Conjuration Magic • Breathing and Protection
Air Bubble
Air Bubble surrounds a creature’s head—or a vulnerable object—with a pocket of breathable air. The published rules below are Pathfinder 1e; other editions should use their own spell lists.
Air Bubble at a Glance
| 5.5e / 2024 | No Air Bubble spell in SRD 5.2.1 |
|---|---|
| 5e / 2014 | Not part of the core 2014 spell list |
| Pathfinder 1e | Level 1 spell |
| D&D 3.5e | No core 3.5e spell by this name |
| Witch archive | Listed as a 1st-level legacy Witch spell |
Spell Rules by Edition
Air Bubble — 5.5e / 2024
Status: not present in SRD 5.2.1. Do not import the Pathfinder mechanics automatically.
Air Bubble — 5e / 2014
Status: not part of the core 2014 spell list. Campaigns using later supplements should use the rules from that source.
Air Bubble — Pathfinder 1e
| School | Conjuration (creation) |
|---|---|
| Level | Cleric 1, Druid 1, Ranger 1, Sorcerer/Wizard 1, Witch 1 |
| Casting Time | 1 standard action |
| Components | S, M/DF (a small bladder filled with air) |
| Range | Touch |
| Target | One creature or one object no larger than a Large two-handed weapon |
| Duration | 1 minute/level |
| Saving Throw | Will negates (harmless) |
| Spell Resistance | Yes (harmless) |
The spell creates a pocket of breathable air around the touched creature’s head or touched object. It allows breathing underwater or in similar airless environments and can protect an object from water damage.
Under the published Pathfinder firearm rules, an enclosed firearm can still be loaded and fired if its powder is kept dry, subject to the normal underwater attack penalties.
Air Bubble — D&D 3.5e
Status: no core 3.5e spell by this name. The Pathfinder rules above should not be treated as 3.5e rules without conversion.
What Changed?
- Pathfinder 1e provides the complete published spell.
- The Witch archive lists it at 1st level because Pathfinder includes Witch among the spell’s classes.
- Fifth-edition and 3.5e campaigns need their own edition-specific solution rather than copying the PF1e mechanics unchanged.
Using Air Bubble in Play
Air Bubble is a short-duration exploration safeguard rather than full underwater travel magic. Use it to cross a flooded chamber, protect a vulnerable object from water or keep one creature breathing while the party solves a problem. Because its range is touch and its duration is measured in minutes per level, timing matters.
Counterplay and Related Magic
The Pathfinder spell is harmless but can still be resisted if the target chooses to resist. It does not grant a swim speed, remove underwater attack penalties or protect the entire body from environmental hazards. Compare Water Breathing for broader underwater support and Endure Elements for environmental protection.
Rules Sources and Licensing
Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Ultimate Combat provides the Pathfinder version preserved here.
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