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Hideous Laughter

Enchantment
Level: 1st-level
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 30 feet
Duration: Up to 1 minute
Components: V, S, M
Materials: Tiny tarts and a feather that is waved in the air.

A creature of your choice that you can see within range perceives everything as hilariously funny and falls into fits of laughter if this spell affects it. The target must succeed on a wisdom saving throw or fall prone, becoming incapacitated and unable to stand up for the duration. A creature with an Intelligence score of 4 or less isn't affected. At the end of each of its turns, and each time it takes damage, the target can make another wisdom saving throw. The target had advantage on the saving throw if it's triggered by damage. On a success, the spell ends.

Concentration

Spell Details

School: Enchantment
Level: 1
Ritual: No
Concentration: Yes
Classes: Bard, Warlock, Wizard
A-Tier Powerful action denial that incapacitates a single target for up to 1 minute with minimal resource cost and no damage resistance.

Player Guide

Use Hideous Laughter to lock down a dangerous melee attacker or spellcaster before they act in combat. The target must use its action each turn to make a Wisdom saving throw, completely preventing offensive and defensive actions while incapacitated. Position yourself safely behind allies or at range, as the spell breaks if the target takes damage—pair it with allies who can control the battlefield while your target is laughing.

DM Tips

Remind players that any damage breaks concentration immediately, so this is ineffective in groups with damage dealers. Consider that very high Wisdom saves (monks, clerics) will frequently resist this spell.

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