Crown of Madness

  • Level & School
    2nd-level enchantment
  • Casting Time
    Action
  • Range
    120 feet
  • Components
    V, S
  • Duration
    Concentration, up to 1 minute
  • Classes
    Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard

One creature that you can see within range must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or have the Charmed condition for the duration. The creature succeeds automatically if it isn't Humanoid. A spectral crown appears on the Charmed target's head, and it must use its action before moving on each of its turns to make a melee attack against a creature other than itself that you mentally choose. The target can act normally on its turn if you choose no creature or if no creature is within its reach. The target repeats the save at the end of each of its turns, ending the spell on itself on a success.

On your later turns, you must take the Magic action to maintain control of the target, or the spell ends.

Crown of Madness 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

The 2024 version specifies the target automatically succeeds if not Humanoid, whereas the 2014 version does not. The 2024 version states the target "has the Charmed condition" and repeats the save at the end of each turn, ending on a success. The 2014 version requires the caster to use their action to maintain control, while the 2024 version requires the caster to take a "Magic" action.