated. Many spells in DnD, such as magic mouth and guards and wards, seem designed in a manner that suits the needs of DM's as well as, if not better than, those of players. 'DM spells' often are not immediately useful in most combat or exploration scenarios, but instead offer interesting utility, situations, and environmental changes. These provide the mechanical guidelines for plot hooks, unforeseen complications, and even whole campaigns.
Deep sleep is what we would consider a 'DM spell'. This 4th level enchantment spell allows bards, sorcerers, and wizards to force a target creature they've spoken to for a minute about the value of a particular item to make a Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the target accepts the item and dons it appropriately before falling into a deep slumber. While sleeping in this way, the creature is immune to all damage, does not need to eat, drink, or breathe, does not age, and their heart even stops beating as their body becomes cold. They remain asleep until the donned object, which cannot be removed while the creature is affected by this spell, has been destroyed, or until the duration of the spell ends.
This spell offers a lot for a DM in search of an interesting side quest or an unexpected development. Perhaps a distressed man beseeches the party's assistance in waking his partner from their mysterious slumber. Or maybe a king has been stricken by a sleeping curse, and it's up to the party to find the perpetrating mage! Of course, this spell has utility to players as well; the DM isn't the only one who can take advantage of more niche spells to create some bizarre situations. Maybe the party answers their violent debt collectors by playing dead! However you envision it, we hope you can put this spell of ours to good use in your books, and we look forward to hearing about it next time!
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Deep Sleep
4th-level enchantment
Casting Time: 1 minute
Range: 10 feet
Components: V, S, M (A non-magical object or article of clothing worth at least 10 gp which is offered to the target as the spell is cast and is consumed when the target awakens)
Duration: 24 hours
Classes: Bard, Sorcerer, Wizard
You speak with a creature for a minute or longer, offering them a tantalizing object which you imbue with slumber inducing magic to a target, tempting them to take it and fall into a deep sleep. A non-hostile humanoid within range makes a Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, the target accepts the item as a generous gift and holds or wears it as appropriate. The target falls into a deep, dreamless sleep for the duration. The object cannot be removed from their person, and if the object the creature is holding is destroyed, the creature immediately awakens and the spell ends.
While affected by this spell, the creature’s heart stops beating, their body becomes cold, it does not need to breathe, eat, or drink, and it doesn’t age. A creature sleeping in this way is immune to all damage, protected by the magic of the spell. A remove curse spell of equal level to the level of the spell ends the effect.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 5th level, the duration is 1 week. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 6th level, the duration is 1 month. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 7th level, the duration is 1 year. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 8th level, the duration is 1 century. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 9th level, the spell lasts until it is dispelled.