Magic Mouth

← Back to Spell List

• Level: 2
• School: Illusion
• Class: Bard, Wizard
• Casting Time: 1 minute or Ritual
• Range: 30 feet
• Components: V, S, M (jade dust worth 10+ GP, which the spell consumes)
• Duration: Until dispelled

You implant a message within an object in range-a message that is uttered when a trigger condition is met. Choose an object that you can see and that isn't being worn or carried by another creature. Then speak the message, which must be 25 words or fewer, though it can be delivered over as long as 10 minutes. Finally, determine the circumstance that will trigger the spell to deliver your message.

When that trigger occurs, a magical mouth appears on the object and recites the message in your voice and at the same volume you spoke. If the object you chose has a mouth or something that looks like a mouth (for example, the mouth of a statue), the magical mouth appears there, so the words appear to come from the object's mouth. When you cast this spell, you can have the spell end after it delivers its message, or it can remain and repeat its message whenever the trigger occurs.

The trigger can be as general or as detailed as you like, though it must be based on visual or audible conditions that occur within 30 feet of the object. For example, you could instruct the mouth to speak when any creature moves within 30 feet of the object or when a silver bell rings within 30 feet of it.

Tactical Usage

Magic Mouth excels as a versatile communication and alarm system, providing automated messaging capabilities that remain active until dispelled. Use it to create early warning systems by placing triggered messages at strategic locations like dungeon entrances, camp perimeters, or treasure room approaches. The spell serves as an excellent information relay system, allowing parties to leave messages for each other or communicate across distances when return trips are expected. Apply it to create false alarms or distractions, triggering misleading messages that confuse enemies or direct them away from important areas. The spell provides valuable intelligence gathering opportunities by recording triggered messages that reveal enemy movements, conversations, or activities in monitored areas. Use it to deliver important information at precisely the right moment, such as revealing passwords, directions, or warnings when specific conditions are met. The spell's ritual casting option makes it cost-efficient for non-urgent applications.

Spell Combinations

Magic Mouth synergizes excellently with illusion spells to create complex deceptions where triggered messages accompany visual or auditory illusions for more convincing effects. Combine it with Alarm spell to create comprehensive security systems that both detect and announce intrusions with customized messages. The spell works well with Glyph of Warding or similar triggered effects, creating multi-layered traps that provide both magical effects and explanatory messages. Use it alongside divination spells to create information networks where scrying results trigger appropriate announcements or warnings. Pair it with suggestion or charm effects to create compelling scenarios where triggered messages influence behavior at crucial moments. The spell complements stealth and infiltration strategies by providing cover stories or alibis through carefully timed message delivery. Combine with teleportation magic to create communication networks between distant locations, triggering messages when specific individuals arrive.

Material Component Details

The spell requires jade dust worth at least 10 gold pieces, which is consumed during casting, making it relatively affordable for regular use compared to many material component spells. Jade dust must be finely ground precious stone powder, typically prepared by jewelers or alchemists using specialized grinding techniques. The quality of jade affects the dust's magical properties, with higher-grade jade producing more reliable and clear message delivery. Many practitioners purchase jade dust in bulk to reduce costs, storing it in sealed containers to prevent contamination or moisture absorption. The dust can be prepared from raw jade using appropriate tools, though this requires time and expertise in gem cutting and grinding. Some specialized suppliers offer pre-prepared magical jade dust specifically for spellcasting purposes, often at premium prices. The consumption of components means regular users must maintain steady supplies, making the spell a continuous investment for extensive use.

Creator Notes

Magic Mouth provides excellent opportunities for environmental storytelling and world-building, allowing you to create speaking statues, warning signs, or ancient messages that enhance campaign atmosphere. The spell's trigger system requires careful consideration to prevent exploitation while maintaining useful functionality, as overly broad triggers might activate too frequently while overly specific ones might never activate. Consider how the spell interacts with stealth and detection mechanics, as triggered messages might reveal hidden characters or provide information about unseen activities. The spell creates interesting puzzle opportunities where players must determine correct trigger conditions to access information or progress through challenges. Be prepared for creative applications that use the spell for communication, deception, or information gathering in ways that might require adjudication. The spell's permanent duration until dispelled means these effects can become persistent campaign elements that influence multiple sessions or storylines.

Environmental Interactions

The magical mouth appears on the chosen object and speaks in the caster's voice, potentially revealing the caster's identity to anyone familiar with their speech patterns. The spell functions regardless of ambient noise levels, but very loud environments might make the message difficult to understand without drowning out the magical voice. The mouth's visibility makes it obvious that magical communication is occurring, which might alert enemies to magical surveillance or influence. Weather conditions don't typically affect the spell's function, though objects exposed to severe environmental damage might be destroyed, ending the spell. The spell works in darkness or low-light conditions, as it relies on audible rather than visual communication methods. Areas of magical silence prevent the message from being heard, though the mouth still appears and attempts to speak. Anti-magic fields suppress the effect, preventing both trigger detection and message delivery within their influence.

Common Rulings & Clarifications

The trigger must be based on visual or audible conditions within 30 feet of the object, preventing triggers based on abstract concepts, emotions, or undetectable phenomena. The 25-word limit applies to the total message, though it can be delivered over up to 10 minutes, allowing for dramatic pauses or emphasis. The mouth appears in the caster's voice and at the same volume they spoke during casting, which cannot be changed after the spell is complete. Multiple Magic Mouth spells can be placed on the same object if it's large enough, each with their own triggers and messages. The spell can be set to either end after delivering its message once or repeat indefinitely when triggered. Objects being worn or carried by other creatures cannot be targeted, preventing the spell from being placed on enemies' equipment. The trigger occurs when conditions are met, regardless of whether anyone is present to hear the resulting message.

Alternative Applications

Beyond basic messaging, Magic Mouth serves numerous creative purposes throughout various scenarios and campaign elements. Use it to create interactive educational displays or museum exhibits that provide information when visitors approach or ask questions. The spell excels at creating memorable NPCs through statues, portraits, or monuments that speak when addressed or approached. Apply it to establish alibis or cover stories by creating messages that place individuals in specific locations at particular times. The spell provides excellent roleplay opportunities through speaking architectural features like gargoyles, door knockers, or decorative faces. Use it to create password systems or security checkpoints that challenge intruders with riddles or demand proper responses. The spell can serve as a primitive recording device, capturing and replaying important speeches, confessions, or declarations. Apply it to create immersive storytelling elements where ancient locations share their histories or legends with visiting adventurers.

Related Spells

Magic Mouth belongs to the illusion school's tradition of creating false sensory experiences, sharing thematic elements with Minor Illusion, Major Image, and other communication effects. Compare it to Sending, which provides immediate two-way communication over vast distances but lacks the persistent, triggered nature of Magic Mouth. The spell relates to Message, offering automated rather than active communication capabilities with greater range and persistence. Consider it alongside Symbol and Glyph of Warding for triggered magical effects, though Magic Mouth focuses on information rather than direct magical consequences. The spell shares utility aspects with Alarm, providing detection and notification capabilities though through different mechanisms. Programmed Illusion offers similar triggered effects with more complex visual and auditory components. The spell connects to divination magic that gathers and shares information, creating comprehensive intelligence networks when used strategically.

Scaling Analysis

Magic Mouth does not scale with higher-level spell slots, maintaining its base effects regardless of the level used to cast it. The spell's utility increases with character level as players gain access to more resources for purchasing jade dust and develop more sophisticated strategies for trigger placement. Its value grows significantly when combined with higher-level spells that provide better reconnaissance, security, or communication capabilities. The spell remains relevant throughout character progression because its fundamental utility - persistent, triggered communication - never becomes obsolete. At higher levels, the 10 gold piece component cost becomes negligible, allowing for extensive use in creating communication networks or security systems. The spell's effectiveness scales with player creativity and campaign scope rather than raw magical power, making it valuable in both small-scale adventures and epic campaigns. Consider the spell's role in establishing permanent magical infrastructure for strongholds, organizations, or territories under party control.

Narrative Flavor

When cast, Magic Mouth begins with the careful placement of jade dust in intricate patterns around the chosen object, the green powder glowing briefly as it absorbs the magical intent. The spell's completion is marked by a subtle shimmer or glow that fades quickly, leaving only a nearly imperceptible magical aura around the object. When triggered, the magical mouth manifests as a faint outline of lips and teeth that appears on the object's surface, glowing softly with the same jade-green light as the original dust. The mouth speaks with perfect clarity in the caster's voice, maintaining their accent, tone, and speech patterns exactly as recorded during the casting. The message delivery often includes subtle magical effects like gentle breezes or temperature changes that enhance the supernatural nature of the communication. Different objects might display the mouth differently: stone surfaces show carved-looking lips, wooden objects reveal natural grain patterns forming mouth shapes, and metal items display the mouth as etched lines that glow when speaking. Upon completing its message, the mouth fades gradually, sometimes offering a final smile or farewell expression before disappearing completely.