Sending

A
Utility

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

See all Utility spells →
 spell for sending a clear message across any distance, with
vital information

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

See all Information spells →
 returning in reply.

2024 Rules
Level & School
3rd-level divination
Casting Time
Action
Range
Unlimited
Components
V, S, M (a copper wire)
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Bard, Cleric, Wizard

You send a short message of 25 words or fewer to a creature you have met or a creature described to you by someone who has met it. The target hears the message in its mind, recognizes you as the sender if it knows you, and can answer in a like manner immediately. The spell enables targets to understand the meaning of your message.

You can send the message across any distance and even to other planes of existence, but if the target is on a different plane than you, there is a 5 percent chance that the message doesn't arrive. You know if the delivery fails.

Upon receiving your message, a creature can block your ability to reach it again with this spell for 8 hours. If you try to send another message during that time, you learn that you are blocked, and the spell fails.

2014 Rules
Level & School
3rd-level evocation
Casting Time
Action
Range
Unlimited
Components
V, S, M (a short piece of fine copper wire)
Duration
1 round
Classes
Bard, Cleric, Wizard

You send a short message of twenty-five words or less to a creature with which you are familiar. The creature hears the message in its mind, recognizes you as the sender if it knows you, and can answer in a like manner immediately. The spell enables creatures with Intelligence scores of at least 1 to understand the meaning of your message.

You can send the message across any distance and even to other planes of existence, but if the target is on a different plane than you, there is a 5 percent chance that the message doesn't arrive.

Sending 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

Sending is now Instantaneous instead of lasting 1 round. You can target a creature you’ve met, or one described to you by someone who has met it, instead of only a familiar creature. The target can block you from using Sending on it again for 8 hours, and you know if the message fails to deliver.

Sending popularity

Sending is a commonly chosen level 3 spell. Choosing it adds an established option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Sending

  • Message Transmutation cantrip

    A direct, short-range spell that sends a private mental message and is the lower-level analogue players often pick for one-on-one telepathic notes.

  • Rary's Telepathic Bond 5th-level divination

    Establishes mind-to-mind communication between multiple creatures for an extended time, functioning like a longer-duration, group version of mental messaging.

  • Telepathy 8th-level divination

    Provides unlimited-range telepathic contact over a long duration, sharing Sending’s core idea of communicating minds across distance (but at a higher level).

  • Contact Other Plane 5th-level divination

    Also reaches beyond the mortal plane to contact an otherworldly intelligence, echoing Sending’s ability to cross planar boundaries with risk and limits.

  • Dream 5th-level illusion

    Delivers messages to a creature’s mind during sleep and can convey meaningful information across distances, resembling a slower, narrative form of Sending.