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Suggestion 5e: A Complete Guide to Mastering This Powerful Spell

Introduction to the Suggestion Spell in D&D 5e
Overview of the Suggestion Spell
In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e), the Suggestion spell is a powerful enchantment spell that allows you to influence the actions of a creature through a single, carefully worded command. It is a 2nd-level spell available to several classes, including Bards, Sorcerers, Wizards, and Warlocks.
When you cast Suggestion, you enchant a creature to follow a specific instruction. The command must be reasonable and sound like something the creature might naturally do. The spell requires the target to make a Wisdom saving throw, and if they fail, they must obey your suggestion for the duration of the spell or until the task is completed.
The spell can last up to 8 hours if you maintain concentration. During this time, you can significantly change how a situation unfolds, whether in combat, exploration, or roleplaying moments.
Purpose and Utility in Gameplay
The Suggestion spell in 5e is one of the most versatile tools in a player’s arsenal. Its power lies in its ability to solve problems creatively. Instead of resorting to combat, Suggestion allows you to use charm and persuasion to influence the behavior of enemies, allies, or neutral characters.
Here are some common uses for Suggestion:
- Avoiding Combat: Suggestion can persuade a hostile creature to leave, delay an attack, or change its priorities.
- Influencing NPCs: Use Suggestion to gain favors, get information, or manipulate decisions.
- Creative Problem-Solving: In situations where direct action isn’t an option, Suggestion provides a clever alternative.
The Suggestion spell works best when combined with creativity and strategy. It rewards players who think carefully about how to phrase their commands. Whether you’re sneaking past guards, calming a dangerous foe, or gaining an advantage in negotiations, Suggestion gives you the power to turn the tide of any encounter.
The spell’s balance of flexibility and subtlety makes it a favorite among spellcasters in D&D 5e.
Mechanics of the Suggestion Spell
Spell Level and Casting Requirements
The Suggestion spell is a 2nd-level enchantment spell, meaning it requires a 2nd-level spell slot or higher to cast. It is available to several spellcasting classes, including:
- Bards
- Sorcerers
- Warlocks
- Wizards
To cast this spell, you must meet the following requirements:
- The target must be a creature you can see and hear.
- The target must be able to understand your language.
- The suggestion you give must sound reasonable and not directly harmful to the target.
If these conditions are not met, the spell fails.
Range, Duration, and Components
- Range: The range of the Suggestion spell is 30 feet, so the target must be relatively close to you when you cast it.
- Duration: The spell lasts for up to 8 hours as long as you maintain concentration. The target will continue to follow the suggestion during this time or until the task is completed.
- Components:
- Verbal: You must speak the suggestion aloud, so silence or a gag will prevent you from casting the spell.
- Material: The spell requires a snake’s tongue and either honeycomb or a drop of sweet oil, which are inexpensive and easy to carry.
- Somatic: You must perform a small hand gesture while casting the spell.
Understanding Concentration and Its Implications
The Suggestion spell requires concentration, meaning you cannot cast other concentration spells while maintaining Suggestion. Concentration can also be broken if:
- You take damage and fail a Constitution saving throw.
- You are incapacitated or lose focus for any reason.
If your concentration is broken, the Suggestion spell ends immediately, and the target is no longer bound by your command. This makes it important to position yourself safely in combat or avoid situations where you might take damage while maintaining the spell.
The mechanics of the Suggestion spell in 5e are straightforward but require careful planning. With a reasonable command, a target within 30 feet, and uninterrupted concentration, you can influence creatures for up to 8 hours. Understanding the spell’s range, components, and concentration rules is crucial for maximizing its potential in any situation.
Interpreting “Reasonable” Suggestions
Defining What Constitutes a Reasonable Suggestion
In the context of the Suggestion spell in D&D 5e, a “reasonable” suggestion is a command that aligns with the target’s current motivations, personality, and the situation. The spell cannot compel a creature to act in a way that is blatantly harmful to itself, obviously unnatural, or completely against its core values. The suggestion must be phrased as a single sentence, and it needs to be clear and direct to avoid misinterpretation.
A reasonable suggestion is something the target might consider doing if persuaded by a convincing argument. For example:
- Suggesting a guard to “take a break and step outside for fresh air” is reasonable.
- Suggesting a guard to “hand over their weapon and walk into a trap” is not reasonable because it is harmful and suspicious.
Examples of Acceptable and Unacceptable Suggestions
Here are some practical examples to clarify the distinction:
- Acceptable Suggestions:
- “You should tell me the quickest way to the treasure room so I can leave peacefully.”
- “Why not reconsider and let my group pass without a fight?”
- “Perhaps it’s better if you go report this incident to your superior instead of dealing with it yourself.”
- Unacceptable Suggestions:
- “Stab yourself with your sword to prove your loyalty.”
- “Give me all your money and walk into the dungeon alone.”
- “Attack your closest ally right now.”
The spell is designed to be subtle, so any overtly harmful or outlandish suggestion will cause the target to resist.
Role of the Dungeon Master in Determining Reasonableness
The Dungeon Master (DM) has the final say in what is considered a reasonable suggestion. The DM evaluates the situation, the target’s personality, and how the suggestion fits within the context of the encounter. Factors the DM might consider include:
- The target’s alignment, goals, and intelligence.
- The phrasing and tone of the suggestion.
- The target’s current emotional state or circumstances.
For example, a mercenary might be more willing to leave a fight if you offer gold or promise safety. However, a fanatical cultist would likely reject suggestions that go against their cause, no matter how persuasive they seem.
Players should work closely with their DM when using the Suggestion spell to ensure the command is clear and appropriate for the target. This collaboration enhances the gameplay experience and avoids misunderstandings about what the spell can and cannot do.
Interpreting what is “reasonable” in the Suggestion spell requires creativity and understanding of the target’s perspective. By crafting logical and situationally appropriate commands, players can maximize the spell’s effectiveness. The DM’s role is essential in maintaining balance and ensuring the spell is used in a way that enhances storytelling and gameplay.
Strategic Applications of the Suggestion Spell
The Suggestion spell in D&D 5e is a versatile tool that allows players to shape encounters, solve problems, and manipulate situations creatively. Its flexibility makes it useful in both combat and non-combat scenarios, offering opportunities for clever and strategic play.
Influencing NPC Behavior and Decisions
Suggestion is one of the best spells for steering NPCs to act in ways that benefit your party. By crafting a reasonable and persuasive command, you can:
- Gain Allies: Suggest an NPC join your side in a conflict or act as a temporary guide through dangerous territory.
- Secure Information: Encourage an NPC to share details they wouldn’t otherwise reveal, such as a safe passage or a treasure’s location.
- Bypass Obstacles: Convince guards to let your group pass, officials to overlook certain actions, or merchants to lower prices.
Examples:
- “It would be wise to tell me everything you know about the enemy’s plans so we can prepare.”
- “Why don’t you leave your post and enjoy a drink in the tavern for the next hour?”
Using Suggestion in Combat Scenarios
In combat, Suggestion can be a game-changing spell when used strategically. By influencing an enemy’s behavior, you can disrupt their plans, neutralize threats, or create opportunities for your allies.
- Remove a Threat: Suggest that an enemy retreat or leave the battlefield, effectively reducing the number of active foes.
- Example: “It’s in your best interest to flee and regroup with your allies elsewhere.”
- Delay Action: Command a dangerous opponent to focus on something unimportant, giving your team more time.
- Example: “You should spend the next few minutes sharpening your blade—it looks a bit dull.”
- Create Openings: Suggest a target move into a vulnerable position or take an action that benefits your party.
- Example: “Why not stand over there and wait for your turn to attack?”
Creative Non-Combat Uses
Outside of combat, Suggestion allows for some of the most inventive and unexpected solutions to challenges. The spell thrives in roleplay-heavy scenarios and exploration.
- Resolving Social Encounters: Use Suggestion to de-escalate tense situations or turn potential enemies into temporary allies.
- Example: “It would be smart to let us stay here for the night; we’ll be gone by morning.”
- Manipulating Puzzles and Obstacles: Convince creatures or NPCs to perform actions that help solve puzzles or bypass obstacles.
- Example: “You should lower the drawbridge so we can cross safely.”
- Shaping Events and Outcomes: Influence events by planting ideas that align with your goals.
- Example: “You should propose a trade alliance with our kingdom at the next council meeting.”
The Suggestion spell offers endless possibilities for strategic play. Whether influencing NPC behavior, gaining an edge in combat, or solving problems creatively, the spell rewards players who think critically and craft effective commands. By using Suggestion thoughtfully, you can turn the tide of almost any encounter and leave a lasting impact on your campaign.
Limitations and Countermeasures of the Suggestion Spell
While the Suggestion spell is powerful and versatile, it has several limitations and countermeasures that players should be aware of. Understanding these can help you use the spell effectively while avoiding common pitfalls.
Creatures Immune to Charm Effects
One major limitation of the Suggestion spell is its reliance on the charmed condition. If a creature is immune to being charmed, the spell automatically fails. Many creatures in D&D 5e have this immunity, including:
- Undead: Zombies, skeletons, and other undead creatures are immune to charm.
- Constructs: Golems and other mechanical or magical constructs cannot be charmed.
- Certain Fiends and Celestials: Devils, demons, and some celestial beings often have immunity to charm.
- Elves: Many elves have Fey Ancestry, which gives them advantage on saving throws against being charmed.
Before casting Suggestion, it’s essential to know or guess whether the target might have charm immunity. Casting the spell on such creatures wastes a valuable spell slot and your action.
Impact of Damage on the Spell’s Duration
Suggestion requires concentration to maintain, meaning the spell ends if your concentration is broken. Additionally, if the target of Suggestion takes damage, they may stop following the command depending on the wording and the situation.
Key points to consider:
- Breaking Concentration: If you take damage, you must succeed on a Constitution saving throw (DC 10 or half the damage, whichever is higher) to maintain concentration. Failing this save ends the spell immediately.
- Damage to the Target: If the suggested action seems directly harmful to the target or its allies, they are likely to stop following the suggestion. For example, telling a guard to leave their post while their comrades are being attacked might fail once the guard sees the conflict.
Potential Risks and Ethical Considerations
The Suggestion spell alters the behavior of the target, which can raise ethical dilemmas depending on how you use it. Consider the following risks:
- Moral Dilemmas: Forcing a creature to act against its will can lead to unintended consequences. If the suggestion causes harm or betrayal, it could create enemies or damage alliances.
- Roleplaying Consequences: Many DMs account for the moral and social implications of Suggestion. For example, an NPC who realizes they were influenced by magic might resent the party or retaliate later.
- Command Interpretation: Ambiguous or poorly worded suggestions can be misinterpreted by the DM, leading to unintended results. For instance, suggesting someone “take care of the intruders” could mean alerting the guards instead of directly fighting.
The Suggestion spell in 5e is a powerful tool but comes with several limitations. Charm immunity, the impact of damage, and ethical considerations all play significant roles in how the spell works and its consequences. To use Suggestion effectively, plan carefully, understand your target, and think about the potential risks and outcomes of your actions. By considering these factors, you can avoid common pitfalls and make the most of this versatile spell.
Tips for Effective Use of the Suggestion Spell
The Suggestion spell is most effective when used with thoughtful planning and creativity. Below are practical tips to help you maximize its potential in any situation.
Crafting Persuasive and Effective Suggestions
The success of the Suggestion spell often depends on how well you phrase your command. To ensure the suggestion is compelling:
- Make it Reasonable: Tailor the suggestion to align with the target’s personality, motivations, and current situation.
- Example: For a greedy merchant, suggest, “Why don’t you lower your prices? You’ll sell more and earn more this way.”
- Be Specific: Avoid vague or ambiguous commands that can be misinterpreted.
- Example: Instead of “Take care of the intruders,” say, “Leave the room and report this situation to your captain immediately.”
- Avoid Direct Harm: The spell fails if the suggestion appears harmful to the target. Focus on actions that benefit or seem neutral to them.
- Example: “You should rest and wait for reinforcements before continuing the fight.”
Carefully phrased suggestions not only increase the likelihood of success but also prevent unintended consequences.
Timing and Context: When to Cast Suggestion
Choosing the right moment to cast Suggestion is crucial. Consider the following:
- Before Combat Begins: Use Suggestion to defuse a tense situation or remove a potential threat before combat even starts.
- Example: “It would be wise to take your guards and patrol the area while we handle things here.”
- During Combat: Target powerful enemies to neutralize them temporarily or redirect their actions.
- Example: Suggest that a spellcaster focus on defending their allies instead of attacking your party.
- Non-Combat Situations: Suggestion can shine in roleplaying and exploration scenarios, helping you navigate social encounters or solve problems creatively.
- Example: “You should let us through the gate—there’s no need to delay us further.”
Casting Suggestion at the right time can change the outcome of an encounter, turning challenges into opportunities.
Collaborating with Party Members for Maximum Impact
Suggestion is even more powerful when combined with teamwork. Work with your party to enhance its effectiveness:
- Support from Allies: Have allies create distractions or set up situations that make your suggestion more believable.
- Example: A Bard can use Deception or Performance to sell your suggestion as part of a convincing ruse.
- Coordinate with Combat Tactics: Use Suggestion to manipulate enemies into positions where your party can gain an advantage.
- Example: Suggest that an enemy move toward a trap or an area affected by spells like Spike Growth.
- Reinforce the Command: Have other party members support your suggestion through dialogue or actions, making it seem natural and reasonable.
Collaboration ensures that Suggestion works seamlessly with your group’s strategy, creating more impactful results.
To use the Suggestion spell in 5e effectively, focus on crafting clear, persuasive commands, casting the spell at the right time, and working with your party to enhance its impact. Whether avoiding combat, influencing NPCs, or manipulating enemies, Suggestion rewards players who think strategically and creatively. By following these tips, you can make Suggestion a reliable and game-changing tool in your adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Suggestion Force a Target to Harm Itself or Others?
No, the Suggestion spell cannot directly force a target to harm itself or others. The spell’s description explicitly states that the suggestion must be “reasonable” and cannot cause the target to act in a manner that is “directly harmful.”
For example:
- You cannot suggest, “Jump off this cliff” or “Attack your ally.”
- You can, however, phrase a command in a way that indirectly leads to harm, such as “Run toward the enemy camp and deliver this message,” where the harm comes from external factors, not the suggestion itself.
The success of such indirect suggestions depends on how the Dungeon Master interprets the command and the context of the situation.
How Does Language and Communication Affect the Spell?
The Suggestion spell requires that the target understands the language you use to give the command. If the target does not comprehend your words, the spell fails. This means:
- You must share a common language with the target.
- Communication barriers, such as magical silence or physical inability to speak (e.g., being gagged), will prevent the spell from being cast.
Additionally, the tone and phrasing of your suggestion can influence the DM’s decision on whether the command is considered reasonable. A polite or persuasive tone might work better than an aggressive or demanding one.
Does the Target Remember Being Influenced After the Spell Ends?
Yes, the target remembers being influenced by the Suggestion spell once the effect ends. This can have significant roleplaying consequences, especially if the target realizes they were magically manipulated. The reaction of the target depends on the situation:
- If the suggestion was harmless or helpful, the target might be indifferent or even grateful.
- If the suggestion caused embarrassment, loss, or betrayal, the target may become hostile or seek revenge.
To minimize negative outcomes, consider using Suggestion subtly and in ways that align with the target’s motivations or benefit them in some way.
These FAQs address common questions about the mechanics and limitations of the Suggestion spell in D&D 5e. Understanding these details helps players use the spell effectively while avoiding unintended consequences. Suggestion is a powerful tool, but careful wording, strategic use, and consideration of the aftermath are essential for success.
Conclusion
The Suggestion spell in D&D 5e is one of the most versatile and strategic tools available to spellcasters. Its ability to influence creatures for up to 8 hours provides endless possibilities for creative problem-solving, tactical combat maneuvers, and memorable roleplaying moments. Whether you’re defusing a tense encounter, gaining an advantage in battle, or steering events to your party’s favor, Suggestion allows you to think outside the box and achieve outcomes that might otherwise seem impossible.
The spell’s strength lies in its flexibility. With the right wording and timing, you can reshape an encounter, avoid unnecessary fights, or influence the story in unexpected ways. It rewards players who think critically and use creativity in their approach.
Suggestion thrives on creativity. Every campaign and encounter presents unique opportunities to use this spell in new and inventive ways. Work closely with your Dungeon Master to explore its full potential, and don’t hesitate to experiment with commands that fit the context and personalities of your targets.
Think of Suggestion as a tool to enhance your character’s role and contribute to the group’s success. Whether you’re turning an enemy into an ally, redirecting danger, or navigating complex social situations, this spell offers the freedom to explore bold strategies and clever solutions.
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