Whispers of Greed
Whispers of Greed
Level 7 Enchantment
Casting Time: 1 minute
Range: 30 feet
Components: V, S, M (a handful of coins emblazoned with devilish visages)
Duration: Up to 1 hour (concentration)
Description: With a guttural chant and a seductive toss of the coins, you weave insidious promises of wealth and power into the very air. A shimmering aura of avarice surrounds you, subtly twisting the desires of those within its reach. Choose one of the following effects:
Infernal Auction: The whispers stir a consuming desire for possession within each creature of your choice within range. Creatures must make a Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, a creature becomes obsessed with acquiring more wealth and power, regardless of the cost. They will dedicate themselves to obtaining any treasure or opportunity that presents itself, even if it means betraying allies or endangering themselves. This obsession lasts for the duration of the spell, and affected creatures are compelled to seek out the caster to make deals or bargains in exchange for furthering their newfound goal.
Corrupted Contract: You target a single creature within range, weaving whispers of a seemingly irresistible pact into their mind. The target must make a Charisma saving throw. On a failed save, the target believes they have entered into a binding agreement with you, offering something of great value (such as a treasured possession, a skill, or even their loyalty) in exchange for immense wealth or power. This perceived agreement is entirely illusory, created by the spell, and you can manipulate or exploit the terms to your advantage, leaving the target feeling cheated and resentful once the spell ends.
Hidden Hoard: The whispers imbue you with the ability to sense and manipulate latent greed within others. For the duration of the spell, you can detect the presence of hidden treasure within 60 feet of you, regardless of whether it is concealed or enchanted. Additionally, as an action, you can choose one object within range that you have sensed and compel it to move towards you, teleporting directly into your hands if it is not secured or warded against such effects.
At Higher Levels: When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 8th level or higher, the range of the Infernal Auction and Hidden Hoard effects increases by 30 feet for each slot level above 7th. Additionally, the value of the perceived contract offered in the Corrupted Contract effect increases with the level of the spell slot used, potentially offering greater incentives and manipulation opportunities.
Classes: Warlock (any patron), Bard (College of Whispers), Sorcerer (Shadow Magic), Rogue (Oath of Treachery)
Lore: Whispered amongst devils and those who tread the path of infernal bargains, Whispers of Greed embodies the manipulative allure of the Abyss. This spell sows seeds of avarice, crafts illusory pacts, and reveals hidden riches, making it a tool of immense potential for those who understand the persuasive whispers of greed and the price of infernal favors. With its subtle manipulations and ethically ambiguous applications, Whispers of Greed demands careful consideration and an ironclad will, lest you become consumed by the very avarice you unleash.
Notes:
This spell offers strategic control, manipulation, and treasure-hunting options. The choice of effect allows for adaptation to diverse needs and roleplaying opportunities. The upcasting potential expands the range and increases the perceived value of the infernal contract, furthering the spell's impact. The morally ambiguous nature of the spell and its focus on manipulation encourage creative roleplaying, strategic decision-making, and exploration of the corrupting influence of wealth and power.
Range: 30 feet
Components: V, S, M (a handful of coins emblazoned with devilish visages)
Duration: Up to 1 hour (concentration)
Description: With a guttural chant and a seductive toss of the coins, you weave insidious promises of wealth and power into the very air. A shimmering aura of avarice surrounds you, subtly twisting the desires of those within its reach. Choose one of the following effects:
Infernal Auction: The whispers stir a consuming desire for possession within each creature of your choice within range. Creatures must make a Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, a creature becomes obsessed with acquiring more wealth and power, regardless of the cost. They will dedicate themselves to obtaining any treasure or opportunity that presents itself, even if it means betraying allies or endangering themselves. This obsession lasts for the duration of the spell, and affected creatures are compelled to seek out the caster to make deals or bargains in exchange for furthering their newfound goal.
Corrupted Contract: You target a single creature within range, weaving whispers of a seemingly irresistible pact into their mind. The target must make a Charisma saving throw. On a failed save, the target believes they have entered into a binding agreement with you, offering something of great value (such as a treasured possession, a skill, or even their loyalty) in exchange for immense wealth or power. This perceived agreement is entirely illusory, created by the spell, and you can manipulate or exploit the terms to your advantage, leaving the target feeling cheated and resentful once the spell ends.
Hidden Hoard: The whispers imbue you with the ability to sense and manipulate latent greed within others. For the duration of the spell, you can detect the presence of hidden treasure within 60 feet of you, regardless of whether it is concealed or enchanted. Additionally, as an action, you can choose one object within range that you have sensed and compel it to move towards you, teleporting directly into your hands if it is not secured or warded against such effects.
At Higher Levels: When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 8th level or higher, the range of the Infernal Auction and Hidden Hoard effects increases by 30 feet for each slot level above 7th. Additionally, the value of the perceived contract offered in the Corrupted Contract effect increases with the level of the spell slot used, potentially offering greater incentives and manipulation opportunities.
Classes: Warlock (any patron), Bard (College of Whispers), Sorcerer (Shadow Magic), Rogue (Oath of Treachery)
Lore: Whispered amongst devils and those who tread the path of infernal bargains, Whispers of Greed embodies the manipulative allure of the Abyss. This spell sows seeds of avarice, crafts illusory pacts, and reveals hidden riches, making it a tool of immense potential for those who understand the persuasive whispers of greed and the price of infernal favors. With its subtle manipulations and ethically ambiguous applications, Whispers of Greed demands careful consideration and an ironclad will, lest you become consumed by the very avarice you unleash.
Notes:
This spell offers strategic control, manipulation, and treasure-hunting options. The choice of effect allows for adaptation to diverse needs and roleplaying opportunities. The upcasting potential expands the range and increases the perceived value of the infernal contract, furthering the spell's impact. The morally ambiguous nature of the spell and its focus on manipulation encourage creative roleplaying, strategic decision-making, and exploration of the corrupting influence of wealth and power.
Very interesting article. The power it gave the wielder and affects were very fun. I loved the descriptions you gave for everything. Very well put together.
Many thanks! I've always loved magic, and felt that while I understand d&d 5e designer's intent to make the game easier to play, I have missed the wealth of possibility a more robust spell set provides. It doesn't always have to be a combat spell, and a combat spell doesn't always have to deal damage. Magic is wild and so can it's effects be. Glad you liked it!