Seeming

A
Utility

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

See all Utility spells →
 spell that gives
multiple creatures

Seeming is a Multi Target spell. Multi Target spells have an area of effect or can explicitly target multiple allies or enemies.

See all Multi Target spells →
 a convincing new look for
social influence

Seeming is a Social Influence spell. Social Influence spells create ways to communicate, persuade, and alter behavior.

See all Social Influence spells →
, with a
save-or-suck

Seeming is a Save or Suck spell. Save or Suck spells fall entirely flat if the target succeeds on a saving throw.

See all Save or Suck spells →
 chance to resist.

2024 Rules
Level & School
5th-level illusion
Casting Time
Action
Range
30 feet
Components
V, S
Duration
8 hours
Classes
Bard, Sorcerer, Wizard

You give an illusory appearance to each creature of your choice that you can see within range. An unwilling target can make a Charisma saving throw, and if it succeeds, it is unaffected by this spell.

You can give the same appearance or different ones to the targets. The spell can change the appearance of the targets' bodies and equipment. You can make each creature seem 1 foot shorter or taller and appear heavier or lighter. A target's new appearance must have the same basic arrangement of limbs as the target, but the extent of the illusion is otherwise up to you. The spell lasts for the duration.

The changes wrought by this spell fail to hold up to physical inspection. For example, if you use this spell to add a hat to a creature's outfit, objects pass through the hat.

A creature that takes the Study action to examine a target can make an Intelligence (Investigation) check against your spell save DC. If it succeeds, it becomes aware that the target is disguised.

2014 Rules
Level & School
5th-level illusion
Casting Time
Action
Range
30 feet
Components
V, S
Duration
8 hours
Classes
Bard, Sorcerer, Wizard

This spell allows you to change the appearance of any number of creatures that you can see within range. You give each target you choose a new, illusory appearance. An unwilling target can make a Charisma saving throw, and if it succeeds, it is unaffected by this spell.

The spell disguises physical appearance as well as clothing, armor, weapons, and equipment. You can make each creature seem 1 foot shorter or taller and appear thin, fat, or in between. You can't change a target's body type, so you must choose a form that has the same basic arrangement of limbs. Otherwise, the extent of the illusion is up to you. The spell lasts for the duration, unless you use your action to dismiss it sooner.

The changes wrought by this spell fail to hold up to physical inspection. For example, if you use this spell to add a hat to a creature's outfit, objects pass through the hat, and anyone who touches it would feel nothing or would feel the creature's head and hair. If you use this spell to appear thinner than you are, the hand of someone who reaches out to touch you would bump into you while it was seemingly still in midair.

A creature can use its action to inspect a target and make an Intelligence (Investigation) check against your spell save DC. If it succeeds, it becomes aware that the target is disguised.

Seeming 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

The 2024 version no longer lets you dismiss Seeming early with an action; it now lasts the full duration. Also, its appearance options are a bit more explicit about bodies/equipment and heavier/lighter looks, but that doesn’t change how it plays.

Seeming popularity

Seeming is a seldom chosen level 5 spell. Choosing it adds a unique option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Seeming

  • Arcanist's Magic Aura 2nd-level illusion

    It’s a low-level illusion that alters how a creature or object appears to detection and can last a long time, making it thematically close to changing appearances.

  • Disguise Self 1st-level illusion

    This is the basic, self-only version of changing appearance and shares the same illusion school and social uses, just on a smaller scale and shorter duration.

  • Programmed Illusion 6th-level illusion

    A higher-level illusion that creates crafted visual deceptions with long duration and flexibility, similar in intent to creating convincing false appearances.

  • Major Image 3rd-level illusion

    It makes fairly elaborate visual illusions over an area and can be used for social deception or cover, matching Seeming’s use of convincing visual falsehoods.

  • Invisibility 2nd-level illusion

    Though it’s focused on concealment rather than changing looks, it’s a classic illusion that alters how creatures are perceived and is often chosen for similar social or stealth situations.