Message

A
Utility

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

See all Utility spells →
 spell for secret
information

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

See all Information spells →
, whispering to one creature and hearing a reply even through barriers.

2024 Rules
Level & School
Transmutation cantrip
Casting Time
Action
Range
120 feet
Components
S, M (a copper wire)
Duration
1 round
Classes
Bard, Druid, Sorcerer, Wizard

You point toward a creature within range and whisper a message. The target (and only the target) hears the message and can reply in a whisper that only you can hear. You can cast this spell through solid objects if you are familiar with the target and know it is beyond the barrier. Magical silence; 1 foot of stone, metal, or wood; or a thin sheet of lead blocks the spell.

2014 Rules
Level & School
Transmutation cantrip
Casting Time
Action
Range
120 feet
Components
V, S, M (a short piece of copper wire)
Duration
1 round
Classes
Bard, Sorcerer, Wizard

You point your finger toward a creature within range and whisper a message. The target (and only the target) hears the message and can reply in a whisper that only you can hear.

You can cast this spell through solid objects if you are familiar with the target and know it is beyond the barrier. Magical silence, 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal, a thin sheet of lead, or 3 feet of wood blocks the spell. The spell doesn't have to follow a straight line and can travel freely around corners or through openings.

Message 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

It no longer has a verbal component, so you can cast it silently. The barrier rules changed: instead of 1 inch of common metal or 3 feet of wood, it’s now blocked by 1 foot of stone, metal, or wood, plus thin lead. Now also available to Druids.

Message popularity

Message is a commonly chosen cantrip. Choosing it adds an established option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Message

  • Sending 3rd-level divination

    It is the most direct analogue, letting you send a short message across any distance to a creature and receive a reply.

  • Rary's Telepathic Bond 5th-level divination

    Creates a mental link among multiple creatures so they can communicate silently over distance, similar to Message's private conversation purpose.

  • Magic Mouth 2nd-level illusion

    Records and delivers a spoken message at a chosen location or trigger, matching Message's goal of delivering information magically.

  • Animal Messenger 2nd-level enchantment

    Sends information to a distant recipient via a creature, offering an alternative way to transmit messages like Message does.

  • Dream 5th-level illusion

    Lets you communicate with a target through dreams for private, long-distance conversation, paralleling Message's role of discreet contact.