Sending

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• Level: 3
• School: Divination
• Class: Bard, Cleric, Wizard
• Casting Time: Action
• Range: Unlimited
• Components: V, S, M (a copper wire)
• Duration: Instantaneous

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.

Tactical Usage

Unlimited Range Communication. Sending provides instant communication across any distance and even between planes, enabling coordination beyond normal limits.

Two-Way Message Exchange. The spell enables immediate response from targets, creating interactive communication rather than one-way information transmission.

Emergency Contact System. The spell serves as reliable emergency communication when other methods fail or are unavailable.

Spell Combinations

Intelligence Network. Combining with information-gathering magic creates comprehensive communication networks for coordinated operations.

Strategic Coordination. Pairing with tactical magic enables real-time battlefield coordination across vast distances or planar boundaries.

Scrying Integration. Using alongside observation magic allows communication with targets under surveillance for enhanced intelligence operations.

Material Component Details

Copper Wire Symbolism. The copper wire represents conductive connection, symbolically linking to the spell's communication transmission properties.

Minimal Component Cost. The inexpensive material requirement makes the spell accessible without significant resource management concerns.

Wire Preparation. The copper wire might be shaped, blessed, or prepared in specific ways to enhance communication clarity or range.

Creator Notes

Communication Infrastructure. Sending provides essential communication capabilities that enable complex plots, coordinated activities, and long-distance relationships.

Blocking Mechanics. The 8-hour blocking ability prevents spam while maintaining reasonable communication access for legitimate purposes.

Planar Communication. The 5% failure chance on different planes creates interesting uncertainty and potential plot complications.

Environmental Interactions

Plane-Independent Function. The spell transcends planar boundaries, though inter-planar communication carries slight risk of message failure.

Distance Independence. Physical obstacles, weather, and environmental conditions don't affect message transmission or reception.

Mental Reception. Messages appear directly in targets' minds regardless of noise, distraction, or other communication interference.

Common Rulings & Clarifications

Word Limit Enforcement. The 25-word maximum requires careful message composition and encourages concise communication.

Recognition Mechanics. Targets recognize senders they know, while unknown senders appear as anonymous mental communications.

Blocking Duration. The 8-hour blocking period prevents further contact attempts and provides clear feedback about blocking status.

Understanding Magic. The spell enables meaning comprehension regardless of language barriers between sender and recipient.

Alternative Applications

Diplomatic Communication. Enabling long-distance negotiations, treaty discussions, or political communication without physical meetings.

Search and Rescue. Contacting lost allies, kidnapped individuals, or separated party members across vast distances or planar barriers.

Business Coordination. Managing commercial operations, coordinating caravans, or maintaining long-distance business relationships.

Related Spells

Communication Magic Comparison. Message provides short-range communication, while Scrying enables observation without direct contact.

Divination Magic Integration. Various spells gather information, while Sending provides direct interactive communication capabilities.

Planar Magic Connection. Other spells enable planar travel or detection, while Sending maintains communication across dimensional boundaries.

Scaling Analysis

Consistent Utility Value. Sending maintains relevance throughout character progression as communication needs continue regardless of power level.

Campaign Integration. Long-term campaigns benefit greatly from reliable communication for coordinating complex operations and maintaining relationships.

Network Effect Value. The spell's value increases with the number of known contacts and the complexity of coordinated activities.

Narrative Flavor

Mental Communication. The spell should emphasize telepathic message transmission that appears directly in recipients' consciousness.

Instant Transmission. Messages should feel immediate and urgent, creating sense of magical connection across vast distances.

Recognition Elements. Known senders should provide familiar mental signatures, while unknown contacts create uncertainty about message sources.