A Dungeons & Dragons Guide to Protective Magic - Warding Bond 5e
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Time to read 21 min
Welcome, fellow adventurers and dungeon masters, to another spellbinding discussion in our ongoing exploration of Dungeons and Dragons 5e! Today, we're delving deep into the magical intricacies of Warding Bond, a spell that epitomizes the essence of camaraderie and protection in the realm of tabletop roleplaying. In this guide, we'll not only unveil the mechanics behind Warding Bond but also uncover its strategic potential, its applications in various scenarios, and the insights gleaned from the community's experiences.
So, grab your spellbook, gather your dnd dice, and let's embark on a celestial journey through 5e Create Bonfire in the world of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition!
What Does Warding Bond 5e Do in D&D?
At its core, Warding Bond 5e is a spell of guardianship and solidarity, found within the pages of the Player's Handbook under the evocation school of magic. It's a spell that epitomizes the bonds forged in the crucible of adventure, allowing a caster to create a mystical connection with another creature. This bond imbues the target with enhanced resilience, sharing the burden of damage and providing a shield against harm.
The Core Rules: Warding Bond 5e
At its core, Warding Bond is a spell of guardianship and solidarity, found within the pages of the Player's Handbook under the evocation school of magic. It's a spell that epitomizes the bonds forged in the crucible of adventure, allowing a caster to create a mystical connection with another creature. This bond imbues the target with enhanced resilience, sharing the burden of damage and providing a shield against harm.
The mechanics of Warding Bond are elegantly simple yet profoundly impactful. By expending a 2nd-level spell slot, a caster can establish a magical link with a willing creature they touch, fostering a symbiotic relationship that endures for up to an hour. During this time, whenever the bonded creature takes damage, the caster magically absorbs half of that damage, lessening the harm inflicted upon their ally.
But Warding Bond is more than just a numerical reduction in damage. It symbolizes the unbreakable trust between adventurers, the willingness to stand together in the face of peril, and the profound sense of protection that comes from knowing someone has your back
Warding Bond
- School: Abjuration
- Level: 2nd
- Casting Time: 1 action
- Range: Touch
- Components: V, S, M (a pair of platinum rings worth at least 50 gp each, which the spell consumes)
- Duration: 1 hour
- Classes: Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Sorcerer
This spell wards a willing creature you touch and creates a mystic connection between you and the target until the spell ends. While the target is within 60 feet of you, it gains a +1 bonus to AC and saving throws, and it has resistance to all damage. Also, each time it takes damage, you take the same amount of damage. The spell ends if you drop to 0 hit points or if you and the target become separated by more than 60 feet. It also ends if the spell is cast again on either of the connected creatures. You can also dismiss the spell as an action.
Weaknesses:
Concentration Requirement: Warding Bond requires concentration to maintain, limiting the caster's ability to concentrate on other spells or abilities simultaneously. This can restrict the caster's tactical options and make them more vulnerable to disruption in combat.
Shared Damage: While Warding Bond reduces the amount of damage taken by the target, it also means that the caster suffers the same amount of damage. This shared damage can put the caster at risk of harm, especially if the target is subjected to large amounts of damage.
Limited Duration: Warding Bond has a relatively short duration of 1 hour, requiring the caster to recast the spell periodically to maintain its protective effects. This can be inconvenient in longer adventuring days or during extended encounters where resources are limited.
Consumable Material Component: Warding Bond requires a pair of platinum rings worth at least 50 gp each as a material component, which the spell consumes upon casting. This can make the spell costly to use regularly, especially for characters with limited resources.
Vulnerability to Area Effects: Warding Bond does not provide immunity to area effects or spells that target multiple creatures. As such, the caster and target remain susceptible to area damage spells and abilities, which can bypass the spell's protective effects and pose a significant threat in certain situations.
Weaknesses:
Concentration Requirement: Warding Bond requires concentration to maintain, limiting the caster's ability to concentrate on other spells or abilities simultaneously. This can restrict the caster's tactical options and make them more vulnerable to disruption in combat.
Shared Damage: While Warding Bond reduces the amount of damage taken by the target, it also means that the caster suffers the same amount of damage. This shared damage can put the caster at risk of harm, especially if the target is subjected to large amounts of damage.
Limited Duration: Warding Bond has a relatively short duration of 1 hour, requiring the caster to recast the spell periodically to maintain its protective effects. This can be inconvenient in longer adventuring days or during extended encounters where resources are limited.
Consumable Material Component: Warding Bond requires a pair of platinum rings worth at least 50 gp each as a material component, which the spell consumes upon casting. This can make the spell costly to use regularly, especially for characters with limited resources.
Vulnerability to Area Effects: Warding Bond does not provide immunity to area effects or spells that target multiple creatures. As such, the caster and target remain susceptible to area damage spells and abilities, which can bypass the spell's protective effects and pose a significant threat in certain situations.
5e Warding Bond - Damage Chart and Compatible Classes
Warding Bond 5e is a spell available to several classes in Dungeons and Dragons 5e, offering a diverse range of characters the opportunity to wield its protective magic. The classes capable of casting Warding Bond are:
Cleric: Clerics are devout servants of their chosen deity, channeling divine power to protect and heal their allies. With access to a wide array of spells from the School of Abjuration, clerics can use Warding Bond 5e to bolster the defenses of their comrades and ensure their survival in the face of adversity.
Druid: Druids are mystic guardians of the natural world, drawing upon the primal forces of nature to shape-shift, commune with animals, and cast powerful spells. As guardians of the balance between life and death, druids can use Warding Bond 5e to forge a mystical connection with their allies and lend them the strength to endure even the direst of challenges.
Paladin: Paladins are holy warriors sworn to uphold justice and righteousness, wielding divine magic to smite evil and protect the innocent. With their unwavering devotion and martial prowess, paladins can cast Warding Bond 5e to shield their allies from harm and stand as a bulwark against the forces of darkness.
Sorcerer: Sorcerers are born with innate magical abilities, tapping into the raw power of their bloodline to shape reality according to their will. With their innate connection to magic, sorcerers can learn Warding Bond 5e to forge a mystical bond with their allies, sharing their strength and resilience in times of need.
Each of these classes brings a unique flavor and playstyle to the table, but they all share a common goal: to protect their allies and ensure their survival in the face of danger. Whether through divine intervention, primal magic, or innate sorcerous talent, characters who can cast Warding Bond 5e embody the spirit of camaraderie and sacrifice that defines the heart of Dungeons and Dragons.
Damage Chart for Warding Bond 5e in D&D
Below is a chart detailing the damage reduction granted by Warding Bond 5e at various levels, as well as the level at which the spell becomes available to each class:
| Character Level | Damage Reduction | Classes Capable of Casting |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1/2 | Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Sorcerer |
| 2nd | 1/2 | Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Sorcerer |
| 3rd | 1/2 | Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Sorcerer |
| 4th | 1/2 | Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Sorcerer |
| 5th | 3/4 | Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Sorcerer |
| 6th | 3/4 | Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Sorcerer |
| 7th | 3/4 | Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Sorcerer |
| 8th | 3/4 | Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Sorcerer |
| 9th | 7/8 | Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Sorcerer |
| 10th | 7/8 | Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Sorcerer |
| 11th | 7/8 | Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Sorcerer |
| 12th | 7/8 | Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Sorcerer |
| 13th | 9/10 | Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Sorcerer |
| 14th | 9/10 | Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Sorcerer |
| 15th | 9/10 | Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Sorcerer |
| 16th | 9/10 | Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Sorcerer |
| 17th | 11/12 | Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Sorcerer |
| 18th | 11/12 | Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Sorcerer |
| 19th | 11/12 | Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Sorcerer |
| 20th | 11/12 | Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Sorcerer |
This chart illustrates how the damage reduction provided by Warding Bond increases as the character levels up, offering a progressively greater degree of protection to the bonded ally. Additionally, it highlights the classes capable of casting Warding Bond and the level at which they gain access to this spell.
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Breakdown of how each class can access Warding Bond 5e
Let's break down how each class gains access to the Warding Bond 5e spell:
- Clerics have access to a wide range of spells granted by their deity or divine source of power. As a spellcasting class, clerics gain access to new spells as they level up. At 3rd level, when clerics choose their Divine Domain, they typically gain access to additional spells associated with their chosen domain. For example, a Life Domain cleric might gain access to Warding Bond as a domain spell.
-
Druid:
- Similar to clerics, druids are spellcasting classes that draw their magical powers from nature. They gain access to spells through their connection to the natural world and their Druidic Circle. As druids level up, they learn new spells from the druid spell list. At certain levels, such as 2nd level, druids gain access to new spell levels, expanding the range of spells they can cast. Warding Bond is available to druids as a 2nd-level spell.
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Paladin:
- Paladins are divine spellcasters who derive their magical abilities from their devotion to a deity, oath, or cause. They gain access to spells through their Oath and the Paladin spellcasting feature. Paladins learn spells as they level up, with access to a limited number of spells known. At 2nd level, paladins gain access to 1st-level spells, and at higher levels, they gain access to higher-level spells, including Warding Bond at 2nd level.
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Sorcerer:
- Sorcerers possess innate magical abilities, drawing their power from their sorcerous bloodline. They do not study or prepare spells like wizards or clerics but instead manifest their magic through raw intuition and talent. Sorcerers gain access to spells as they level up, learning a limited number of spells from the sorcerer spell list. At 3rd level, sorcerers gain access to 2nd-level spells, including Warding Bond.
Each of these classes gains access to Warding Bond 5e through their spellcasting progression, reflecting their unique thematic and mechanical approaches to magic within the Dungeons and Dragons 5e system.
Tips when using Warding Bond:
Effectively using the Warding Bond spell in Dungeons and Dragons 5e is to prioritize casting it on allies who are likely to be targeted by enemies but lack the defensive capabilities to withstand significant damage on their own.
The Strategy Behind 5e Warding Bond
Mastering the strategic utilization of Warding Bond can significantly enhance your party's survival and effectiveness in combat. Here's a comprehensive strategy guide to help you wield this spell to its fullest potential:
Identify Priority Targets : Assess your party composition and identify the allies who would benefit most from the protection of Warding Bond. Consider frontline fighters who regularly engage in melee combat, vulnerable spellcasters with low hit points, or non-combatants who need extra defense.
Tactical Pairings : Formulate strategic pairings between casters and their bonded allies. Pair frontline tanks, such as barbarians or paladins, with spellcasters capable of casting Warding Bond, ensuring that they can maintain their offensive presence while being shielded from harm.
Preparation and Timing : Anticipate upcoming encounters and prepare Warding Bond accordingly. Cast the spell before entering a dangerous area or engaging in combat to ensure maximum protection for your allies from the outset. Timing is crucial; casting Warding Bond at the right moment can turn the tide of battle in your favor.
Communication and Cooperation : Encourage open communication and cooperation among party members regarding the use of Warding Bond. Coordinate with your allies to determine the best targets for the spell and ensure everyone is on the same page regarding its duration and effects.
Adaptability and Flexibility : Remain adaptable and flexible in your approach to casting Warding Bond. Be prepared to adjust your strategy based on the evolving dynamics of combat, shifting priorities, and emerging threats. Sometimes, casting the spell on unexpected targets or in unconventional situations can yield surprising benefits.
Resource Management : Manage your spell slots and resources judiciously, especially in longer adventuring days or during extended encounters. While Warding Bond offers potent protection, it requires concentration and consumes valuable spell slots. Use it strategically, reserving it for pivotal moments where its benefits outweigh the cost.
Combination with Healing Magic : Pair Warding Bond with healing spells and abilities to mitigate the damage absorbed by the caster. Clerics, druids, and paladins can use their healing magic to restore hit points to both themselves and their bonded allies, ensuring they can endure prolonged battles without succumbing to injury.
By incorporating these strategic principles into your gameplay, you can harness the full potential of Warding Bond to safeguard your allies, turn the tide of battle, and emerge victorious in the face of adversity. Remember, in the world of Dungeons and Dragons, true heroism often lies in the bonds we forge and the sacrifices we make for one another.
Warding Bond 5e - Resistance To All Damage, For A Price - Spell A Day D&D 5E +3
A DM's Guide to Warding Bond 5e
As a Dungeon Master, incorporating Warding Bond 5e into your repertoire can add depth to your encounters and enhance the overall experience for your players. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to effectively use the Warding Bond 5e spell in your campaigns:
Introduce NPCs with Warding Bond 5e : Showcase the versatility of Warding Bond by introducing non-player characters (NPCs) who utilize the spell in creative ways. Whether it's a wise sage protecting their apprentice or a valiant knight defending their squire, NPCs can serve as examples of how the spell can be employed strategically in your world.
Create Challenging Encounters : Design encounters specifically tailored to test the limits of Warding Bond 5e. Introduce enemies with abilities that target multiple allies or deal significant area damage, forcing players to rely on teamwork and coordination to mitigate the threat. This encourages players to consider using Warding Bond 5e as a defensive strategy.
Highlight Tactical Opportunities : Provide players with opportunities to utilize Warding Bond 5e tactically during combat encounters. Incorporate environmental hazards, traps, or ambushes where the spell's damage-sharing mechanic can turn the tide of battle. Encourage players to think creatively about how they can leverage the spell to gain a strategic advantage.
Reward Strategic Thinking : Reward players who employ Warding Bond in innovative and strategic ways. Acknowledge their efforts to protect their allies and showcase the impact of their decisions on the outcome of encounters. Positive reinforcement encourages players to continue exploring the tactical possibilities of the spell.
Integrate Storytelling Elements : Weave Warding Bond 5e into the narrative of your campaign to enhance immersion and storytelling. Explore the thematic implications of the spell, such as themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and camaraderie. Use Warding Bond 5e as a plot device to forge deeper bonds between characters or as a catalyst for character development and growth.
Foreshadow Challenges : Foreshadow upcoming challenges or adversaries that may require the use of Warding Bond 5e. Drop subtle hints or clues about potential threats that could pose a significant risk to the party's well-being, prompting players to consider proactive defensive measures like casting the spell preemptively.
Offer Roleplaying Opportunities : Use Warding Bond 5e as a catalyst for roleplaying interactions between characters. Encourage players to explore the dynamics of trust and dependency that arise from sharing damage with their allies. Facilitate discussions among the party about the risks and benefits of casting the spell and the ethical considerations involved.
Adjust Difficulty Appropriately : Balance encounters to accommodate the use of Warding Bond 5e without trivializing the challenge. Consider adjusting the difficulty of encounters based on whether the party utilizes defensive spells like Warding Bond. This ensures that players feel empowered by their strategic choices without undermining the tension and excitement of combat.
Encourage Player Agency : Empower players to make informed decisions about when and how to use Warding Bond 5e based on their unique circumstances and playstyle. Provide them with the autonomy to experiment with different strategies and tactics, and adapt your storytelling and encounter design to accommodate their choices.
By incorporating these guidelines into your Dungeon Mastering toolkit, you can effectively leverage the Warding Bond spell to enrich your campaigns, foster teamwork and creativity among your players, and create memorable experiences that resonate long after the dice have been rolled.
Spells that that share similarities with Warding Bond 5e
In Dungeons and Dragons 5e, several spells share similarities with Warding Bond in terms of providing protective effects or enhancing the resilience of allies. Here are some spells that can be considered similar to Warding Bond:
Shield Other : This spell allows you to link yourself to another creature, sharing the damage they take. It offers a similar protective effect to Warding Bond but typically targets a single ally rather than providing resistance to all damage.
Protection from Energy : While not directly sharing damage like Warding Bond, Protection from Energy grants resistance to a specific type of damage (acid, cold, fire, lightning, or thunder) for the spell's duration. This can effectively reduce the damage taken by the target in situations where they face elemental threats.
Death Ward : Death Ward provides protection against death-related effects, such as dropping to 0 hit points or being killed outright. While not directly sharing damage, it offers a form of insurance against fatal blows, enhancing the target's survivability in life-threatening situations.
Aura of Protection (Paladin Feature) : Paladins possess an aura that grants bonuses to saving throws for themselves and nearby allies. While not a spell, this class feature serves a similar protective role by bolstering the defenses of allies within its radius.
Heroism : Heroism grants temporary hit points to the target at the start of each of its turns. While it doesn't share damage like Warding Bond, it enhances the target's durability by providing a buffer of temporary hit points, effectively reducing the damage they take until the temporary hit points are depleted.
Stone Skin : This spell grants resistance to non-magical bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage for its duration. Similar to Protection from Energy, Stone Skin provides resistance to specific types of damage, enhancing the target's resilience against physical attacks.
Spirit Guardians : While not providing direct damage reduction, Spirit Guardians creates a protective aura around the caster that damages enemies within its radius. This spell can deter enemies from attacking the caster or their allies, indirectly protecting them by deterring or incapacitating threats.
Aura of Warding (Paladin Feature) : Another Paladin feature, Aura of Warding provides resistance to spell damage for the Paladin and nearby allies. This ability enhances the party's resilience against magical threats, complementing the protective effects of spells like Warding Bond.
While these spells may not replicate Warding Bond's exact mechanics, they offer similar protective effects or enhance the resilience of allies in different ways. Incorporating these spells into your campaign can provide players with a variety of defensive options and enhance tactical decision-making in combat encounters.
Strategic Warding Bond Considerations
While Warding Bond 5e offers powerful defensive benefits by sharing damage between the caster and their bonded ally, it also carries inherent risks. The damage-sharing mechanic means that the caster will suffer harm whenever the bonded ally takes damage. Therefore, it's crucial for players and Dungeon Masters to carefully evaluate the potential consequences before casting the spell.
Striking the right balance between risk and reward involves considering factors such as:
Tactical Assessment : Evaluate the current situation and assess the likelihood of the bonded ally sustaining damage. Consider factors such as the enemy's capabilities, the terrain of the battlefield, and the tactical positioning of allies and enemies. Casting Warding Bond may be a sound decision if the party is facing a formidable opponent where damage reduction could be critical for survival.
The Unyielding Bond: A Tale of Triumph Against Darkness
In the midst of a harrowing battle against a powerful necromancer, the party found themselves outnumbered and outmatched. As the relentless undead horde closed in, the cleric, Vaelin, cast Warding Bond on himself and the party's frail wizard, Elara.
With a surge of divine energy, a shimmering bond formed between them, uniting their fates in the face of danger. As the undead onslaught descended upon them, Elara unleashed her arcane might, hurling devastating spells at their foes. But with each blast, she felt the draining force of necrotic energy gnawing at her soul.
Yet, thanks to the Warding Bond, Vaelin shared in her pain, absorbing a portion of the necrotic damage and shielding Elara from harm. Together, they stood as a beacon of resilience, weathering the storm of undead onslaught.
Meanwhile, the party's fighter, Graldon, seized the opportunity to rally their allies, cutting down the undead with righteous fury. With each swing of his blade, he drew the attention of the enemy, allowing the rest of the party to regroup and push forward.
Despite the odds stacked against them, the party fought on, their determination fueled by the unbreakable bond between Vaelin and Elara. In the end, it was this bond of shared sacrifice and solidarity that turned the tide of battle, securing victory against the necromancer and his undead minions.
As the dust settled and the echoes of battle faded, the party emerged triumphant, their spirits lifted by the knowledge that, together, they were truly unstoppable. And at the heart of their victory stood Warding Bond, a testament to the power of unity in the face of darkness.
5e Warding Bond Conclusion
In conclusion, Warding Bond 5e is a spell that embodies the essence of teamwork, sacrifice, and protection in Dungeons and Dragons 5e. It offers powerful defensive benefits by forging a mystical connection between caster and ally, sharing damage and bolstering resilience in the face of adversity.
Through strategic planning, effective communication, and tactical decision-making, players and Dungeon Masters can harness the full potential of Warding Bond to enhance survivability, turn the tide of battle, and create memorable moments of heroism and camaraderie at the gaming table.
As players, remember to prioritize casting Warding Bond 5e on vulnerable allies who are likely to benefit the most from its protective effects, and to balance the risks and rewards associated with its use. And as Dungeon Masters, incorporate Warding Bond into your encounters, weave it into your narratives, and reward strategic thinking and teamwork among your players.
Ultimately, Warding Bond serves as a symbol of unity and solidarity, reminding us that true strength lies not in individual prowess, but in the bonds we forge and the sacrifices we make for one another. So, whether you're casting the spell to protect your allies or crafting encounters that challenge your players to utilize it creatively, may Warding Bond serve as a beacon of resilience and inspiration in your Dungeons and Dragons adventures.
May your bonds be strong, your defenses stalwart, and your adventures epic. Until next time, roll high and may your campaigns be legendary!
The Author: Quinny
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the use of warding bond 5e?
Warding Bond in Dungeons and Dragons 5e doesn't directly halve damage. Instead, it allows the caster to share damage taken by the bonded ally. When the bonded ally takes damage, the caster also takes the same amount of damage. This effectively distributes the damage between the two, reducing the impact on the bonded ally while potentially putting the caster at risk.
Does Warding Bond 5e half damage?
Yes, Warding Bond in Dungeons and Dragons 5e does require concentration to maintain. This means that while the spell is active, the caster must concentrate on it, and they can't concentrate on another spell simultaneously. If the caster loses concentration, the spell ends, and its effects cease.
Does Warding bond 5e take concentration?
Yes, in Dungeons and Dragons 5e, casting Warding Bond consumes the material components required for the spell, which are a pair of platinum rings worth at least 50 gp each. Once the spell is cast, the rings are consumed in the process. This means that each casting of Warding Bond requires a new pair of platinum rings as material components.
Does Warding Bond 5e use up the rings?
Warding Bond in Dungeons and Dragons 5e can be incredibly useful in certain situations, particularly in enhancing the survivability of vulnerable party members and promoting teamwork.
How useful is this spell in D&D?
Cast Warding Bond on allies who are likely to be targeted by enemies but lack the defensive capabilities to withstand significant damage on their own. Prioritize protecting vulnerable party members, such as spellcasters with low hit points or non-combatants who lack armor.
How to increase Survivability while using Warding Bonds?
Yes, in Dungeons and Dragons 5e, you can indeed cast Warding Bond on yourself. The spell description states that you touch a willing creature, and since you are a creature and willing, you can target yourself with the spell. This allows you to benefit from the protective effects of Warding Bond, sharing damage taken with yourself and gaining the bonus to AC and saving throws. It can be a strategic choice for characters who want to enhance their own survivability in combat situations.
Can you cast 5e wardning bond on yourself ?
The point of Warding Bond in Dungeons and Dragons 5e is to provide a means for characters to enhance their survivability and protect their allies in combat situations. The spell creates a mystical link between the caster and a willing creature, allowing them to share damage and bolster defenses.
What is the point of wardning bond in D&D 5e?
The point of Warding Bond in Dungeons and Dragons 5e is to provide a means for characters to enhance their survivability and protect their allies in combat situations. The spell creates a mystical link between the caster and a willing creature, allowing them to share damage and bolster defenses.
How do I remove wardning bond in 5e?
Dispel Magic : Another creature can cast Dispel Magic on the creature affected by Warding Bond, targeting the spell's effect. Dispel Magic attempts to end any spell of 3rd level or lower on the target, potentially removing Warding Bond.
Antimagic Field : If a creature affected by Warding Bond enters an area of antimagic, such as within the radius of an Antimagic Field spell, the spell's effects are suppressed. Once the creature leaves the antimagic field, the effects of Warding Bond resume.
Distance : If the distance between the caster and the target exceeds 60 feet, the range of Warding Bond, the spell ends. This can occur if either the caster or the target moves beyond the spell's range.
Can Paladins learn Warding Bond 5e?
Yes, Paladins can learn and cast Warding Bond in Dungeons and Dragons 5e. Paladins are divine spellcasters who gain access to their spells through their Oath and their Paladin spellcasting feature. Warding Bond is on the Paladin spell list, so Paladins can learn it when they gain access to spells of the appropriate level. Typically, Paladins gain access to 2nd-level spells at 5th level, so they can choose to learn Warding Bond at that time if it fits their character concept and strategic needs.
