Illusory Script
2024 Rules
- 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.
2014 Rules
- Level & School
- 1st-level illusion
- Casting Time
- 1 minute
- Range
- Touch
- Components
- S, M (a lead-based ink worth at least 10 gp, which the spell consumes)
- Duration
- 10 days
- Classes
- Bard, Warlock, Wizard
You write on parchment, paper, or some other suitable writing material and imbue it with a potent illusion that lasts for the duration.
To you and any creatures you designate when you cast the spell, the writing appears normal, 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, you can cause the writing to appear to be an entirely different message, written in a different hand and language, though the language must be one you know.
Should the spell be dispelled, the original script and the illusion both disappear.
A creature with truesight can read the hidden message.
Illusory Script 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences
Illusory Script popularity
How popular is Illusory Script? It is a commonly found spell in the game, but it is almost never chosen when available. This spell is not highly valued.
- Top 50% of all 5e spells
- Bottom 10% of all level 1 spells
- Bottom 10% picked level 1 Bard spell
- Bottom 10% picked level 1 Warlock spell
- Bottom 10% picked level 1 Wizard spell
Spells similar to Illusory Script
Programmed Illusion 6th-level illusion
Both create planned illusionary effects tied to objects or triggers, offering long-term scripted deception rather than instant, short-lived trickery.
Players prefer Programmed Illusion over Illusory Script
Tongues 3rd-level divination
Although focused on speech, it similarly removes language barriers and is a go-to for making text or conversation intelligible to designated recipients.
Players prefer Tongues over Illusory Script
Comprehend Languages 1st-level divination
It addresses the same problem of understanding written or spoken text, so players reach for it when they need to read or translate mysterious writing.
Players prefer Comprehend Languages over Illusory Script
Arcanist's Magic Aura 2nd-level illusion
This spell, like the target, alters how an item appears to magical inspection and can be used to hide or misrepresent an object's properties to others.
Players prefer Arcanist's Magic Aura over Illusory Script
Magic Mouth 2nd-level illusion
Both inscribe magic onto an object to deliver hidden or delayed information and are used for long-term, ritual-style messaging or traps.
Players prefer Magic Mouth over Illusory Script