Crimson Ward

Your blood hardens beneath your skin in a flash of red-black sigils. Until the start of your next turn, you gain a +2 bonus to AC, including against the triggering attack. If the triggering attack still hits you, you reduce the damage by 1d8 + your spellcasting ability modifier.

You may choose to take 1d4 Necrotic damage when you cast this spell. This damage can’t be reduced in any way. If you do, the damage reduction increases to 2d8 + your spellcasting ability modifier.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the damage reduction increases by 1d8 for each slot level above 1st.