Suggestion 5e D&D Guide

Suggestion is a 2nd-level spell belonging to the Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, and Wizard spell lists.

Suggestion is very similar to the spell Command. Its most significant differences are that it has a broader range of ‘commands’ and is less forceful.

The Player’s Handbook states the following:

Suggestion 5e

2nd-level Enchantment

Casting Time: 1 action

Range: 30 feet

Components: V, M (the tongue of a snake and either a drop of sweet oil or a bit of honeycomb)

Duration: Concentration, up to 8 hours

The caster suggests a course of action or activity (limited to one or two sentences) and will magically influence a creature they see within range (that can hear and understand them).

The target must make a Wisdom saving roll; if the save fails, the target pursues the suggested action to the best of its ability.

If the target can complete the proposed activity quickly, the suggestion ends when the subject finishes what they were asked to do.

Suggestion Ends

Suggestion doesn’t work on targets who cannot be charmed or are immune to such effects.

Suggestions must be worded in such a way that makes the suggested action sound reasonable.

Asking the target to stab itself, lunge into a spear, immolate itself, or do something harmful will end the spell.

If a player or their companions damage the target, Suggestion will end.

Specify Suggestions

Specifying certain conditions can trigger a unique activity during the duration.

For example, the caster might suggest that a knight gives their warhorse to the first beggar they come across on the streets.

However, if this condition isn’t met before the spell’s duration ends, the knight will not perform the activity.

Classes Able To Use Suggestion

Traditionally, the classes able to use Suggestion are Bards, Sorcerers, Warlocks, and Wizards.

Subclasses like the Arcane Trickster (Rogue) and Eldritch Knight (Fighter) can also use Suggestion.

Is Suggestion Good?

Suggestion is a similar spell to Command that uses an enchantment to briefly overpower the mind of a creature to make them obey a command.

Like Command, Suggestion is a good spell, especially for its level.

Advantages of Suggestion,

Low-Level

Suggestion, is a 2nd-level spell, meaning most players unlock it when they reach level 3.

Great Versatility

Unlike many lower-level spells, Suggestion has excellent versatility and player freedom.

It forces players to think outside the box to suggest an idea to a creature, basically taking over its mind until the concentration breaks or the spell ends.

Exceptional Early Game Value:

The ability to dictate ways a creature must act is extremely valuable in the early game.

Mainly because having fewer enemies on the battlefield or before the battle even starts puts less pressure on other party members.

Players can stake out next to an encampment, suggesting each target wander away from it while their Ranger or Rogue stealthily takes them out.

Drawbacks of Suggestion

Concentration Spell

Players must be careful when casting Concentration spells as the caster must be kept in a safe spot. The caster must also not perform any other spells that need Concentration, as it will cancel the spell.

Note: Most Concentration spells are better to cast before entering a battle, as there are too many variables in an active battle for it to work flawlessly.

Mediocre Range

Even though 30 feet isn’t as safe as 60 or 120 feet away, it still leaves players with room to work with.

Even though this means that the caster will be closer to danger, sending a melee-focused party member with them should be protection enough.

Optimizing Suggestion

Suggestion, similar to Command, can be used in so many ways that optimization is needed.

Enemies Hand Over Information

When looking for specific information linked to your Campaign or just for enjoyment, having enemies hand over their precious information never gets old.

Since it isn’t a harmful request, most creatures who aren’t immune to being charmed will follow it wholeheartedly.

What happens to the creature after they have delivered the information is up to the party.

Scout Without Scouting

Players can request enemies to start scouting, reporting to their location instead of their base.

You will be gifted with inside knowledge, and Suggestion will take an enemy scout out of their ranks for up to 8 hours.

Note: Be sure to kill the enemy afterward or stop it from reporting your activities after the spell wears off.

Cause a Distraction

Whether you are in a tavern, outside a shop, or near an enemy base, Suggestion can always be a great distraction in an emergency.

If you want to get out of the tavern without paying, simply have one patron insult another, which will most definitely start a fight, letting you slip out unscathed.

Ever been so poor that a piece of bread was out of reach, use Suggestion and have someone distract the seller. One missing loaf wouldn’t hurt.

Note: Just remember, using spells like this in a social area could have consequences if someone found out about your involvement.

Twinning Suggestion

Suggestion meets the requirements that let it be twinned.

Not only will a twinned Suggestion spell influence two targets, but it can have them influence double the number of people previously affected.

Everything mentioned above becomes more accessible, reliable, and precious. Just be sure to double-check the area as well; a larger affected area also means more people who are out to find the one involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Must the Target Hear Your Voice?

In the description of Suggestion, it states that the target must be able to hear you.

Therefore it would be wise to lure a potential victim to you before trying to cast the spell.

Can Suggestion Be Cast on You?

Yes, other spellcasters have access to the same spells you do. Thus they can also cast them on you.

Final Thoughts

Suggestion is a potent spell that can change how players approach confrontations and battles. It relies solely on the creative nature and strategic insight of the one casting it.

That said, if the spell is fully understood and mastered, players can use it effectively far above its intended level.

Don’t accidentally use it against a target immune to being charmed; they won’t take it lightly!