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Tongues

Divination
Level: 3rd-level
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Duration: 1 hour
Components: V, M
Materials: A small clay model of a ziggurat.

This spell grants the creature you touch the ability to understand any spoken language it hears. Moreover, when the target speaks, any creature that knows at least one language and can hear the target understands what it says.

Spell Details

School: Divination
Level: 3
Ritual: No
Concentration: No
Classes: Bard, Cleric, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard
A-Tier Exceptional utility that removes language barriers and enables critical diplomatic/intelligence opportunities, though limited direct combat application.

Player Guide

Cast Tongues before negotiations, interrogations, or encounters with creatures speaking unfamiliar languages to gain massive information advantages. Use it to coordinate with allied creatures of different species or decode enemy communications in real-time. In combat, leverage the knowledge gained to exploit weaknesses, identify spellcasters by their incantations, or turn enemies against each other through understanding their speech. The 1-hour duration makes it ideal for pre-combat preparation or extended social encounters.

DM Tips

Tongues doesn't grant writing comprehension—only spoken language. Consider restricting its power against creatures using coded speech, telepathy, or languages that predate common civilization.