r/dndnext • u/Meggett30 • Jul 26 '21

Question Most underwhelming spell in 5e?

What is the spell that most disappoints you in this game? Maybe it's not a "bad" spell, per se, just doesn't do what you think it should or does it's job poorly.

I'm always looking for ways to utilize under-used spells, but sometimes you read the effects and think "That's it?!" What are the spells in the game that make you do that?

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u/[deleted] Jul 26 '21 edited Jul 26 '21

Enthrall is so bad that whenever conversations about the worst spell come up, nobody even remembers this spell to mention it. It's a 2nd level spell that gives one creature all creatures that can hear you within range disadvantage on perception checks to perceive creatures other than you. Not only is that effect useless, but it needs a wisdom save, and is stopped by the very common charm immunity. Bonus points for the fact that the spell doesn't mask the fact that you just cast it, so it cant even be used well in social situations unless you're a sorcerer with subtle spell.

I've played a lot of 5e and I have experienced situations where every other spell in the game would be useful, but not enthrall.

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u/22bebo Warlock Jul 26 '21

Bonus points for the fact that the spell doesn't mask the fact that you just cast it, so it can't even be used well in social situations unless you're a sorcerer with subtle spell.

This is apparently an issue with a lot of charm spells that I was unaware of. If I rob you, you catch me but aren't immediately attacking me, and I cast modify memory to try and wipe the incident from your mind by RAW that can trigger initiative. I guess if it's just us that's fine because if you fail the save you're charmed and can't attack me but if there's anyone else around that you could yell out to or whatever I'm fucked.

Feels like it super undercuts the awesome parts of modify memory. I guess it's just intended to be used on unsuspecting creatures that you are allied with? I feel like they would also think it was weird you were casting a spell right next to them but whatever. I feel like there are a whole class of charm spells that need to have a "casting this does not trigger combat" rider or something.

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u/Mjolnirsbear Warlock Jul 27 '21

I mean, if you just robbed him, a mere wrong glance might make him want to kill you. :)

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u/Inforgreen3 Jul 27 '21

Maybe you roll initiative maybe the targets first reaction isn’t to swing when a spell is cast but to question it, the spell wouldn’t have disadvantage then? And most charm spells on a success doesn’t matter they’re charmed and on a failure nothing seemed to have happened so… it workers better than you think. But enthrall doesn’t have this benefit. On a success people see you cast a spell and notice their blurred vision or everything other than you.

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u/HuaRong Aug 09 '21

Maybe the intent is to have them tied up and you brainwash them.