At a glance
Level3
SchoolEnchantment/Charm
Range30 yds.
ComponentsV / M
Duration1 hr. + 1 hr./level
Casting time3
Area of effect1 creature
Saving throwNeg.
ReversibleNo
SourcePHB p. 197
Description
When this spell is cast by the wizard, he influences the actions of the chosen recipient by the utterance of a few words—phrases or a sentence or two—suggesting a course of action desirable to the spellcaster. The creature to be influenced must, of course, be able to understand the wizard’s suggestion—it must be spoken in a language that the spell recipient understands.
The suggestion must be worded in such a manner as to make the action sound reasonable; asking the creature to stab itself, throw itself onto a spear, immolate itself, or do some other obviously harmful act automatically negates the effect of the spell. However, a suggestion that a pool of acid was actually pure water and that a quick dip would be refreshing is another matter. Urging a red dragon to stop attacking the wizard’s party so that the dragon and party could jointly loot a rich treasure elsewhere is likewise a reasonable use of the spell’s power.
The course of action of a suggestion can continue in effect for a considerable duration, such as in the case of the red dragon mentioned above. Conditions that will trigger a special action can also be specified; if the condition is not met before the spell expires, the action will not be performed. If the target successfully rolls its , the spell has no effect. Note that a very reasonable suggestion causes the saving throw to be made with a penalty (such as –1, –2, etc.) at the discretion of the DM. Undead are not subject to suggestion.
The of this spell are a snake’s tongue and either a bit of honeycomb or a drop of sweet oil.