Gentle Repose

2nd-Level Necromancy (Ritual)
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Components: VSM (a pinch of salt and one copper piece placed on each of the corpse's eyes, which must remain there for the duration)
Duration: 10 days

You touch a corpse or other remains. For the duration, the target is protected from decay and can't become undead.

The spell also effectively extends the time limit on raising the target from the dead, since days spent under the influence of this spell don't count against the time limit of spells such as raise dead.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 5th level or higher, the duration is 30 days. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 7th level or higher, the duration is 180 days. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 9th level or higher, the spell lasts until dispelled.

Source: PHB 245, SRD

Changelog

Added upcasting option.