Geas

• Casting Time: 1 minute
• Classes: Bard, Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Wizard
• Components: V
• Duration: 30 days
• Higher Spell Slot Desc: When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 7th or 8th level, the Duration is 1 year. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 9th level, the spell lasts until it is ended by one of the Spells mentioned above.
• Level: 5
• Name: Geas
• Range: 60 feet
• School: Enchantment
• Target: A creature that you can see within range

You place a magical command on a creature that you can see within range, forcing it to carry out some service or refrain from some action or course of activity as you decide. If the creature can understand you, it must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or become charmed by you for the duration. While the creature is charmed by you, it takes 5d10 psychic damage each time it acts in a manner directly counter to your instructions, but no more than once each day. A creature that can't understand you is unaffected by the spell.

You can issue any command you choose, short of an activity that would result in certain death. Should you issue a suicidal command, the spell ends.

You can end the spell early by using an action to dismiss it. A remove curse, greater restoration, or wish spell also ends it.

At Higher Levels: When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 7th or 8th level, the duration is 1 year. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 9th level, the spell lasts until it is ended by one of the spells mentioned above.

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The SendingStone review

The spell Geas is a powerful tool for controlling people, but it raises ethical questions. As a spell with a duration of 30 days, it allows the caster to issue a command to a target, which the target must obey or suffer damage. The command can be anything, as long as it isn't self-harm, and can be used to force someone to do something they wouldn't ordinarily do.

However, the use of Geas raises concerns about free will and consent. By casting the spell on someone, the caster is effectively removing their agency and forcing them to act in a certain way. This can be seen as a violation of the target's autonomy and dignity. Additionally, the spell only works on creatures with an intelligence of 3 or higher, meaning that it cannot be cast on animals or other creatures that lack higher cognitive function.

Some argue that Geas can be used in a justifiable manner, such as in situations where someone is working against the greater good or causing harm to others. But ultimately, the use of Geas should be approached with caution and consideration for the ethical implications. It's important to remember that magic, like any tool, can be used for both good and bad purposes.

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Geas is D&D (Dungeons & Dragons) 5th edition content, but other TTRPGs may have their own version such as a Geas Pathfinder edition. Want to use Geas in a VTT (virtual tabletop)? Try out SendingStone for free today!

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