Illusory Script

  • Level & School
    1st-level illusion
  • Casting Time
    1 minute or Ritual
  • Range
    Touch
  • Components
    S, M (ink worth 10+ GP, which the spell consumes)
  • Duration
    10 days
  • Classes
    Bard, Warlock, Wizard

You write on parchment, paper, or another suitable material and imbue it with an illusion that lasts for the duration. To you and any creatures you designate when you cast the spell, the writing appears normal, seems to be written in your hand, and conveys whatever meaning you intended when you wrote the text. To all others, the writing appears as if it were written in an unknown or magical script that is unintelligible. Alternatively, the illusion can alter the meaning, handwriting, and language of the text, though the language must be one you know. If the spell is dispelled, the original script and the illusion both disappear.

A creature that has Truesight can read the hidden message.

Illusory Script 5e 2024 vs. 2014 edition differences

The 2024 version allows casting as a ritual, whereas the 2014 version does not specify this. The 2024 version clarifies that the illusion can alter meaning, handwriting, and language, while the 2014 version emphasizes the message appearing in an unknown script and the ability to show a different message.