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Q&A Is it possible to use Contingency + Vampiric Touch to save yourself from unconsciousness?

In a Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition game, I am playing a Wizard and considering the interaction between the contingency[1] and vampiric touch[2] spells. My goal is to explore the possibility of...

1 answer  ·  posted 11mo ago by Cereal Nommer‭  ·  last activity 9mo ago by deleted user

#5: Post edited by user avatar Cereal Nommer‭ · 2023-07-01T20:47:04Z (10 months ago)
  • In a Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition game, I am playing a Wizard and considering the interaction between the _contingency_[^1] and _vampiric touch_[^2] spells. My goal is to explore the possibility of utilizing _contingency_ to trigger _vampiric touch_ when I fall unconscious, or immediately before falling unconscious with the intention of regaining hit points and potentially saving myself from remaining unconscious.
  • Here’s the specific scenario I envision: I cast _contingency_ and choose _vampiric touch_ as the contingent spell to be stored. The circumstance I describe is “When I fall unconscious while another creature is within my reach.” When this condition is met, the _vampiric touch_ spell takes effect immediately, whether I want it to or not, and forces me to make a melee spell attack against a creature, thereby potentially healing myself for half the amount of damage dealt and potentially preventing further unconsciousness.
  • The _vampiric touch_ spell satisfies the requirements of _contingency_ with regards to level and casting time, and has a range of “Self”. However, I’m uncertain about the mechanics and timing of the interaction between these spells in this specific scenario.
  • I know that generally spell that require concentration aren’t desirable contingent spells due to the chance to break your concentration on other active spells, but it seems a moot point in this case, since the unconscious condition would break that concentration as well.
  • As far as I’m aware, nothing actually prevents you from making attacks while unconscious, the associated incapacitated condition just prevents you from taking any action that would normally allow it. I’m also aware being incapacitated cause you to _lose_ concentration on a spell, but I haven’t seen anything preventing you from initially casting it while incapacitated other than the restriction on actions, which _contingency_ circumvents. Are there any rules or restrictions that would prevent this combination from achieving the intended effect? If so, what alternative approaches could achieve a similar outcome? Are there alternative timings, or circumstances that would better achieve my goal?
  • I appreciate any insights or clarifications regarding this potential synergy between _contingency_ and _vampiric touch_.
  • Spells referenced are available in the SRD[^3].
  • [^1]:<details><summary>Contingency</summary><em>6th-level evocation</em></br><b>Casting Time:</b> 10 minutes</br><b>Range:</b> Self</br><b>Components:</b> V, S, M (a statuette of yourself carved from ivory and decorated with gems worth at least 1,500 gp)</br><b>Duration:</b> 10 days</br></br></br>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 <em>contingency</em>, 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 <em>contingency</em> cast with <em>water breathing</em> might stipulate that <em>water breathing</em> comes into effect when you are engulfed in water or a similar liquid.</br></br>The contingent spell takes effect immediately after the circumstance is met for the first time, whether or not you want it to, and then <em>contingency</em> ends.</br></br>The contingent spell takes effect only on you, even if it can normally target others. You can use only one <em>contingency</em> spell at a time. If you cast this spell again, the effect of another <em>contingency</em> spell on you ends. Also, <em>contingency</em> ends on you if its material component is ever not on your person.
  • </details>
  • [^2]:<details><summary>Vampiric Touch</summary><em>3rd-level necromancy</em></br><b>Casting Time:</b> 1 action</br><b>Range:</b> Self</br><b>Components:</b> V, S</br><b>Duration:</b> Concentration, up to 1 minute</br></br></br>The touch of your shadow-wreathed hand can siphon life force from others to heal your wounds. Make a melee spell attack against a creature within your reach. On a hit, the target takes 3d6 necrotic damage, and you regain hit points equal to half the amount of necrotic damage dealt. Until the spell ends, you can make the attack again on each of your turns as an action.</br></br><b><em>At Higher Levels.</em></b> When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 4th level or higher, the damage increases by 1d6 for each slot level above 3rd.
  • </details>
  • [^3]:This question includes material taken from the System Reference Document 5.1 (“SRD 5.1”) by Wizards of the Coast LLC and available at https://dnd.wizards.com/resources/systems-reference-document. The SRD 5.1 is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License available at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode.
  • In a Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition game, I am playing a Wizard and considering the interaction between the _contingency_[^1] and _vampiric touch_[^2] spells. My goal is to explore the possibility of utilizing _contingency_ to trigger _vampiric touch_ when I fall unconscious, or immediately before falling unconscious with the intention of regaining hit points and potentially saving myself from remaining unconscious.
  • Here’s the specific scenario I envision: I cast _contingency_ and choose _vampiric touch_ as the contingent spell to be stored. The circumstance I describe is “When I fall unconscious while another creature is within my reach.” When this condition is met, the _vampiric touch_ spell takes effect immediately, whether I want it to or not, and forces me to make a melee spell attack against a creature, thereby healing myself for half the amount of damage dealt, if any, and potentially preventing further unconsciousness.
  • The _vampiric touch_ spell satisfies the requirements of _contingency_ with regards to level and casting time, and has a range of “Self”. However, I’m uncertain about the mechanics and timing of the interaction between these spells in this specific scenario.
  • I know that generally spell that require concentration aren’t desirable contingent spells due to the chance to break your concentration on other active spells, but it seems a moot point in this case, since the unconscious condition would break that concentration as well.
  • As far as I’m aware, nothing actually prevents you from making attacks while unconscious, the associated incapacitated condition just prevents you from taking any action that would normally allow it. I’m also aware being incapacitated cause you to _lose_ concentration on a spell, but I haven’t seen anything preventing you from initially casting it while incapacitated other than the restriction on actions, which _contingency_ circumvents. Are there any rules or restrictions that would prevent this combination from achieving the intended effect? If so, what alternative approaches could achieve a similar outcome? Are there alternative timings, or circumstances that would better achieve my goal?
  • I appreciate any insights or clarifications regarding this potential synergy between _contingency_ and _vampiric touch_.
  • Spells referenced are available in the SRD[^3].
  • [^1]:<details><summary>Contingency</summary><em>6th-level evocation</em></br><b>Casting Time:</b> 10 minutes</br><b>Range:</b> Self</br><b>Components:</b> V, S, M (a statuette of yourself carved from ivory and decorated with gems worth at least 1,500 gp)</br><b>Duration:</b> 10 days</br></br></br>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 <em>contingency</em>, 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 <em>contingency</em> cast with <em>water breathing</em> might stipulate that <em>water breathing</em> comes into effect when you are engulfed in water or a similar liquid.</br></br>The contingent spell takes effect immediately after the circumstance is met for the first time, whether or not you want it to, and then <em>contingency</em> ends.</br></br>The contingent spell takes effect only on you, even if it can normally target others. You can use only one <em>contingency</em> spell at a time. If you cast this spell again, the effect of another <em>contingency</em> spell on you ends. Also, <em>contingency</em> ends on you if its material component is ever not on your person.
  • </details>
  • [^2]:<details><summary>Vampiric Touch</summary><em>3rd-level necromancy</em></br><b>Casting Time:</b> 1 action</br><b>Range:</b> Self</br><b>Components:</b> V, S</br><b>Duration:</b> Concentration, up to 1 minute</br></br></br>The touch of your shadow-wreathed hand can siphon life force from others to heal your wounds. Make a melee spell attack against a creature within your reach. On a hit, the target takes 3d6 necrotic damage, and you regain hit points equal to half the amount of necrotic damage dealt. Until the spell ends, you can make the attack again on each of your turns as an action.</br></br><b><em>At Higher Levels.</em></b> When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 4th level or higher, the damage increases by 1d6 for each slot level above 3rd.
  • </details>
  • [^3]:This question includes material taken from the System Reference Document 5.1 (“SRD 5.1”) by Wizards of the Coast LLC and available at https://dnd.wizards.com/resources/systems-reference-document. The SRD 5.1 is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License available at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode.
#4: Post edited by user avatar Cereal Nommer‭ · 2023-06-28T09:10:30Z (11 months ago)
  • In a Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition game, I am playing a Wizard and considering the interaction between the _contingency_[^1] and _vampiric touch_[^2] spells. My goal is to explore the possibility of utilizing _contingency_ to trigger _vampiric touch_ when I fall unconscious, or immediately before falling unconscious with the intention of regaining hit points and potentially saving myself from remaining unconscious.
  • Here’s the specific scenario I envision: I cast _contingency_ and choose _vampiric touch_ as the contingent spell to be stored. The circumstance I describe is “When I fall unconscious while another creature is within my reach.” When this condition is met, the _vampiric touch_ spell takes effect immediately, whether I want it to or not, and forces me to make a melee spell attack against a creature, thereby potentially healing myself for half the amount of damage dealt and potentially preventing further unconsciousness.
  • The _vampiric touch_ spell satisfies the requirements of _contingency_ with regards to level and casting time, and has a range of “Self”. However, I’m uncertain about the mechanics and timing of the interaction between these spells in this specific scenario.
  • I know that generally spell that require concentration aren’t desirable contingent spells due to the chance to break your concentration on other active spells, but it seems a moot point in this case, since the unconscious condition would break that concentration as well.
  • As far as I’m aware, nothing actually prevents you from making attacks while unconscious, just prevents you from taking any action that would normally allow it. I’m also aware being incapacitated cause you to lose concentration on a spell, but I haven’t seen anything preventing you from casting it while incapacitated other than the restriction on actions. Are there any rules or restrictions that would prevent this combination from achieving the intended effect? If so, what alternative approaches could achieve a similar outcome? Are there alternative timings, or circumstances that would better achieve my goal?
  • I appreciate any insights or clarifications regarding this potential synergy between _contingency_ and _vampiric touch_.
  • Spells referenced are available in the SRD[^3].
  • [^1]:<details><summary>Contingency</summary><em>6th-level evocation</em></br><b>Casting Time:</b> 10 minutes</br><b>Range:</b> Self</br><b>Components:</b> V, S, M (a statuette of yourself carved from ivory and decorated with gems worth at least 1,500 gp)</br><b>Duration:</b> 10 days</br></br></br>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 <em>contingency</em>, 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 <em>contingency</em> cast with <em>water breathing</em> might stipulate that <em>water breathing</em> comes into effect when you are engulfed in water or a similar liquid.</br></br>The contingent spell takes effect immediately after the circumstance is met for the first time, whether or not you want it to, and then <em>contingency</em> ends.</br></br>The contingent spell takes effect only on you, even if it can normally target others. You can use only one <em>contingency</em> spell at a time. If you cast this spell again, the effect of another <em>contingency</em> spell on you ends. Also, <em>contingency</em> ends on you if its material component is ever not on your person.
  • </details>
  • [^2]:<details><summary>Vampiric Touch</summary><em>3rd-level necromancy</em></br><b>Casting Time:</b> 1 action</br><b>Range:</b> Self</br><b>Components:</b> V, S</br><b>Duration:</b> Concentration, up to 1 minute</br></br></br>The touch of your shadow-wreathed hand can siphon life force from others to heal your wounds. Make a melee spell attack against a creature within your reach. On a hit, the target takes 3d6 necrotic damage, and you regain hit points equal to half the amount of necrotic damage dealt. Until the spell ends, you can make the attack again on each of your turns as an action.</br></br><b><em>At Higher Levels.</em></b> When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 4th level or higher, the damage increases by 1d6 for each slot level above 3rd.
  • </details>
  • [^3]:This question includes material taken from the System Reference Document 5.1 (“SRD 5.1”) by Wizards of the Coast LLC and available at https://dnd.wizards.com/resources/systems-reference-document. The SRD 5.1 is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License available at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode.
  • In a Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition game, I am playing a Wizard and considering the interaction between the _contingency_[^1] and _vampiric touch_[^2] spells. My goal is to explore the possibility of utilizing _contingency_ to trigger _vampiric touch_ when I fall unconscious, or immediately before falling unconscious with the intention of regaining hit points and potentially saving myself from remaining unconscious.
  • Here’s the specific scenario I envision: I cast _contingency_ and choose _vampiric touch_ as the contingent spell to be stored. The circumstance I describe is “When I fall unconscious while another creature is within my reach.” When this condition is met, the _vampiric touch_ spell takes effect immediately, whether I want it to or not, and forces me to make a melee spell attack against a creature, thereby potentially healing myself for half the amount of damage dealt and potentially preventing further unconsciousness.
  • The _vampiric touch_ spell satisfies the requirements of _contingency_ with regards to level and casting time, and has a range of “Self”. However, I’m uncertain about the mechanics and timing of the interaction between these spells in this specific scenario.
  • I know that generally spell that require concentration aren’t desirable contingent spells due to the chance to break your concentration on other active spells, but it seems a moot point in this case, since the unconscious condition would break that concentration as well.
  • As far as I’m aware, nothing actually prevents you from making attacks while unconscious, the associated incapacitated condition just prevents you from taking any action that would normally allow it. I’m also aware being incapacitated cause you to _lose_ concentration on a spell, but I haven’t seen anything preventing you from initially casting it while incapacitated other than the restriction on actions, which _contingency_ circumvents. Are there any rules or restrictions that would prevent this combination from achieving the intended effect? If so, what alternative approaches could achieve a similar outcome? Are there alternative timings, or circumstances that would better achieve my goal?
  • I appreciate any insights or clarifications regarding this potential synergy between _contingency_ and _vampiric touch_.
  • Spells referenced are available in the SRD[^3].
  • [^1]:<details><summary>Contingency</summary><em>6th-level evocation</em></br><b>Casting Time:</b> 10 minutes</br><b>Range:</b> Self</br><b>Components:</b> V, S, M (a statuette of yourself carved from ivory and decorated with gems worth at least 1,500 gp)</br><b>Duration:</b> 10 days</br></br></br>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 <em>contingency</em>, 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 <em>contingency</em> cast with <em>water breathing</em> might stipulate that <em>water breathing</em> comes into effect when you are engulfed in water or a similar liquid.</br></br>The contingent spell takes effect immediately after the circumstance is met for the first time, whether or not you want it to, and then <em>contingency</em> ends.</br></br>The contingent spell takes effect only on you, even if it can normally target others. You can use only one <em>contingency</em> spell at a time. If you cast this spell again, the effect of another <em>contingency</em> spell on you ends. Also, <em>contingency</em> ends on you if its material component is ever not on your person.
  • </details>
  • [^2]:<details><summary>Vampiric Touch</summary><em>3rd-level necromancy</em></br><b>Casting Time:</b> 1 action</br><b>Range:</b> Self</br><b>Components:</b> V, S</br><b>Duration:</b> Concentration, up to 1 minute</br></br></br>The touch of your shadow-wreathed hand can siphon life force from others to heal your wounds. Make a melee spell attack against a creature within your reach. On a hit, the target takes 3d6 necrotic damage, and you regain hit points equal to half the amount of necrotic damage dealt. Until the spell ends, you can make the attack again on each of your turns as an action.</br></br><b><em>At Higher Levels.</em></b> When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 4th level or higher, the damage increases by 1d6 for each slot level above 3rd.
  • </details>
  • [^3]:This question includes material taken from the System Reference Document 5.1 (“SRD 5.1”) by Wizards of the Coast LLC and available at https://dnd.wizards.com/resources/systems-reference-document. The SRD 5.1 is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License available at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode.
#3: Post edited by user avatar Cereal Nommer‭ · 2023-06-28T09:08:45Z (11 months ago)
  • In a Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition game, I am playing as a Wizard and considering the interaction between the _contingency_[^1] and _vampiric touch_[^2] spells. My goal is to explore the possibility of utilizing _contingency_ to trigger _vampiric touch_ when I fall unconscious, or immediately before falling unconscious with the intention of regaining hit points and potentially saving myself from remaining unconscious.
  • Here’s the specific scenario I envision: I cast _contingency_ and choose _vampiric touch_ as the contingent spell to be stored. The circumstance I describe is “When I fall unconscious while another creature is within my reach.” When this condition is met, the _vampiric touch_ spell takes effect immediately, whether I want it to or not, and forces me to make a melee spell attack against a creature, thereby potentially healing myself for half the amount of damage dealt and potentially preventing further unconsciousness.
  • The _vampiric touch_ spell satisfies the requirements of _contingency_ with regards to level and casting time, and has a range of “Self”. However, I’m uncertain about the mechanics and timing of the interaction between these spells in this specific scenario.
  • I know that generally spell that require concentration aren’t desirable contingent spells due to the chance to break your concentration on other active spells, but it seems a moot point in this case, since the unconscious condition would break that concentration as well.
  • As far as I’m aware, nothing actually prevents you from making attacks while unconscious, just prevents you from taking any action that would normally allow it. I’m also aware being incapacitated cause you to lose concentration on a spell, but I haven’t seen anything preventing you from casting it while incapacitated other than the restriction on actions. Are there any rules or restrictions that would prevent this combination from achieving the intended effect? If so, what alternative approaches could achieve a similar outcome? Are there alternative timings, or circumstances that would better achieve my goal?
  • I appreciate any insights or clarifications regarding this potential synergy between _contingency_ and _vampiric touch_.
  • Spells referenced are available in the SRD[^3].
  • [^1]:<details><summary>Contingency</summary><em>6th-level evocation</em></br><b>Casting Time:</b> 10 minutes</br><b>Range:</b> Self</br><b>Components:</b> V, S, M (a statuette of yourself carved from ivory and decorated with gems worth at least 1,500 gp)</br><b>Duration:</b> 10 days</br></br></br>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 <em>contingency</em>, 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 <em>contingency</em> cast with <em>water breathing</em> might stipulate that <em>water breathing</em> comes into effect when you are engulfed in water or a similar liquid.</br></br>The contingent spell takes effect immediately after the circumstance is met for the first time, whether or not you want it to, and then <em>contingency</em> ends.</br></br>The contingent spell takes effect only on you, even if it can normally target others. You can use only one <em>contingency</em> spell at a time. If you cast this spell again, the effect of another <em>contingency</em> spell on you ends. Also, <em>contingency</em> ends on you if its material component is ever not on your person.
  • </details>
  • [^2]:<details><summary>Vampiric Touch</summary><em>3rd-level necromancy</em></br><b>Casting Time:</b> 1 action</br><b>Range:</b> Self</br><b>Components:</b> V, S</br><b>Duration:</b> Concentration, up to 1 minute</br></br></br>The touch of your shadow-wreathed hand can siphon life force from others to heal your wounds. Make a melee spell attack against a creature within your reach. On a hit, the target takes 3d6 necrotic damage, and you regain hit points equal to half the amount of necrotic damage dealt. Until the spell ends, you can make the attack again on each of your turns as an action.</br></br><b><em>At Higher Levels.</em></b> When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 4th level or higher, the damage increases by 1d6 for each slot level above 3rd.
  • </details>
  • [^3]:This question includes material taken from the System Reference Document 5.1 (“SRD 5.1”) by Wizards of the Coast LLC and available at https://dnd.wizards.com/resources/systems-reference-document. The SRD 5.1 is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License available at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode.
  • In a Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition game, I am playing a Wizard and considering the interaction between the _contingency_[^1] and _vampiric touch_[^2] spells. My goal is to explore the possibility of utilizing _contingency_ to trigger _vampiric touch_ when I fall unconscious, or immediately before falling unconscious with the intention of regaining hit points and potentially saving myself from remaining unconscious.
  • Here’s the specific scenario I envision: I cast _contingency_ and choose _vampiric touch_ as the contingent spell to be stored. The circumstance I describe is “When I fall unconscious while another creature is within my reach.” When this condition is met, the _vampiric touch_ spell takes effect immediately, whether I want it to or not, and forces me to make a melee spell attack against a creature, thereby potentially healing myself for half the amount of damage dealt and potentially preventing further unconsciousness.
  • The _vampiric touch_ spell satisfies the requirements of _contingency_ with regards to level and casting time, and has a range of “Self”. However, I’m uncertain about the mechanics and timing of the interaction between these spells in this specific scenario.
  • I know that generally spell that require concentration aren’t desirable contingent spells due to the chance to break your concentration on other active spells, but it seems a moot point in this case, since the unconscious condition would break that concentration as well.
  • As far as I’m aware, nothing actually prevents you from making attacks while unconscious, just prevents you from taking any action that would normally allow it. I’m also aware being incapacitated cause you to lose concentration on a spell, but I haven’t seen anything preventing you from casting it while incapacitated other than the restriction on actions. Are there any rules or restrictions that would prevent this combination from achieving the intended effect? If so, what alternative approaches could achieve a similar outcome? Are there alternative timings, or circumstances that would better achieve my goal?
  • I appreciate any insights or clarifications regarding this potential synergy between _contingency_ and _vampiric touch_.
  • Spells referenced are available in the SRD[^3].
  • [^1]:<details><summary>Contingency</summary><em>6th-level evocation</em></br><b>Casting Time:</b> 10 minutes</br><b>Range:</b> Self</br><b>Components:</b> V, S, M (a statuette of yourself carved from ivory and decorated with gems worth at least 1,500 gp)</br><b>Duration:</b> 10 days</br></br></br>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 <em>contingency</em>, 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 <em>contingency</em> cast with <em>water breathing</em> might stipulate that <em>water breathing</em> comes into effect when you are engulfed in water or a similar liquid.</br></br>The contingent spell takes effect immediately after the circumstance is met for the first time, whether or not you want it to, and then <em>contingency</em> ends.</br></br>The contingent spell takes effect only on you, even if it can normally target others. You can use only one <em>contingency</em> spell at a time. If you cast this spell again, the effect of another <em>contingency</em> spell on you ends. Also, <em>contingency</em> ends on you if its material component is ever not on your person.
  • </details>
  • [^2]:<details><summary>Vampiric Touch</summary><em>3rd-level necromancy</em></br><b>Casting Time:</b> 1 action</br><b>Range:</b> Self</br><b>Components:</b> V, S</br><b>Duration:</b> Concentration, up to 1 minute</br></br></br>The touch of your shadow-wreathed hand can siphon life force from others to heal your wounds. Make a melee spell attack against a creature within your reach. On a hit, the target takes 3d6 necrotic damage, and you regain hit points equal to half the amount of necrotic damage dealt. Until the spell ends, you can make the attack again on each of your turns as an action.</br></br><b><em>At Higher Levels.</em></b> When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 4th level or higher, the damage increases by 1d6 for each slot level above 3rd.
  • </details>
  • [^3]:This question includes material taken from the System Reference Document 5.1 (“SRD 5.1”) by Wizards of the Coast LLC and available at https://dnd.wizards.com/resources/systems-reference-document. The SRD 5.1 is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License available at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode.
#2: Post edited by user avatar Cereal Nommer‭ · 2023-06-28T07:23:58Z (11 months ago)
  • In a Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition game, I am playing as a Wizard and considering the interaction between the _contingency_[^1] and _vampiric touch_[^2] spells. My goal is to explore the possibility of utilizing _contingency_ to trigger _vampiric touch_ when I fall unconscious, or immediately before falling unconscious with the intention of regaining hit points and potentially saving myself from remaining unconscious.
  • Here’s the specific scenario I envision: I cast _contingency_ and choose _vampiric touch_ as the contingent spell to be stored. The circumstance I describe is “When I fall unconscious while another creature is within my reach.” When this condition is met, the _vampiric touch_ spell takes effect immediately, whether I want it to or not, and forces me to make a melee spell attack against a creature, thereby potentially healing myself for half the amount of damage dealt and potentially preventing further unconsciousness?
  • The _vampiric touch_ spell satisfies the requirements of _contingency_ with regards to level and casting time, and has a range of “Self”. However, I’m uncertain about the mechanics and timing of the interaction between these spells in this specific scenario.
  • I know that generally spell that require concentration aren’t desirable contingent spells due to the chance to break your concentration on other active spells, but it seems a moot point in this case, since the unconscious condition would break that concentration as well.
  • As far as I’m aware, nothing actually prevents you from making attacks while unconscious, just prevents you from taking any action that would normally allow it. I’m also aware being incapacitated cause you to lose concentration on a spell, but I haven’t seen anything preventing you from casting it while incapacitated other than the restriction on actions. Are there any rules or restrictions that would prevent this combination from achieving the intended effect? If so, what alternative approaches could achieve a similar outcome? Are there alternative timings, or circumstances that would better achieve my goal?
  • I appreciate any insights or clarifications regarding this potential synergy between _contingency_ and _vampiric touch_.
  • Spells referenced are available in the SRD[^3].
  • [^1]:<details><summary>Contingency</summary><em>6th-level evocation</em></br><b>Casting Time:</b> 10 minutes</br><b>Range:</b> Self</br><b>Components:</b> V, S, M (a statuette of yourself carved from ivory and decorated with gems worth at least 1,500 gp)</br><b>Duration:</b> 10 days</br></br></br>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 <em>contingency</em>, 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 <em>contingency</em> cast with <em>water breathing</em> might stipulate that <em>water breathing</em> comes into effect when you are engulfed in water or a similar liquid.</br></br>The contingent spell takes effect immediately after the circumstance is met for the first time, whether or not you want it to, and then <em>contingency</em> ends.</br></br>The contingent spell takes effect only on you, even if it can normally target others. You can use only one <em>contingency</em> spell at a time. If you cast this spell again, the effect of another <em>contingency</em> spell on you ends. Also, <em>contingency</em> ends on you if its material component is ever not on your person.
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  • [^2]:<details><summary>Vampiric Touch</summary><em>3rd-level necromancy</em></br><b>Casting Time:</b> 1 action</br><b>Range:</b> Self</br><b>Components:</b> V, S</br><b>Duration:</b> Concentration, up to 1 minute</br></br></br>The touch of your shadow-wreathed hand can siphon life force from others to heal your wounds. Make a melee spell attack against a creature within your reach. On a hit, the target takes 3d6 necrotic damage, and you regain hit points equal to half the amount of necrotic damage dealt. Until the spell ends, you can make the attack again on each of your turns as an action.</br></br><b><em>At Higher Levels.</em></b> When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 4th level or higher, the damage increases by 1d6 for each slot level above 3rd.
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  • [^3]:This question includes material taken from the System Reference Document 5.1 (“SRD 5.1”) by Wizards of the Coast LLC and available at https://dnd.wizards.com/resources/systems-reference-document. The SRD 5.1 is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License available at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode.
  • In a Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition game, I am playing as a Wizard and considering the interaction between the _contingency_[^1] and _vampiric touch_[^2] spells. My goal is to explore the possibility of utilizing _contingency_ to trigger _vampiric touch_ when I fall unconscious, or immediately before falling unconscious with the intention of regaining hit points and potentially saving myself from remaining unconscious.
  • Here’s the specific scenario I envision: I cast _contingency_ and choose _vampiric touch_ as the contingent spell to be stored. The circumstance I describe is “When I fall unconscious while another creature is within my reach.” When this condition is met, the _vampiric touch_ spell takes effect immediately, whether I want it to or not, and forces me to make a melee spell attack against a creature, thereby potentially healing myself for half the amount of damage dealt and potentially preventing further unconsciousness.
  • The _vampiric touch_ spell satisfies the requirements of _contingency_ with regards to level and casting time, and has a range of “Self”. However, I’m uncertain about the mechanics and timing of the interaction between these spells in this specific scenario.
  • I know that generally spell that require concentration aren’t desirable contingent spells due to the chance to break your concentration on other active spells, but it seems a moot point in this case, since the unconscious condition would break that concentration as well.
  • As far as I’m aware, nothing actually prevents you from making attacks while unconscious, just prevents you from taking any action that would normally allow it. I’m also aware being incapacitated cause you to lose concentration on a spell, but I haven’t seen anything preventing you from casting it while incapacitated other than the restriction on actions. Are there any rules or restrictions that would prevent this combination from achieving the intended effect? If so, what alternative approaches could achieve a similar outcome? Are there alternative timings, or circumstances that would better achieve my goal?
  • I appreciate any insights or clarifications regarding this potential synergy between _contingency_ and _vampiric touch_.
  • Spells referenced are available in the SRD[^3].
  • [^1]:<details><summary>Contingency</summary><em>6th-level evocation</em></br><b>Casting Time:</b> 10 minutes</br><b>Range:</b> Self</br><b>Components:</b> V, S, M (a statuette of yourself carved from ivory and decorated with gems worth at least 1,500 gp)</br><b>Duration:</b> 10 days</br></br></br>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 <em>contingency</em>, 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 <em>contingency</em> cast with <em>water breathing</em> might stipulate that <em>water breathing</em> comes into effect when you are engulfed in water or a similar liquid.</br></br>The contingent spell takes effect immediately after the circumstance is met for the first time, whether or not you want it to, and then <em>contingency</em> ends.</br></br>The contingent spell takes effect only on you, even if it can normally target others. You can use only one <em>contingency</em> spell at a time. If you cast this spell again, the effect of another <em>contingency</em> spell on you ends. Also, <em>contingency</em> ends on you if its material component is ever not on your person.
  • </details>
  • [^2]:<details><summary>Vampiric Touch</summary><em>3rd-level necromancy</em></br><b>Casting Time:</b> 1 action</br><b>Range:</b> Self</br><b>Components:</b> V, S</br><b>Duration:</b> Concentration, up to 1 minute</br></br></br>The touch of your shadow-wreathed hand can siphon life force from others to heal your wounds. Make a melee spell attack against a creature within your reach. On a hit, the target takes 3d6 necrotic damage, and you regain hit points equal to half the amount of necrotic damage dealt. Until the spell ends, you can make the attack again on each of your turns as an action.</br></br><b><em>At Higher Levels.</em></b> When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 4th level or higher, the damage increases by 1d6 for each slot level above 3rd.
  • </details>
  • [^3]:This question includes material taken from the System Reference Document 5.1 (“SRD 5.1”) by Wizards of the Coast LLC and available at https://dnd.wizards.com/resources/systems-reference-document. The SRD 5.1 is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License available at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode.
#1: Initial revision by user avatar Cereal Nommer‭ · 2023-06-28T06:57:56Z (11 months ago)
Is it possible to use Contingency + Vampiric Touch to save yourself from unconsciousness?
In a Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition game, I am playing as a Wizard and considering the interaction between the _contingency_[^1] and _vampiric touch_[^2] spells. My goal is to explore the possibility of utilizing _contingency_ to trigger _vampiric touch_ when I fall unconscious, or immediately before falling unconscious with the intention of regaining hit points and potentially saving myself from remaining unconscious.

Here’s the specific scenario I envision: I cast _contingency_ and choose _vampiric touch_ as the contingent spell to be stored. The circumstance I describe is “When I fall unconscious while another creature is within my reach.” When this condition is met, the _vampiric touch_ spell takes effect immediately, whether I want it to or not, and forces me to make a melee spell attack against a creature, thereby potentially healing myself for half the amount of damage dealt and potentially preventing further unconsciousness?

The _vampiric touch_ spell satisfies the requirements of _contingency_ with regards to level and casting time, and has a range of “Self”. However, I’m uncertain about the mechanics and timing of the interaction between these spells in this specific scenario. 
I know that generally spell that require concentration aren’t desirable contingent spells due to the chance to break your concentration on other active spells, but it seems a moot point in this case, since the unconscious condition would break that concentration as well.

As far as I’m aware, nothing actually prevents you from making attacks while unconscious, just prevents you from taking any action that would normally allow it. I’m also aware being incapacitated cause you to lose concentration on a spell, but I haven’t seen anything preventing you from casting it while incapacitated other than the restriction on actions. Are there any rules or restrictions that would prevent this combination from achieving the intended effect? If so, what alternative approaches could achieve a similar outcome? Are there alternative timings, or circumstances that would better achieve my goal?

I appreciate any insights or clarifications regarding this potential synergy between _contingency_ and _vampiric touch_.

Spells referenced are available in the SRD[^3].

[^1]:<details><summary>Contingency</summary><em>6th-level evocation</em></br><b>Casting Time:</b> 10 minutes</br><b>Range:</b> Self</br><b>Components:</b> V, S, M (a statuette of yourself carved from ivory and decorated with gems worth at least 1,500 gp)</br><b>Duration:</b> 10 days</br></br></br>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 <em>contingency</em>, 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 <em>contingency</em> cast with <em>water breathing</em> might stipulate that <em>water breathing</em> comes into effect when you are engulfed in water or a similar liquid.</br></br>The contingent spell takes effect immediately after the circumstance is met for the first time, whether or not you want it to, and then <em>contingency</em> ends.</br></br>The contingent spell takes effect only on you, even if it can normally target others. You can use only one <em>contingency</em> spell at a time. If you cast this spell again, the effect of another <em>contingency</em> spell on you ends. Also, <em>contingency</em> ends on you if its material component is ever not on your person.
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[^2]:<details><summary>Vampiric Touch</summary><em>3rd-level necromancy</em></br><b>Casting Time:</b> 1 action</br><b>Range:</b> Self</br><b>Components:</b> V, S</br><b>Duration:</b> Concentration, up to 1 minute</br></br></br>The touch of your shadow-wreathed hand can siphon life force from others to heal your wounds. Make a melee spell attack against a creature within your reach. On a hit, the target takes 3d6 necrotic damage, and you regain hit points equal to half the amount of necrotic damage dealt. Until the spell ends, you can make the attack again on each of your turns as an action.</br></br><b><em>At Higher Levels.</em></b> When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 4th level or higher, the damage increases by 1d6 for each slot level above 3rd.
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[^3]:This question includes material taken from the System Reference Document 5.1 (“SRD 5.1”) by Wizards of the Coast LLC and available at https://dnd.wizards.com/resources/systems-reference-document. The SRD 5.1 is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License available at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode.