A Simple Guide to the “Friends” Spell

The Magic of Making Friends

Picture yourself talking to a guard at a gate who doesn’t look too happy to see you. You’re about to ask for permission to pass, but you’re worried it won’t go well. What if there was a way to make sure he’d let you through easily?

In Dungeons & Dragons 5e, the “Friends” spell helps you do just that. It gives you a temporary charm boost, making you more persuasive and helping you win people over.

This charm can be useful, but it has its dangers. It lasts for a minute, and once it’s gone, the person will realize something magical happened. They might feel betrayed or upset, and if you’re not careful, it could turn into a big problem. It’s important to know when and where to use it, just as much as knowing how to use it.

Will anything bad happen after the spell is done? Are you ready to deal with a frustrated merchant or an angry guard? If used carefully, this magic can open new chances, but you need to plan well, use the right timing, and maybe have a backup plan in case things go wrong.

In this guide, we’ll go over the Friends cantrip and explain when it’s good to use, along with any risks. Whether you’re a bard who can charm anyone or a rogue trying to avoid a fight, knowing the strengths and weaknesses of this spell can really help you out

We’ll explore how this spell works, some cool ways to use it, and how to avoid any problems, so you can use it safely and effectively.

A Quick Overview of the Friends Cantrip

The Friends cantrip is a social spell that gives you a temporary edge in interacting with one creature. It’s a freebie for spellcasters like sorcerers, warlocks, and wizards, and it only takes a single action to cast.

Unlike flashy combat spells, Friends shines outside the battlefield, where words and wit take the spotlight.

Here’s the gist of what this spell does:

• You pick one creature that isn’t already hostile toward you.

• For one minute, you gain advantage on Charisma checks with that creature. This means you get to roll twice for skills like Persuasion or Deception and take the better result.

• Once the spell wears off, the creature realizes you used magic on them and becomes hostile. This reaction can play out in many ways, depending on who you targeted and the circumstances.

Essentially, Friends gives you a magical boost to sway someone for a short time, but you’ll also have to deal with the fallout once they figure out your trick.

How Friends Works in Practice

Mechanically, Friends is pretty straightforward. To cast the spell, you need a material component (a bit of makeup or face paint you can apply as part of the casting), but its real power lies in timing and execution.

Imagine you’re trying to change someone’s mind during a high-stakes moment, such as bargaining for crucial information or convincing someone you’re not a threat.

The spell’s advantage on Charisma-based skills can be a lifesaver in moments where luck feels like the only thing standing between you and success.

But here’s the kicker. When the spell ends, the target knows you’ve interfered with their mind. Their reaction will depend on who they are and how much your little magical trick upset them. A kind-hearted NPC might feel disappointed or betrayed, while a temperamental bandit might attack on the spot.

The spell doesn’t guarantee success in every scenario, but it can lead to some hilarious, dramatic, or outright chaotic moments in your D&D sessions.

The Benefits of Choosing Friends

Despite the challenges, the Friends cantrip has a lot going for it, especially if you’re the type of player who loves problem-solving creatively in social situations. Here’s what makes it special:

• Versatility in Roleplay: Every game of D&D is built on storytelling, and Friends offers plenty of ways to deepen that story. Using it can lead to comical misunderstandings, tense standoffs, or clever escapes, depending on how you spin the moment.

• Saving the Day Without a Fight: If you’re in a sticky situation but want to avoid outright combat, Friends can buy you crucial time. Whether you’re trying to talk your way out of trouble or distract a guard while the rogue picks a lock, this spell can turn the tide.

• Free to Use: Unlike higher-level spells, cantrips don’t consume spell slots. You can cast Friends as often as you need, making it an unlimited tool in your charm arsenal.

• Low Barrier to Entry: New to spellcasting? No problem. This cantrip is easy to understand, even if you’re just learning the ropes of D&D.

The key to loving the Friends spell is recognizing its role in the game. Think of it as a spark for storytelling and improvisation. If you’re willing to embrace the drama of what happens after the spell ends, it can lead to some fantastic moments at the table.

The Risks You Need to Watch Out For

Here’s the unavoidable downside of Friends: the spell is a ticking time bomb. When it ends after one minute, the target becomes fully aware you used magic to influence them, and their attitude toward you sours. How badly this turns out depends on who you’ve targeted and the situation.

Here are some risks to think about:

• Hostile Reactions: The spell flat-out states that the target becomes hostile when it ends. For creatures already prone to violence, this likely means they’re charging at you with weapons drawn.

• Betrayal Isn’t Forgotten: Even if the target doesn’t attack you, nobody likes being manipulated. A shopkeeper might ban you from their store, or an influential noble might spread damaging rumors about your party.

• Unpredictable Fallout: With D&D being a game of infinite possibilities, the Dungeon Master (DM) determines how the target reacts. One wrong move could turn a peaceful chat into a kingdom-wide disaster. Choose your targets wisely!

All in all, Friends asks for careful planning and quick thinking. It’s a spell that rewards creative solutions but punishes carelessness.

Tips for Mastering the Friends Cantrip

Now that you know the highs and lows of Friends, here are a few pro tips to use it more effectively:

• Target Wisely: Choose a target who isn’t directly in a position of power or someone you’ll need to deal with long-term. Low-stakes characters, like small-time merchants or random NPCs, are less risky choices.

• Blend it Into the Narrative: Roleplay the consequences! If things go wrong after casting Friends, lean into the drama. Some of the best D&D stories come from chaotic or unexpected moments.

• Make Every Second Count: You only have one minute to benefit from the spell. Plan your words carefully and achieve your goal quickly. Dragging things out could lead to trouble.

• Prepare for the Fallout: Always have a Plan B in case things go south. Have backup in the form of your teammates, a clever distraction, or even an escape route if needed.

• Use Sparingly: This spell is most powerful when used for key moments, not every minor inconvenience. Save it for occasions where the drama and potential fallout will make an impact on the story.

Wrapping It All Up

The Friends spell may seem small, but it’s full of chances for exciting moments! It helps you get the upper hand in conversations, whether you need to win someone over, persuade a guard, or talk your way out of trouble.

The magic of Friends is more than just the spell itself—it can create ripples. When the magic fades, the person will realize they’ve been influenced by magic, and that could bring about some surprising or dramatic moments..

Think about what could happen if the guard you charmed finds out you tricked them. Will they try to get revenge or just keep it to themselves? Could someone you charmed accidentally spread rumors that make your team start to doubt you?

The spell lasts a short time, but it can bring a lot of unexpected consequences, perfect for players who like a bit of fun chaos.

Friends isn’t just about getting what you want in the moment—it’s about creating moments that bring surprises, funny mix-ups, and challenges that make things more exciting

Use it carefully to improve your story, and don’t be afraid to get creative with how you apply it. The best part is having fun with the unexpected turns it gives you. It’s not just about the magic—it’s about the adventures that unfold!

FAQs About the Friends Cantrip

1. Can I cast Friends on more than one creature at a time?

No, the spell only works on one creature per casting and affects only that specific target.

2. Does Friends work on creatures that can’t understand my language?

The target needs to be capable of social interaction, which typically means they must understand you to some degree. It’s not effective on animals or creatures that lack intelligence for conversation.

3. What happens if I end the spell early?

The same consequence applies. The target will still realize you used magic on them and react accordingly.

4. Can I avoid the fallout if I leave the area before the spell ends?

You might escape immediate consequences, but if the target has the means to track you down, they may still hold a grudge.

5. Is Friends worth choosing over other cantrips?

It depends on your play style. If you enjoy social intrigue and roleplaying, Friends can be great. If you prefer combat-focused or utility spells, you may want to consider alternatives like Prestidigitation or Mage Hand.