Tongues
- Level: 3
- School: Divination
- Class: Bard, Cleric, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard
- Casting Time: Action
- Range: Touch
- Components: V, M (a miniature ziggurat)
- Duration: 1 hour
This spell grants the creature you touch the ability to understand any spoken or signed language that it hears or sees. Moreover, when the target communicates by speaking or signing, any creature that knows at least one language can understand it if that creature can hear the speech or see the signing.
Tactical Usage
Universal Communication Tool. Tongues eliminates language barriers during diplomatic encounters and information gathering.
Intelligence Gathering Enhancement. The spell enables communication with any creature that knows at least one language.
Social Encounter Facilitator. Universal communication creates opportunities for negotiation and peaceful resolution.
Spell Combinations
Diplomatic Magic Enhancement. Combining with charm or persuasion magic maximizes social encounter effectiveness.
Investigation Support. Using alongside divination magic enables comprehensive information gathering from diverse sources.
Cultural Interaction. Pairing with knowledge magic helps navigate complex cultural and linguistic challenges.
Material Component Details
Miniature Ziggurat Symbol. The tiny ziggurat represents ancient wisdom and linguistic diversity across cultures.
Architectural Component Significance. The ziggurat symbolizes the tower of languages and communication across different civilizations.
Reusable Focus Item. The component is not consumed, allowing repeated use once the miniature structure is acquired.
Creator Notes
Communication Utility Magic. Tongues provides essential mechanics for cross-cultural communication and exploration.
Bidirectional Translation. The spell enables both understanding incoming language and being understood by others.
Limited Duration Balance. The one-hour duration encourages strategic use while providing substantial communication windows.
Environmental Interactions
Spoken and Signed Languages. The spell affects both auditory and visual communication methods equally.
Knowledge Requirement. The spell works only with creatures that know at least one language.
Touch Range Limitation. The caster must physically touch the target during spell activation.
Common Rulings & Clarifications
Universal Understanding. The target understands any spoken or signed language they encounter.
Communication Reciprocity. Others can understand the target regardless of their specific language knowledge.
Language Knowledge Prerequisite. The spell requires the listener to know at least one language.
Duration Management. The effect lasts for one hour without requiring concentration.
Alternative Applications
Cultural Research. Enabling scholars to study ancient texts or communicate with indigenous populations.
Trade Facilitation. Supporting merchants and negotiators in cross-cultural commercial interactions.
Legal Proceedings. Providing translation services for trials or formal diplomatic proceedings.
Related Spells
Communication Magic Comparison. Various spells enable communication, while Tongues focuses specifically on language translation.
Divination Social Magic. The spell represents practical divination magic for understanding and communication.
Cross-Cultural Utility. The spell connects to magical traditions enabling interaction across diverse civilizations.
Scaling Analysis
Fixed 3rd-Level Utility. Tongues cannot be upcast, representing consistent mid-level communication capabilities.
Universal Application Value. The spell maintains relevance throughout progression as language barriers persist.
Diplomatic Scaling Importance. The spell becomes increasingly valuable in complex political and cultural scenarios.
Narrative Flavor
Linguistic Mastery Manifestation. The effect should emphasize sudden understanding and fluency across all languages.
Cultural Bridge Formation. The spell should convey breaking down communication barriers between different peoples.
Ancient Wisdom Connection. The effect should suggest tapping into fundamental linguistic knowledge through magical insight.