Commune

A
Utility

Commune is a Utility spell. Utility spells solve problems outside of combat or provide unique situational advantages.

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 spell that lets you consult a deity for
divine answers

Commune is a Information spell. Information spells provide ways to transmit, perceive, detect, or reveal hidden or unknown information.

See all Information spells →
 to up to three yes-or-no questions.

2024 Rules
Level & School
5th-level divination
Casting Time
1 minute or Ritual
Range
Self
Components
V, S, M (incense)
Duration
1 minute
Classes
Cleric

You contact a deity or a divine proxy and ask up to three questions that can be answered with yes or no. You must ask your questions before the spell ends. You receive a correct answer for each question.

Divine beings aren't necessarily omniscient, so you might receive "unclear" as an answer if a question pertains to information that lies beyond the deity's knowledge. In a case where a one-word answer could be misleading or contrary to the deity's interests, the DM might offer a short phrase as an answer instead.

If you cast the spell more than once before finishing a Long Rest, there is a cumulative 25 percent chance for each casting after the first that you get no answer.

2014 Rules
Level & School
5th-level divination
Casting Time
1 minute
Range
Self
Components
V, S, M (incense and a vial of holy or unholy water)
Duration
1 minute
Classes
Cleric

You contact your deity or a divine proxy and ask up to three questions that can be answered with a yes or no. You must ask your questions before the spell ends. You receive a correct answer for each question.

Divine beings aren't necessarily omniscient, so you might receive "unclear" as an answer if a question pertains to information that lies beyond the deity's knowledge. In a case where a one-word answer could be misleading or contrary to the deity's interests, the GM might offer a short phrase as an answer instead.

If you cast the spell two or more times before finishing your next long rest, there is a cumulative 25 percent chance for each casting after the first that you get no answer. The GM makes this roll in secret.

Commune 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

Commune now has the Ritual tag. Everything else that affects play is unchanged.

Commune popularity

Commune is a commonly chosen level 5 spell. Choosing it adds an established option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Commune

  • Contact Other Plane 5th-level divination

    It’s the same level and school and also lets you consult extraplanar intelligences for answers, including a chance of harmful side effects when used repeatedly.

  • Divination 4th-level divination

    This is the direct lower-level analogue that provides short, factual answers from a higher power and is used for the same question-and-answer purpose.

  • Augury 2nd-level divination

    Augury is a simpler ritual that returns cryptic guidance about a course of action, making it a clear thematic and mechanical predecessor to this kind of divine Q&A.

  • Scrying 5th-level divination

    While it reveals sensory information rather than yes/no answers, it’s the same school and level and is chosen when you want divinely aided information about remote subjects.

  • Legend Lore 5th-level divination

    This spell trades a question for deep factual lore from powerful sources, matching Commune’s role as a way to extract rare knowledge from higher beings.