How do illusions work?

An illusion is a magical effect that makes its target see, hear, feel, or smell something that isn’t really there. An illusion toys with our perceptions and performs tricks in our minds. If a Game Master chooses to add an illusion to an encounter, they should do what they can to play the game as if the illusion is real.

Some great examples of illusions are:

• An illusory stone wall hides a secret door.

• An illusion of a terrible owl bear blocks the hallway, scaring away adventurers.

• Imaginary sounds of the approaching City Guard can scare away a pack of ruffians.

In order to keep the illusion as believable as possible, this is one of the rare occasions where a Game Master might make an initial Saving Throw on the adventurer’s behalf.  This way players won’t know they are in the presence of an illusion. Do this out of sight of the players. One Saving Throw for the entire party.

Illusions have one fatal flaw. Lower-level illusions, for instance, often can create compelling visuals but don’t allow sound or physical effects - like flames without heat. Or they can create sounds but no visual effects. As the players’ characters grow suspicious, give them a chance to disbelieve the illusion by remaking their Saving Throw.