Programmed Illusion

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Classes: Bard, Wizard
• Components: V S M
• Duration: Until dispelled
• Level: 6
• Material: A bit of fleece and jade dust worth at least 25 gp
• Name: Programmed Illusion
• Range: 120 feet
• School: Illusion
• Target: See text

You create an illusion of an object, a creature, or some other visible phenomenon within range that activates when a specific condition occurs. The illusion is imperceptible until then. It must be no larger than a 30-foot cube, and you decide when you cast the spell how the illusion behaves and what sounds it makes. This scripted performance can last up to 5 minutes.

When the condition you specify occurs, the illusion springs into existence and performs in the manner you described. Once the illusion finishes performing, it disappears and remains dormant for 10 minutes. After this time, the illusion can be activated again.

The triggering condition can be as general or as detailed as you like, though it must be based on visual or audible conditions that occur within 30 feet of the area. For example, you could create an illusion of yourself to appear and warn off others who attempt to open a trapped door, or you could set the illusion to trigger only when a creature says the correct word or phrase.

Physical interaction with the image reveals it to be an illusion, because things can pass through it. A creature that uses its action to examine the image can determine that it is an illusion with a successful Intelligence (Investigation) check against your spell save DC. If a creature discerns the illusion for what it is, the creature can see through the image, and any noise it makes sounds hollow to the creature.

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The SendingStone review

The # Programmed Illusion spell is considered to be a powerful tool for misdirection and deception in the hands of bards and wizards. With a casting time of just one action and a duration that lasts until it's dispelled, this spell allows the caster to create a complex illusion that can be programmed to activate under specific conditions. This makes it useful for hiding traps, distracting enemies, or creating an impressive spectacle.

Overall, the # Programmed Illusion spell can be highly effective in the right hands. However, it requires a careful and creative approach to get the most out of it. Moreover, the need for a bit of fleece and jade dust worth at least 25 gp as a material component means it can be costly, limiting its use for less wealthy adventurers. Nonetheless, those who can wield it skillfully can easily turn the tide of a battle by catching their opponents off-guard.

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

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