Calm Emotions is a 2nd-level social spell available on the Bard and Cleric spell lists.
You utter a gentle incantation as you cast Calm Emotions with a delicate wave of your hand.
Those close to you are enveloped in a calm atmosphere that soothes their anxious hearts and worried thoughts.
Conflict resolution and hostile intent disappear, leaving only peace and harmony in their wake.
The Player’s Handbook says the following:
Calm Emotions 5e
2nd-level Enchantment
Casting Time: 1 Action
Range: 60 feet
Components: V, S
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
In a group of people, you try to stifle intense emotions.
You must make a Charisma saving throw for each humanoid within a 20-foot sphere that is centered on a point within your choice within range; a creature may decide to fail this saving throw if it so chooses.
Select one of the following two effects if a creature’s saving throw is unsuccessful. Any effect that charms or frightens a target can be suppressed.
When this spell ends, any suppressed effect resumes provided its duration has not expired.
Alternatively
You have the ability to make a target indifferent to hostile creatures of your choosing.
The indifference ends if the target is attacked or harmed by a spell or if they witness people they know being injured.
When the spell ends, the creature will become hostile again unless the DM rules otherwise.
When Can Classes Pick Calm Emotions?
As mentioned above, traditional classes such as the Bard and Cleric can freely unlock Calm Emotions.
Both the Bard and Cleric can unlock and use Calm Emotions at level 2.
Subclasses like the Oath of Redemption (Paladin) and The Archfey (Warlock) freely unlock Calm Emotions.
The Archfey (Warlock) can use this spell at level 2, while the Oath of Redemption (Paladin) can only use it at level 5.
Is Calm Emotions Good in 5e?
In some circumstances, Calm Emotions may be helpful. It may assist in defusing confrontational situations and provide allies with a moment of clarity and peace so they can decide logically.
Note: Unfortunately, DMs often weaken or alter the spell, making it less effective.
Advantages – Calm Emotions
No Material Component
Calm Emotions only uses Verbal and Somatic components.
Since the spell doesn’t use any Material components, it allows players to have a much quicker, easier casting experience.
Not only does it make the spell more accessible, but it allows players to spend more time fighting than worrying about GP or when they’ll find another material.
Disadvantages – Calm Emotions
Concentration Spell
When you cast Calm Emotions, you’ll have to concentrate for up to 1 minute. If you are disrupted or lose concentration at any point, the spell ends, and its effects will be lost.
The biggest problem is when you’re in a combat situation, where you may be subject to attacks or other distractions that could break your concentration.
Another issue is that you can only concentrate on one spell at a time, so if you need to cast another concentration spell, you’ll have to choose between maintaining Calm Emotions or casting the new spell.
Class Availability
A critical disadvantage of Calm Emotions to take into account is that only some classes have access to it.
Only Bards and Clerics have it on their spell lists, so it’s possible your party might not even have someone who can unlock Calm Emotions.
Note: An issue that arises with Bards is their options. Bards have access to some of the best spells in the game, and even if they could choose Calm Emotions, they’ll settle for other spells instead.
Limited Targets
An extensive number of creatures players will face in D&D will be undead or constructs. Some campaigns might even revolve around the undead.
This creates a problem for players wanting to use Calm Emotions, as it can affect constructs and undead.
That means you’ll either have to hope you face less undead or face the fact that you can’t use the spell.
Spells Similar To Calm Emotions 5e
Similar spells to Calm Emotions are Soothing Word, Suggestion, Charm Person, and Tasha’s Hideous Laughter.
When or How Should I Use Calm Emotions?
Crowd Control
Calm Emotions has a range of 60 feet, but when cast, it affects a spherical radius of 20 feet. Creatures in its radius can be affected by it in certain ways.
Aggression
Players can soothe the emotions of a group of creatures and reduce their aggression or hostility.
It is most useful when wanting to diffuse a dangerous situation or to make them less aggressive before you engage in combat.
Calming
Sometimes you want to have a calm discussion or barter with someone. Using Calm Emotions beforehand can help you with this.
By calming the emotions of your target/s, you can make them more reasonable and easier to negotiate with.
This can land you better deals or easier ways to obtain information.
General Harmony
You can uphold general harmony by soothing the emotions of a group of creatures and reducing tension, anger, or violence.
It is most useful in situations that have the potential to escalate into hostile situations.
Regain Control
There are times when situations just spiral out of control in mere seconds.
By using Calm Emotions, you can quickly regain control by trying to lower the aggression and hostility in the area.
If it works, you’ll be able to create an area of peace and stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Calm Emotions Stop Rage?
Calm Emotions can stop raging enemies and joyous enemies from enjoying themselves.
It is a spell with so many exciting uses and funny mechanics.
Does Calm Emotions Only Work on Humans?
Calm Emotions states that it affects people but also describes them as creatures later on.
For balancing purposes, most DMs will make it only affect humanoids the size of people or smaller.
Final Thoughts
People forget about Calm Emotions as many DMs struggle to control how it’s used and how effective it can be. Even though it can be nerfed, try using it anyway.
You’ll be surprised how well it works when there are groups of people are huddled around. Just be sure not to overdo things, as the DM is always watching!