CANTRIP #24: Minor Illusion (5E)

[@ChancesSpellbook]

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[@blshouse]

The material component being "a bit of fleece" is a reference to pulling the wool over someone's eyes. This is a common theme, referencing related English idioms, with the spell components of D&D spells.

[@ChancesSpellbook]

That is SOOOOO cool! Thank you so much for sharing! I'm going to have to pin this comment!

[@rodjacksonx]

Best uses of this spell, IMO: 1) Creating cover 2) Transmitting information 3) Distractions 4) Hiding (not the same as creating cover) 5) Making an object/treasure appear to be unmoved

[@ChancesSpellbook]

Haha All great uses!

[@rodjacksonx]

@Pranay Talati - Yeah, that's another great use... giving your silent image a voice! Not sure if its legal to both move the image and manipulate a voice *at the same time* though.

[@andraskovacs5431]

Also cheating in poker

[@justinturk6047]

My idea is to create a 5' cube sized rock, log, stump, whatever to hide behind for full/partial cover or light/heavy obscurement.

[@ChancesSpellbook]

I really like this one! Absolutely great for the Rogue Archers!!

[@Blairy88]

@Dave A. Which is 10 rounds of combat. Effectively the whole fight.

[@edgewalker_8155]

@Dave A. You can recast it at any time, so it shouldn't be a problem

[@dariusmetz9791]

Even better you dont have to hide behind it you can hide within it. While you can see through it because you know its an illusion the enemys cant so its an ultimate hideout. Only problem is you have to make urself small enough to fit in.

[@DoctorM228]

@@dariusmetz9791 It's a 5ft cube so your character could crouch or go prone in order to fit the cube

[@gypsyrosymupetshow8353]

I LOVE THIS CANTRIP ITS SO CREATIVE AND YOU CAN CAST IT OVER AND OVER.

[@ChancesSpellbook]

I 100% agree!

[@cthxs]

So as per RAW, creatures are not covered by this spell, believe it or not. Now, that does not prevent DMs from almost universally allowing creatures to be cast with the spell but it's still an intentional wording on the part of the game designers. Also, (wizard illusionists aside) we are talking about a static, 3D image that can be held within a 5' by 5' cube. There is no implied movement here, so any image you create would have to be static - another intentional limitation.

[@ChancesSpellbook]

Very cool! I guess it does make sense though

[@michaelbesser5348]

Here's my issue with the creature vs object rule: what is the actual visual difference between a creature and an object? For example, could you make a really realistic statue of a creature to get around it? What about a taxadermized body of a creature? Because both of those are pretty much going to look like creatures, but they seem like they'd count as objects.

[@zimzimph]

@@michaelbesser5348 creatures become objects upon death as well, so there's that as well. It'll still be a static object and with an action they roll an investigation check to determine if it's real or not. A real creature would move. That's possible with Silent Image

[@GjnGo]

While my level 1 sorcerer was on the brink of death (1 hp), he fooled some giant frogs into attacking a minor illusion of a giant fly instead of him! Close call man

[@ChancesSpellbook]

Haha that's AWESOME!

[@thehiddenninja3428]

"it must be no larger than a 5-foot cube" Note: it doesn't say the cube has to be horizontal. You can have it at an angle, and make something 5ft wide by 7ft tall, if it's quite narrow, for example an image on a flat surface. I'm also pretty sure a 6ft tall humanoid can stand up straight if one corner is beneath the floor, leaving room inside the cube for his feet, and the opposite corner is 8.5ft directly above it; a bit above his head. A dragonborn or a tall orc might be to wide for this, though. Geometry.

[@ChancesSpellbook]

Hmm I'm not too sure, cubes have squares for their faces. I think what your talking about would be a Cuboid!

[@thehiddenninja3428]

@@ChancesSpellbook That's not what I mean. If it is a cuboid, it's a 5ft by 7ft by 1 inch cuboid; one that can fit inside a cube if it's slanted. If you cut a cube in half, from one edge to the opposite edge, for example in this image, tse3.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.Kgvo2QLwmRLVuY-gb8AZdQHaGF&pid=Api you'll find that this new diagonally-slanted face is a 5 foot by 5 * sqrt(2) foot rectangle, or about 5*7. So if you wanted to make a flat image, like a painting on a wall or footprints on the ground or anything else flat, or even making your own projector screen, it could be 5ft by 7ft. If you think about a straight line going through opposite corners as the diagonal of a cube, or the diagonal of the shaded rectangle in the image, it's longer than 5 feet. In fact, it's exactly 5 * sqrt(3) feet long, or about 8.66 feet. So if you wanted just to make an arrow, or a snake, it could be 8.5 feet long, even longer if its winding inside the space. Of course, if it has any thickness, then it won't be able to exactly reach the corner, but it'll be close.

[@mikesands4681]

@@thehiddenninja3428 geometrically correct

[@stateofhibernation]

I love this spell but hate it has a gray area limitation. The spell itself reads you can make objects, so as written it leaves out creatures… meaning you can't make creature's as confirmed by the lead rules designer Jeremy Crawford. However, my problem with this is that objects can be made to resemble creatures, as well as creatures can be turned into objects. For example of creatures becoming objects: what about taxidermy? the art of preparing, stuffing, and mounting the skins of animals with lifelike effect. Yes it was a living creature but is now a stuffed trophy and arguably now an object. Why can i make a bear skin rug but not the bear? For example objects made to look like creatures. what about hunting decoys made to look like deer and ducks? Their fake objects made to look real enough to fool the animal. Even statues are erected to resemble people and other living creatures, so what if i make a well painted statue that looks like someone? Or a complete set of armor positioned like a person standing, sitting, etc? Or even a bunch of clothes that appears to be being worn and completely covering any detail if a person were underneath? All objects! If it's the amount of detail that's the problem then that also can limit the actual object itself which is lame. Like a framed painting may be too much, Or a filled bookshelf. That means no detailed and elegantly painted/engraved items. Even the suggested footprints would have to be cookie cutter perfect and no imperfections as to not be too detailed. At what point is something too much? If i make a doll can i make a more realistic high quality sculpted representation or can it only be a raggedy ann? It's just an unnecessary limit in my opinion, one that, I don't feel, would hurt game play seeing as the creation can't move or speak anyway. As a player I find it unreasonably restricting, and as a DM i allow it and let the players be creative with it as long as it fits the other criteria. Haven't had an issue with it yet.

[@ChancesSpellbook]

I 100% agree! I'll actually have to pin this so more people understand. I've always judged it by a game by game basis, letting the DM use their discretion!

[@binolombardi]

A dead creature is an object. Could use that to your advantage. A big issue with this spell is that it lacks the “if a creature discerns the illusion for what it is, the creature can see through the image” words. It becomes faint but also somehow cannot be seen through. Can be used to create a 5ft cube of heavy obscurity for 1 minute no concentration.

[@ChancesSpellbook]

Bobby Baker very interesting take on the cantrip, I’d run it past your dm and see what they think

[@joshuaboulton36]

Feel free to steal this idea, although it's probably been done before. A phase spider would probably be among the easiest creatures to imitate with a lifeless object, as it often just appears and disappears and makes sound, and doesn't move. So, if you need to distract an enemy who is about to attack a friend, get an object resembling a phase spider to just appear next to them. If they don't attempt to attack it right away, you could probably have some fun with it - make it appear and disappear in various place around the room, sometimes make what seem to be its ethereal webs appear, sometimes make its clicking sound instead.

[@remor698]

Well, this is an incredibly versatile spell. I could see it being used to scare the hell out of some weaker enemies with, say, a dragon's roar, distract guards with a small sound, like the snapping of a twig, give allies a discrete signal, cover up pitfalls and other traps and create cover to hide behind. If the created object can also move, I would use it to cover up weapons with a coat of some kind, pull some small magic tricks, cheat at poker (oh look, I have all the aces) and perhaps confuse enemies in combat by using a different weapon than the one they are seeing (keeping them at bay with the illusion of a great sword, while actually using a shortsword). Additionally, one might be able to fake being a grand wizard by mimicking high level spells with a simple minor illusion, though one should be careful not to target others directly, as to not reveal the truth to them.

[@ChancesSpellbook]

All of these are GREAT uses! thank you sooo much for the comment!

[@Oniphire]

I'm pretty sure the object cannot move. You'll need to use Silent Image for that. Good stuff otherwise

[@chaoscommentary2179]

So could I make a bush stand in it and cus I know it’s an illusion I can see throw it but enemy’s can’t and if I cast say frost bite a spell that is not a visible projectile there is no way the enemy would know were the attack is coming from.

[@ChancesSpellbook]

As long as you used subtle spell, I would agree!

[@ChapterGrim]

A ghostly head on the ground, a crate to hide behind (a curtain or tapestry for the same) - but above all else a loud distraction that makes the enemy look...

[@ChancesSpellbook]

Haha I really like that!

[@Oniphire]

Would the ghostly head fall under the no creatures restriction? If that's allowed it'd be an amazing way to scare off just about anyone

[@andrewnonymous4257]

I have combo'd this spell with Thaumaturgy - made the sound of lots of distant cavalry horns then used Thaumaturgy to make the ground rumble as though under the approach of horse.... 2 cantrips basically scared a group of bandits away from their secured posts for the rest of the party to just wade in and liquidise them.

[@ChancesSpellbook]

Haha Very creative!

[@manfredhase2289]

Now you see why there is a limitation to objects only. Sorry! Creative indeed, but it shouldn't be that easy. There is a reason, why silent image is a 1st Lvl spell, that you can also combo with thaumaturgy. IMO the limitation is essential for the ballancing and you should not houserule things like that.

[@zimzimph]

@@manfredhase2289 They didn't make images tho. It was a sound. The sound can be of anything and quite loud. So it's perfectly reasonable to do this

[@ermacmacro7136]

Alright peeps. Here's the dealio. Start with a High Elf Rogue. Make sure you have choose Stealth, Deception, Insight and Investigation. Go with the Expertise in Stealth and Investigation. For your free Cantrip, go with something simple like Blade Ward. For your Roguish Archetype, go with....an assassin. With the multiclass we're about to do, you'll be able to get the drop on people all the time. Take the Assassin levels to 6, for you ASI, try to cap your Dexterity. It ups your Initiative, your AC and your damage modifier. For your Expertise, go with the Perception that you get from being an Elf. Now. Start taking levels in Wizard, going with the Illusory arcane tradition. Illusory Wizards get Minor Illusion in their spellbook naturally, and the illusion can be with both a sound and image at the same time. Also go ahead and grab stuff like Shield, Mage Armor, maybe some magic missile to do some fast and quick damage. Maybe Blur, Mirror Image and Invisibility. Carry the Wizard levels to 14, using your score improvements to Cap your Dex, then focus on your Intelligence to get the max Spell Save DC possible. Now here's how this build will work. If you're in a situation where you're about to be spotted, start with your improved Minor Illusion to make something like a cawing Raven fly into your pursuer's face and then roll for your Stealth. With you Modifier and Expertise, you should have a literal +17 to your stealth roll. If you roll poorly, your modifier might the thing to save you. Should your pursuer get within range of either you directly or in range of your 30 Feet Misty Step, Bamf in behind them and stab them with a Shortsword. That thing's packing 2d6+6d6+5 piercing damage thanks to your Assassination ability dealing Critical damage on a surprised creature that hasn't acted in Initiative yet. Along with that, if you play your spells right, you could be stupidly hard to hit. With an 8 Hour AC of 18, along with shield to amp you to 23 or even just Uncanny Dodge if you know shield won't work and you can halve the damage. If you Blur and Mirror Image against a Blindsight creature, just Minor Illusion to make the sound of your footsteps to throw them off. Distract someone, Bamf in, Backstab, then Bamf back out before anyone can figure out what happened. Watch your back with the Ghost Of The Elven Mist

[@ChancesSpellbook]

Haha You almost become Batman!

[@ermacmacro7136]

@@ChancesSpellbook More like Red Hood

[@ChancesSpellbook]

@@ermacmacro7136 Haha Great point!

[@Ahrceon]

Ghost of the eleven what? Is that a homebrew spell or something?

[@ermacmacro7136]

@@Ahrceon No I do these builds and I make up names for them. So this Rogue that can disappear and reappear at will pretty much is called the "Ghost Of The Elven Mist"

[@thehamburgular4148]

One really good use I found was using minor illusion is to haggle. Make a expensive magic item look damaged and worn for a lesser price. Sell an ordinary dagger and claim it holds great magic by making it look on fire (might need a friend for some of these but you get the point.)

[@lockskelington314]

This is really over powered when combined with the warlocks Misty Vision invocation that lets you cast silent Image at Will.

[@ChancesSpellbook]

That's a great combo idea!

[@marcusblacknell-andrews1783]

All it takes is a little imagination and this spell is unlimited.

[@keldon_champion]

My favorite use I have done is a fake 5' gelatinous cube (just a gelatinous slime block) to block a hall, it can't move and it's not real but you would have to be an idiot to touch it and find out. I'm convinced minor illusion is the most powerful cantrip as long as you are creative in how you use it.

[@zimzimph]

For the real deal it takes a DC 15 Perception check to spot it and otherwise they're only aware once they're touching it, which would ruin the illusion

[@Tomatowormprince]

Visually this cantrip is pretty limited, you can only make static objects that don't produce or react to light, and it only last a minute. Audio wise though it's pretty nifty.

[@ChancesSpellbook]

It goes a long way with a little creativity!

[@mauriceb7067]

Making a character that has taken a vow of silence but uses the cantrip to communicate by creating text and images on a surface or just floating subtitles. Can i use it to distract someone to give another party member advantage on an attack or check? Need to sneak past guards, they hear footsteps some diatance off. Hold it as an action on your turn to release a defening shout into an enemies ear just as your ally attacks to give advantage. Or worse a whisper, "your mum thinks you're a dissapointment." Or " they all laugh when you're not looking."

[@harehnkaundun1406]

I created an illusion, averse to fighting type NPC and One of the things I wanna showcase is how much you can use illusion to your effect if you know the opponent. Eg Kobolds venere dragons and hate gnomes. Illusion a helpless gnome and lead them to a trap. Disguise the water surface/ chasm as solid surface and lure someone over it. For silly things, one of the things he does is making it seem like his legs are still under his large cape and this showing that he is gliding over the floor instead of walking which he is actually doing.

[@ChancesSpellbook]

You sir, are a MAD GENIUS!

[@schattepoezel8541]

Great video, very informative and I like your style. I do, as a music student, feel very offended by 1:28. 8/10

[@TheLovelyLucy]

What if you used it to create a very high pitched sound which could distress enemies? I’m new to d&d and my character possesses this ability

[@zimzimph]

Could be possible, but I'd be hesitant to allow if if another spell does this at a higher level. Like people trying to use Command to get someone to sleep, while there's a spell that does it, it's just not single target and has other limitations

[@aloisklimpel1251]

Can i Use minor illusion to simulate a head of a person, for example, there¨s a bounty on the head of an Orc Captain, can make the illusion on a bag of his head?

[@zimzimph]

The image is static and with an interaction it can be determined to be an illusion. It also doesn't smell or react to light. So a torch would normally cast shadows, where the head doesn't cast a shadow on for example the table you put it on. Is that what you meant?

[@mattheweagle3580]

I like to use it to hide in an illusion like a crate or barrel, rogue's best friend

[@joshuaboulton36]

Used potions and disguise self as well as some props to convince a bunch of goblins I was their god Meglubiyet and overthrow their own castle and leader. Used minor illusion to create a more godlike voice, and prestidigitation to make blood drip from my battleaxe.

[@ChancesSpellbook]

Haha I like the reference!

[@SelwynClydeAlojipan]

This Minor Illusion cantrip is a free racial feature for the Forest Gnome. One more reason why I like to use the Forest Gnome as a Wizard, Artificer, or any other class.

[@samuraioj]

I would minor illusion a barrel or box around me to hide in like Metal Gear Solid. Lol

[@kelving420]

That's exactly what I did with my cleric on my last session! (took magic initiate for a familiar, mage hand and minor illusion)

[@grey8940]

Hi, quick question. Supposedly this spell can't create light, but what if the object I created was a small sun? Would that be a way around the no light thing?

[@ChancesSpellbook]

I haven't heard about the light arrangement, but I guess the spell doesn't say anything about it! Hmmm, I'd say it can great 5ft of mechanical light. Although, it might come down to the DM. I really appreciate you taking the time to comment! Feel free to use the Discount Code 'COMMENT', and get a free One Shot at chancesguild.com/collections/job-board!

[@NashiHeartSoulSpirit]

....would minor illusion be the best way to kill a beholder? yes they are smart enough to pass the INT save but at the same time paranoid enough to fall for it... and make it real because of how their power works...

[@GreenPaintz]

Sadly a beholder has antimagic in their eyes. That might prove problematic when the spell ends once it sees it

[@funnyblog100]

I found an extremely creative use for minor illusion. It is great for interrogation. We captured a goblin and were interrogating it to find the location of the goblin encampment. I used minor illusion to make snakes appear to slither across the goblins body. Basically think of the Batman villain scarecrow. Minor illusion suddenly becomes terrifying especially if you play a charisma based class. I was playing a sorcerer so I was pretty good at intimidation. Didn't take long for the goblin to crack.

[@zimzimph]

great use for Silent Image, but impossible with Minor Illusion. MI casts a static image

[@funnyblog100]

@@zimzimph It doesn't say the object can't move it just says it can't be physically interacted with. The snakes did not actually touch the goblin they just appeared to be because they were so close due to the placement of the object in question.

[@JeremyMcBane]

thank you for sharing this. if I may offer some constructive criticism, the background music should just be that, I find it too loud and thus struggle to hear your voice over it.

[@brycethorne5482]

As was pointed out in other comments by RAW this must be an object and a creature and also by RAW it is 100% implied that it cannot move. Static objects only. This is implied because the slotted spells to create illusions explicitly state the rules on moving objects. There’s also the confusion about creature like objects and I think it’s safe to say if it is static and INANIMATE then it would count as an object like a statue etc. this is how I would rule it as a dm, any static object including those that perfectly resemble creatures.

[@marcosguzman7858]

I love it spell, you can make person like Goblin behind someone You can basically trick them, will it 50% they will attack the illusion or your Allied confronting the enemy.

[@ChancesSpellbook]

For sure, it's a great way to get advantages in encounters!

[@kelving420]

Be short Cast minor illusion Make a 5 foot cubic box with a small hole to see Go inside it Be solid snake :3

[@salt-d2032]

the best way to use this is to make pure light to annoy a lich mind flayer in a modified tomb of annihilation

[@Ahrceon]

It does not allow light does it?

[@ChancesSpellbook]

Hmm I don't think this would work as per RAW, but as a DM I would probably allow it!

[@TheSnakeskill0012]

Monk can do it at level 3 also

[@ironkeepgaming1936]

In our d&d campaign me and 2 of my other friends are co-DMing the campaign. Anyway I’m playing as a fathomless warlock that focuses on illusion magic, and loves to mess with minds.

[@skywolfusa8292]

What if you got hit by an enemy and you cast the spell to make it look like you fell to the ground and cast the invisible spell and then stabbed the enemy (I know I sound like an idiot)

[@Rheez3D]

bro the music is so loud I can barley hear you

[@quonomonna8126]

But, wait, where's the part that says if an NPC sees you cast it in combat they automatically know its an illusion because they saw you cast a spell? I put a crate in front of myself for cover and the DM at Adventure League said it did nothing, everyone saw me cast it and therefore knows its an illusion. I researched everything everywhere and saw nothing written in 5th edition about automatic success on investigation checks in combat, or bypassing investigation checks or the need to interact physically with an object! The thousands of dollars I spent at that store makes me want to go illusionist now that I'm level 2 because its what I really want to play and I feel like I should dig my heels in, it's a pandemic, if they want my money, they should follow the rules that are written in the books they sold me OR GIVE ME MY MONEY BACK!! Even if the crate doesn't give me cover, you mean the illusion doesn't effect their aim at all? It's a wasted action? Ok then give me ideas of illusions I can make that WILL get enemies to waste their actions. I wish the people there were more helpful and gave suggestions instead of just shooting everything down that I find on the internet that every single person with a youtube channel agrees with. I told them the entire internet disagrees with them about something and they don't care, its like a cult where they decide what reality is and if you want to be friends with them you have to agree about the nature of reality.

[@zimzimph]

I agree they should have given advice, but only after the game. The show must go on and other people are also there to enjoy their time. The first rule of D&D is that the DM can change anything at any time. It's a dick move to do it without reasoning and giving players time and opportunity to make changes. For example a feat or spell that's now worthless, while another becomes very strong. Spells all have an effect they tell you about and the wording throughout the books is mostly the same. Minor Illusion doesn't have any attack or DC because it's so versatile. But giving something as powerful as cover or disadvantage to your opponent while they know it's an illusion because things don't just appear out of nowhere is too much. There are other spells that do this, but there's a chance it fails. For example the cantrip Frostbite deals damage and it gives the opponent disadvantage on their next weapon attack, that is IF they fail their CON save. Minor Illusion has the caveat that there's an action required to determine whether your illusion is real or not, but I'd also have those who've seen the illusion appear succeed on that check for free. Especially with versatile spells where only imagination limits you, the DM will have to apply reason. Rule of Cool is great, but there are limits to Suspension of Disbelief and Verisimilitude

[@quonomonna8126]

@@zimzimph Oh, so all the NPCs in your world have a comprehensive list of what spell effects are an illusion and which ones are real? They would automatically know its not a real crate because they had a list ever since they were born explaining that there are no spells that create real crates?

[@lockskelington314]

Minor Illusion a wall or door in-between you and the Enemy and run away. They can't hit you if they can't see you.

[@ChancesSpellbook]

Haha I like it!

[@sqw33k]

Or you could just, you know, disengage. :P

[@lockskelington314]

@@sqw33k You could but this is full proof encase they have something like sentinel

[@gabecole2118]

Sorry, cant make ghosts and such. It can only make objects so nothing animated which uncludes undead sadly

[@ChancesSpellbook]

I think you should be able to make a non animated image of a ghost without too much problem. I can see where the problem is though

[@gabecole2118]

@@ChancesSpellbookIt specifies as an object. Perhaps a wax figure of a ghost or something?

[@ChancesSpellbook]

@@gabecole2118 or even a bed sheet with some eye holes cut in it? haha

[@gabecole2118]

@@ChancesSpellbook yeah, but i am uncertian if the illusion would be seen through if it was a floating sheet. After all i doubt most settings have the bedsheet ghost in their lore. Pretty sure their version of ghosts are the scary ones like the ring.... Or annoying ones like an overbearing mother who wont stop nagging even after they die..... Now i am thinking of howard from the big bang theory and his mother's ghost as the scenario....

[@ChancesSpellbook]

@@gabecole2118 create an illusion cutout of Howards Mother

[@demonslayer6267]

put a fart sound effect over an enemy NPC as they open their mouth, if it's standard combat, you annoy them, if it's something like an election speech for a more social enemy, well

[@ChancesSpellbook]

Haha! There's something very Chaotic about such an action! I really appreciate you taking the time to comment! Feel free to use the Discount Code 'COMMENT', and get a free One Shot at chancesguild.com/collections/job-board!

[@SelwynClydeAlojipan]

First make an illusory shouting voice say, "Thou shalt not pass." Next, make an image of Gandalf the Grey standing as if to block the foe. This next illusion is done while your caster and party goes off and escape in another direction.

[@mr.potato_cool437]

SHARIGAN

[@clarkmorgan3200]

I used this spell to save my friend from a angry man by making a ugly woman bartender look hot and rolled a 17 then my friend and I were able to run away to his house then in the morning the angry man was mad at me because he attacked and we killed the angry man but then we got kicked out of town and by an angry mob because I started taking the dead man's things and so they knew that we killed him and almost killed us.