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
Source
Player's Handbook (2024)

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
Source
Player's Handbook (2014)

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

You can no longer end Seeming early with an action. The 2024 version also drops the old “dismiss it sooner” option. Otherwise the spell works the same at the table, including the Study action check to spot the disguise.

Seeming popularity

How popular is Seeming? It is a seldom seen spell in the game, and is chosen less than other options when available. This spell may fill a specific niche for a spellbook.

Read about how this popularity data is calculated.

Spells similar to Seeming