Hypnotism (spell)

From The Authentic D&D Wiki
Revision as of 19:31, 9 February 2025 by Tao alexis (talk | contribs)
Jump to navigationJump to search

Hypnotism is a spell that compels creatures who fail save vs. magic to perform one action, and one action only. That action cannot result in harm to affected creatures or cause them to harm their friends or allies. Only creatures with an intelligence of 5 or greater can be affected.

Hypnotism
Range 30 ft.
Duration 1 +1 round per level
Area of Effect up to 6 creatures
Casting Time 1 round
Saving Throw negates
Level illusionist 1st

Those who fail their saving throw can be ordered to take a single action — cluck like a chicken, flee, ferry these things across the room, hold a sword, stand still, bind the caster's wounds, give over their weapons, throw their weapons into yon chasm, etcetera. This request does not need to be made immediately, or indeed at all. However, if hypnotised recipients are asked to do something aggressive towards themselves or a friend, the spell is immediately broken.

Before or after the action is taken, the affected creatures will stand around without purpose until the duration of the spell runs out. If recipients hear their names called out after performing a requested action, then again the spell is broken. As well, a hit that causes damage, such as by pummelling, also frees the hypnotised recipient.

Disorientation

Following the breaking of the spell, or after the duration has run out, those affected must spend a full combat round gathering their thoughts and coming to terms with their situation, before they can act normally.


See Helpless Defenders