Telekinesis
- Level: 5
- School: Transmutation
- Class: Sorcerer, Wizard
- Casting Time: Action
- Range: 60 feet
- Components: V, S
- Duration: Concentration, up to 10 minutes
You gain the ability to move or manipulate creatures or objects by thought. When you cast the spell and as a Magic action on your later turns before the spell ends, you can exert your will on one creature or object that you can see within range, causing the appropriate effect below. You can affect the same target round after round or choose a new one at any time. If you switch targets, the prior target is no longer affected by the spell.
Creature. You can try to move a Huge or smaller creature. The target must succeed on a Strength saving throw, or you move it up to 30 feet in any direction within the spell's range. Until the end of your next turn, the creature has the Restrained condition, and if you lift it into the air, it is suspended there. It falls at the end of your next turn unless you use this option on it again and it fails the save.
Object. You can try to move a Huge or smaller object. If the object isn't being worn or carried, you automatically move it up to 30 feet in any direction within the spell's range.
If the object is worn or carried by a creature, that creature must succeed on a Strength saving throw, or you pull the object away and move it up to 30 feet in any direction within the spell's range.
You can exert fine control on objects with your telekinetic grip, such as manipulating a simple tool, opening a door or a container, stowing or retrieving an item from an open container, or pouring the contents out of a vial.
Tactical Usage
Versatile Battlefield Control. Telekinesis provides comprehensive object and creature manipulation, enabling tactical repositioning and environmental control.
Sustained Concentration Power. The 10-minute duration with repeated use creates persistent tactical advantages throughout extended encounters.
Fine Object Manipulation. The spell enables precise control for complex tasks like opening locks, retrieving items, or operating mechanisms remotely.
Spell Combinations
Positioning Enhancement. Combining with area control spells maximizes the tactical value of repositioning enemies and objects.
Environmental Synergy. Using alongside creation magic enables comprehensive battlefield modification through telekinetic manipulation.
Concentration Protection. Pairing with defensive magic protects the sustained telekinetic effects throughout combat encounters.
Material Component Details
Verbal and Somatic Only. The spell requires only verbal and somatic components, eliminating material dependencies for telekinetic manipulation.
Mental Focus Requirement. The somatic component represents the mental concentration needed to direct telekinetic force.
Thought-Based Casting. The verbal component channels mental will into magical telekinetic energy.
Creator Notes
Versatile Utility Magic. Telekinesis provides excellent mechanics for creative problem-solving and environmental manipulation.
Strength-Based Resistance. The Strength saving throw creates logical resistance mechanics based on physical power rather than mental defenses.
Action Economy Value. The spell provides ongoing utility through Magic actions without consuming full actions after initial casting.
Environmental Interactions
Range Limitations. The 60-foot range creates tactical positioning requirements for effective telekinetic manipulation.
Size Restrictions. The Huge size limit prevents abuse while maintaining substantial utility for most objects and creatures.
Line of Sight Dependency. The spell requires visual contact with targets, limiting effectiveness around obstacles.
Common Rulings & Clarifications
Target Switching Flexibility. The caster can switch between different targets each turn or maintain focus on the same target.
Restrained Condition Duration. Lifted creatures remain Restrained until the end of the caster's next turn.
Fine Control Precision. The spell enables manipulation of simple tools and basic mechanical operations.
Weight Considerations. The spell affects creatures and objects by size category rather than specific weight limits.
Alternative Applications
Remote Manipulation. Operating switches, levers, or mechanisms from safe distances without physical contact.
Theft Prevention. Retrieving objects from enemies or preventing access to important items through telekinetic control.
Construction Aid. Assisting with building projects by moving heavy materials and positioning components precisely.
Related Spells
Object Control Progression. Various spells provide object manipulation, while Telekinesis offers the most comprehensive control options.
Transmutation Utility Magic. The spell represents practical transmutation magic focused on force manipulation.
Concentration Control Spells. The spell joins other sustained control magic requiring ongoing concentration investment.
Scaling Analysis
Fixed 5th-Level Power. Telekinesis cannot be upcast, representing consistent mid-level magical utility.
Sustained Value Maintenance. The spell remains valuable throughout character progression due to versatile applications.
Resource Investment Efficiency. The 5th-level slot provides excellent utility value for the significant spell investment.
Narrative Flavor
Mental Force Manifestation. The telekinetic effect should emphasize invisible force directed by pure mental concentration.
Precise Control Display. The manipulation should appear smooth and purposeful, reflecting the caster's mental discipline.
Thoughtful Force Application. The effect should convey the impression of mind over matter through focused magical will.