Arnest's Witching Ward

"A witch's protection often comes at a cost, but there are no greater cost than to gain the affection and interest of the witch. They will not let go of their prized toys and possessions if they can help it."

This spell was created by Arnest of the Harvest, using this as a sign of proof of her love and affection to those whose company she likes. Different from other spells that wards death, this particular ward plays around with the concept of life or death, providing those who has it protection from death, and yet cannot escape the grasps that binds them to it.

You touch a creature other than yourself and grant them your affection, protecting them from death through witchery. The spell duration extends to 8 hours while both the caster and the target are in the same plane of existence. Spells like this replaces any existing effects of Death Ward on the target.

The first time the target would drop to 0 hit points due to taking damage, the magical ward activates to protect its wearer. During this turn, any damage the target takes that would drop them to 0 hit point would instead drop them to 1 hit point, ending the spell at the end of that turn.

If the spell is still in effect when the target is subjected to an effect that would kill it instantaneously without dealing damage, that effect is delayed until the spell ends, which will kill the target no matter what.