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Rope Trick

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Rope Trick
  • Level: 2
  • School: Transmutation
  • Class: Wizard
  • Casting Time: Action
  • Range: Touch
  • Components: V, S, M (a segment of rope)
  • Duration: 1 hour

You touch a rope. One end of it hovers upward until the rope hangs perpendicular to the ground or the rope reaches a ceiling. At the rope's upper end, an Invisible 3-foot-by-5-foot portal opens to an extradimensional space that lasts until the spell ends. That space can be reached by climbing the rope, which can be pulled into or dropped out of it.

The space can hold up to eight Medium or smaller creatures. Attacks, spells, and other effects can't pass into or out of the space, but creatures inside it can see through the portal. Anything inside the space drops out when the spell ends.

Tactical Usage​

Portable Safe Room. Rope Trick creates an invisible extradimensional hideout that provides perfect concealment and protection for up to eight party members.

Emergency Escape Option. The spell offers immediate access to a secure space that enemies cannot reach, enter, or detect through normal means.

Strategic Rest Location. The 1-hour duration enables short rest periods in complete safety, even in dangerous environments or hostile territory.

Spell Combinations​

Extended Duration Planning. Combining multiple Rope Trick castings allows extended stays in the extradimensional space through careful timing and coordination.

Observation Post. Pairing with scrying or surveillance magic creates perfect hidden observation points that cannot be detected or attacked.

Escape Preparation. Using alongside teleportation or other exit strategies provides backup plans if the rope trick location becomes compromised.

Material Component Details​

Simple Rope Requirement. Any segment of rope suffices for the component, making this spell easily prepared and repeatedly castable without rare materials.

Rope Positioning. The rope extends upward until perpendicular to the ground or reaching a ceiling, creating the access point to the extradimensional space.

Component Integration. The rope becomes the physical anchor and access method for the magical space, remaining connected throughout the duration.

Creator Notes​

Perfect Hiding Spot. Rope Trick provides complete concealment that bypasses most detection methods and creates safe spaces in dangerous environments.

Resource Management Tool. The spell enables safe rest periods during dungeon exploration, wilderness travel, or urban infiltration missions.

Investigation Aid. The invisible portal creates excellent surveillance positions for observing areas without risk of detection.

Environmental Interactions​

Ceiling Height Requirements. The rope extends upward until perpendicular or hitting a ceiling, requiring sufficient vertical space for proper function.

Observation Capability. Creatures inside can see through the portal while remaining completely hidden and protected from external threats.

Access Control. The rope can be pulled into the space, preventing unauthorized access and eliminating evidence of the hiding spot.

Common Rulings & Clarifications​

Capacity Limitations. The space holds up to eight Medium or smaller creatures, with larger creatures counting against the limit appropriately.

Portal Invisibility. The 3-foot-by-5-foot portal remains invisible to creatures outside the space, providing perfect concealment.

Effect Immunity. No attacks, spells, or effects can pass into or out of the space, creating absolute protection for occupants.

Duration Consequences. Everything inside drops out when the spell ends, requiring careful timing for safe exits.

Alternative Applications​

Storage Solutions. Temporarily hiding valuable items, sensitive materials, or evidence in the secure extradimensional space.

Surveillance Operations. Creating perfect observation posts for monitoring targets, gathering intelligence, or conducting reconnaissance.

Emergency Shelter. Providing temporary refuge during environmental hazards, magical storms, or other dangerous conditions.

Extradimensional Magic. Magnificent Mansion provides larger spaces, while Bag of Holding offers portable storage with different capabilities.

Hiding Magic. Invisibility provides personal concealment, while Rope Trick offers group hiding with complete protection.

Safe Space Creation. Tiny Hut creates visible shelter, while Private Sanctum provides area security with different protective mechanisms.

Scaling Analysis​

Consistent Utility Value. Rope Trick maintains relevance throughout character progression as safe hiding spaces remain valuable regardless of level.

Resource Efficiency. The spell provides excellent value for a 2nd-level slot when group concealment and protection are needed.

Campaign Integration. Utility scales with exploration frequency and danger levels in specific campaign environments requiring safe rest or hiding.

Narrative Flavor​

Magical Rope Animation. The rope should appear to climb itself through magical force, creating an otherworldly vertical anchor point.

Dimensional Portal Mystery. The invisible portal offers opportunities for dramatic descriptions of stepping through reality into secure magical space.

Hidden Sanctuary. The extradimensional space should feel separate from normal reality while maintaining visual connection through the portal window.