Skip to main content

Magic Mouth

Illusion
Level: 2nd-level
Casting Time: 1 minute
Range: 30 feet
Duration: Until dispelled
Components: V, S, M
Materials: A small bit of honeycomb and jade dust worth at least 10 gp, which the spell consumes

You implant a message within an object in range, a message that is uttered when a trigger condition is met. Choose an object that you can see and that isn't being worn or carried by another creature. Then speak the message, which must be 25 words or less, though it can be delivered over as long as 10 minutes. Finally, determine the circumstance that will trigger the spell to deliver your message. When that circumstance occurs, a magical mouth appears on the object and recites the message in your voice and at the same volume you spoke. If the object you chose has a mouth or something that looks like a mouth (for example, the mouth of a statue), the magical mouth appears there so that the words appear to come from the object's mouth. When you cast this spell, you can have the spell end after it delivers its message, or it can remain and repeat its message whenever the trigger occurs. The triggering circumstance 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 object. For example, you could instruct the mouth to speak when any creature moves within 30 feet of the object or when a silver bell rings within 30 feet of it.

Ritual

Spell Details

School: Illusion
Level: 2
Ritual: Yes
Concentration: No
Classes: Bard, Ritual Caster, Wizard
B-Tier Magic Mouth is a versatile utility spell with creative out-of-combat applications, but limited combat value and reliance on proper setup make it situational.

Player Guide

Use Magic Mouth for roleplay, information delivery, and creative problem-solving rather than direct combat. Plant messages on objects before combat to deliver warnings, coordinates, or commands to allies when specific triggers occur. The spell's true power lies in preparation—coordinate with your party to set up triggered messages that activate during key moments, such as having a message on a door that warns intruders or a statue that speaks when someone enters a room. Consider the 25-word limit carefully and ensure your trigger condition is specific enough to activate reliably but not so narrow that it never triggers.

DM Tips

Clarify with players exactly what the trigger condition is and how specific it must be to activate—a trigger like 'when someone enters the room' is vague, while 'when a creature within 5 feet speaks the word dragon' is precise. Be mindful that Magic Mouth can be used for deception; consider whether an NPC would recognize the spell's magical nature or be fooled by a disembodied voice.