Do you want to take your nature-loving class to the next level? Look no further than the Speak with Animals 5e spell in Dungeons & Dragons. This spell allows you to communicate with beasts in a two-way manner, opening up a whole new world of possibilities. With my Speak with Animals 5e guide, you can make the most out of this spell and even discover new ways to use it. So, let’s dive in and explore the depths of the animal kingdom together!
A Simple Look at Speak with Animals 5e
- Level: 1st
- School: Divination
- Casting Time: 1 action
- Range/Target: Self
- Components: V, S
- Duration: 10 minutes
- Class: Bard, Druid, Ranger
You can cast Speak with Animals in 5e as a Bard, Druid, or Ranger right from the start. It can be cast as a ritual without using a spell slot, but if you’re short on time, it will require a spell slot. This spell is cast on yourself and works exclusively on beasts, allowing you to communicate with creatures that have the “beast” tag in the manual.
What is Speak with Animals D&D 5e?
Speak with Animals is a spell that grants you the ability to comprehend and verbally communicate with beasts as long as the spell is active. Not all beasts can communicate in the same way, as their intelligence plays a crucial role. While most beasts can give you directions, inform you about food/water sources, and share their experiences from the last 24 hours, some intelligent beasts can communicate with you in a language like Common or Sylvan, depending on your creativity and the Dungeon Master’s discretion.
What is a Beast in D&D 5e?
Beasts are non-humanoid creatures in Dungeons and Dragons. However, not all non-humanoids are considered beasts. Beasts are generally unintelligent and lack a common society or language. To identify a beast, Dungeon Masters can easily check the creature’s type, as each one is tagged accordingly. Other types include aberration, celestial, construct, dragon, elemental, fey, fiend, giant, humanoid, monstrosity, ooze, plant, and undead. So, if a creature doesn’t fall under any other type, it’s most likely a beast.
Unique Ways to Use Speak with Animals 5e
Unlike straightforward spells like Eldritch Blast or Magic Missile, Speak with Animals offers endless possibilities for creative usage. Here are a few unique ways you can make the most out of this spell:
Perform a Favor
If the beast you’re communicating with is intelligent, it can assist you with various tasks. You can ask it to retrieve something from a tree, relay messages to other animals, or even send a message from the wilderness to a nearby town. The only limit is your imagination!
Combine with a Skill Check
Integrate Speak with Animals with your existing skill set. Skills like Animal Handling can be an obvious choice, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box. For instance, using Performance to entertain a beast or utilizing Religion to establish a spiritual connection can lead to unexpected and fascinating results.
Ask for Directions
Sometimes, the simplest way to utilize Speak with Animals is by asking for directions. If you’re lost or in unfamiliar territory, beasts can guide you to safety or help you find essential resources. Just remember to set aside your pride and seek their aid.
Find Out Local Lore
When you’re unsure about the history or nature of a particular area, beasts can provide valuable insights. They can share information about potential dangers, safe food sources, or even enlighten you with captivating stories, both true and mythical. Listening to their tales can turn an ordinary journey into an extraordinary adventure.
Make a New Friend
Building a bond with a beast is a delightful way to use Speak with Animals. While you can’t make it your pet, you can establish a deep friendship. Chat with the beast during your downtime, and it may decide to accompany you on your travels. Alternatively, you can maintain regular communication with the beast, using it as a local contact or receiving messages through the animal grapevine.
Communicate with Your Pet
Even if you already have a pet, Speak with Animals can come in handy. While you may have your own way of communicating with your pet, this spell ensures there are no misunderstandings. Your pet might have valuable information or needs that cannot be conveyed through conventional means. So, give them a voice and listen attentively.
Calm Enemies
In situations where you encounter semi-neutral enemies that are also beasts, speaking with them can help avoid a unnecessary fight. By using Speak with Animals, you can be the voice of reason and use Persuasion to neutralize potential conflicts. For instance, if a party member accidentally upsets a beast, you can de-escalate the situation by explaining the misunderstanding.
Speak with a Wildshape Druid
Imagine the hilarity of communicating with your Druid friend who is currently in their Wildshape form. While in this form, Druids can’t use standard language, making Speak with Animals an essential means of communication. Just make sure to confirm if the specific Wildshape form is considered a beast, as not all forms fall under this category.
Now that we’ve explored various ways to use Speak with Animals, let’s also discuss how you can connect with animals in unconventional ways, even without the spell.
Speaking with Animals Without the Spell
While Speak with Animals is a fantastic spell, there are other ways to establish a connection with animals in Dungeons and Dragons. Here are a few alternatives:
Nature Check
A Nature or Animal Handling check can provide some level of communication with a beast, although it may not be in the form of a two-way conversation. Through these checks, you can understand certain non-verbal cues or behaviors exhibited by animals. For example, a tapping sound from a small furry creature might signal an upcoming storm. Similarly, History checks might yield limited information about the animals’ habits or nature.
Background Boost – Ex. Folk Hero
Certain character backgrounds, like the Folk Hero, can grant you the ability to communicate with animals, albeit partially. The Rustic Hospitality feature of the Folk Hero background can be extended to include beasts as well. While crafting a custom background is also an option, make sure to seek approval from the Dungeon Master to maintain balance within the game.
Forest Gnome
Forest Gnomes have a unique ability to communicate with small beasts, thanks to their innate connection with nature. As a Gnome subrace, Forest Gnomes can effortlessly speak with some animals. However, it’s worth noting that this ability is limited to small beasts, and communication with larger beasts may not be possible.
Ring of Animal Influence
The Ring of Animal Influence allows non-spellcasters to tap into the powers of animal-related spells, including Speak with Animals and Animal Friendship. Although finding this ring may not be easy, its charges can be replenished each night, providing you with the means to communicate with animals without relying on magic classes.
Learn Their Language
Certain creatures, such as Giant Eagle, Giant Elk, Giant Vulture, Giant Raven, and Giant Owl, possess their own unique languages in the 5e world. By learning these specific languages, you can effectively communicate with these beasts using Speak with Animals. Thankfully, any class can learn these languages, expanding your communication capabilities.
Be Newt Scamander
Emulate the famous character Newt Scamander from the Fantastic Beasts series, who had a natural ability to communicate with animals without relying on spells. Like Newt, you can study and observe animals, learning their non-verbal cues and quirks. By devoting yourself to understanding their behavior, you can establish a deeper connection and enhance your ability to communicate.
FAQs
Q: When does Speak with Animals 5e become the center of your character?
A: While making Speak with Animals the focus of your character can be exciting, it’s essential to strike a balance. Make sure it doesn’t overshadow the rest of the campaign or prevent other players from having fun. Instead, use this spell as a tool to enrich your gameplay and establish a unique bond with the creatures you encounter.
Speak with Animals is one of the most captivating spells in Dungeons and Dragons. It allows you to fulfill your dreams of speaking with animals, both in-game and in real life. So, embrace your inner animal whisperer and let the magic of communication unfold before you. And remember, the true essence of this spell lies in the connections you forge and the adventures that await!
