You create an illusion of an object, a creature, or some other visible phenomenon within range that activates when a specific trigger occurs. The illusion is imperceptible until then. It must be no larger than a 30-foot Cube, and you decide when you cast the spell how the illusion behaves and what sounds it makes. This scripted performance can last up to 5 minutes. When the trigger you specify occurs, the illusion springs into existence and performs in the manner you described. Once the illusion finishes performing, it disappears and remains dormant for 10 minutes, after which the illusion can be activated again. The trigger can be as general or as detailed as you like, though it must be based on visual or audible phenomena that occur within 30 feet of the area. For example, you could create an illusion of yourself to appear and warn off others who attempt to open a trapped door. Physical interaction with the image reveals it to be illusory, since things can pass through it. A creature that takes the Study action to examine the image can determine that it is an illusion with a successful Intelligence (Investigation) check against your spell save DC. If a creature discerns the illusion for what it is, the creature can see through the image, and any noise it makes sounds hollow to the creature.
RollQuest summary Requires jade dust worth 25+ GP (not consumed).
SRD 5.2.1, p.156 · CC BY 4.0
Try this spell in RollQuest
Cast Programmed Illusion on a real battle map. Pick a caster and a target and RollQuest plays the effect for everyone at the table. Free to start.
Run Programmed Illusion through our free DnD 5e character sheet
Give Programmed Illusion to your character and cast it straight from the sheet. RollQuest rolls the dice with your spellcasting modifier, posts the total in chat for the table and keeps count of your spell slots. See how our DnD 5e character sheet works, for 5e and 5.5e.
