How Much Does Mending Heal in D&D? The Definitive Guide
The short answer is: Mending does not heal hit points (HP) in D&D, except under very specific, limited circumstances. The Mending cantrip is primarily designed to repair broken objects, not to restore health to living creatures or even construct-type creatures. It’s a common misconception that because it’s called “mending,” it might involve healing. This article will clarify the spell’s function, dispel common myths, and answer frequently asked questions to help you fully understand the Mending cantrip in D&D 5th Edition.
Understanding the Core Function of Mending
The core functionality of the Mending cantrip lies in repairing physical damage to inanimate objects. The spell’s description explicitly states it “repairs a single break or tear in an object you touch.” This includes things like:
- A broken chain link
- Two halves of a broken key
- A torn cloth
- A leaking wineskin
The key limitation is size; the break or tear must be no larger than 1 foot in any dimension. The spell essentially rejoins separated pieces and restores structural integrity without altering the material itself. For example, mending a burnt piece of parchment will repair the tear but will not remove the burn damage.
The Artificer’s Steel Defender: The Exception
There’s a notable exception to the rule that mending doesn’t heal. Artificers who create a Steel Defender can use the Mending cantrip on their construct to restore hit points. This is a specific rule unique to the Artificer class, and it’s not a general application of the spell. The amount of HP restored in this context, and how frequently it can be used, are dictated by the class’s features, not by the mending spell itself.
Mending vs. Healing Spells
It’s important to distinguish mending from actual healing magic. Spells like Cure Wounds, Healing Word, and even powerful spells like Heal, explicitly restore hit points to living creatures by harnessing positive energy. These spells target the life force of the being and are designed to mend physical wounds, diseases, and even some conditions like blindness or deafness. Mending, on the other hand, deals with the inanimate, focusing on repairing structural issues.
Dispelling Common Myths About Mending
Several misconceptions exist surrounding the Mending cantrip. Let’s address the most common ones:
- Myth 1: Mending heals living creatures. Absolutely not. The spell specifically targets inanimate objects, and thus, cannot restore hit points to a character. A broken bone, a laceration, or any injury to a living creature is not something mending can fix.
- Myth 2: Mending can reattach limbs. While technically, Mending can repair broken objects, each instance is limited to 1 foot. Therefore, reattaching a severed limb would require several castings. However, the one minute casting time makes this impractical, especially in a battle situation. It’s also often argued that limbs are not considered ‘separated objects’ in this context since they are still technically connected.
- Myth 3: Mending fixes acid damage or corrosion. The spell repairs separated pieces of an object, it doesn’t fundamentally change its state, therefore it cannot remove corrosion or reverse acid damage.
- Myth 4: Mending repairs magical damage. Mending can indeed fix the physical structure of a broken magic item, but it will not restore any lost magical enchantments or powers. The enchantment, once shattered, is generally considered lost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mending
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the Mending cantrip:
1. Can Mending fix a broken bone?
No. Mending works only on inanimate objects, not on living creatures. Bones are part of a living creature, and they cannot be mended by this spell.
2. Can Mending be used to repair a construct besides the Artificer’s Steel Defender?
Generally, no. The Artificer’s Steel Defender has a unique exception, no other construct benefits from Mending to restore hit points. The spell can still be used to repair structural damage, but not restore HP.
3. If an object is broken in multiple places, can Mending repair all of them?
No. Mending repairs only a single break or tear per casting. If an item is broken in multiple places, you’ll need multiple castings of the cantrip. Each instance must target a single, discrete break within the 1-foot size limit.
4. Can Mending fix a broken magical item?
Yes, Mending can repair the physical structure of a broken magical item. However, it does not restore any of the magical properties or enchantments that the item might have had.
5. Can Mending repair a shield that has been broken?
Yes, provided the break is no larger than 1 foot in any dimension. Mending can restore its structural integrity.
6. What about a torn piece of clothing?
Yes, Mending can repair a torn piece of clothing as long as the tear is no more than 1 foot in any direction.
7. Does Mending restore the shine or color to a dull object?
No. Mending does not alter the existing state of the object. It simply rejoins broken or torn pieces. It does not, for instance, polish a tarnished object or restore faded colors.
8. Can Mending repair a rope that has been severed?
Yes, Mending can repair a severed rope, if each separated area is no more than 1 foot in size. However, you must mend one break at a time, requiring multiple castings if it is cut in several places.
9. Can Mending repair a damaged door?
Yes, but only for tears or breaks within the one-foot limit. A broken lock, hinge, or a small crack can be repaired. However, it will not fix an entire door that has been splintered or smashed apart
10. Can Mending restore the functionality of a broken tool?
Yes, if the tool’s issue is structural. For example, mending can repair a broken handle, but it can’t magically sharpen a dull blade.
11. How long does it take to cast Mending?
Mending has a casting time of 1 minute. This makes it unsuitable for combat situations and limits its practical use in high-pressure environments.
12. Can I use Mending repeatedly on the same object?
Yes, as long as each casting addresses a separate break. You can cast mending multiple times on a single object to repair different damages.
13. Is Mending a useful cantrip?
Mending is a very useful cantrip outside of combat for a myriad of reasons. It helps adventurers maintain their equipment, fix broken or damaged items and generally make them more self-sufficient.
14. Can Mending work on food?
No, it will not repair spoiled or burned food. Mending puts separated pieces back together; it doesn’t reverse the changes to the material.
15. Can mending repair a large object in small increments?
No. Each cast of mending can repair only a single break/tear and this must be under 1 foot in dimension. Therefore, you cannot use mending to repair a large object, one small part at a time.
Conclusion
While the name “Mending” might suggest healing, it’s primarily a repair cantrip designed to fix broken objects in D&D 5e. The exception of the Artificer’s Steel Defender is a specific case, and mending never restores health to living creatures. Understanding the true function and limitations of Mending is crucial for every player. This knowledge will allow you to use it effectively in your adventures. Remember, when something is broken and non-living, Mending is your go-to cantrip, just don’t expect it to work miracles on your party’s wounds.