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

How popular is Message? It is one of the most popular spells in the game, but is chosen less than other options when available. This spell may not be the most inspiring but may still be useful.

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.