Modify Memory

You attempt to reshape another creature's memories. One creature that you can see must make a Wisdom saving throw. If you are fighting the creature, it has advantage on the saving throw. On a failed save, the target becomes <a href="/rules/conditions/charmed-condition-5e/">charmed</a> by you for the duration. The <a href="/rules/conditions/charmed-condition-5e/">charmed</a> target is <a href="/rules/conditions/incapacitated-condition-5e/">incapacitated</a> and unaware of its surroundings, though it can still hear you. If it takes any damage or is targeted by another spell, this spell ends, and none of the target's memories are modified. While this charm lasts, you can affect the target's memory of an event that it experienced within the last 24 hours and that lasted no more than 10 minutes. You can permanently eliminate all memory of the event, allow the target to recall the event with perfect clarity, reduce its clarity, or change its memory. You must speak to the target to describe how its memories are affected, and it must be able to understand your language for the modified memories to take root. Its mind fills in any gaps in the details of your description. If the spell ends before you have finished describing the modified memories, the creature's memory isn't altered. Otherwise, the modified memories take hold when the spell ends.

At a Glance

Level
5th
School
Enchantment
Casting Time
1 action
Range
30 feet
Duration
Concentration, up to 1 minute
Concentration
Yes

How Modify Memory Works

Casting Time1 action
Range30 feet
ComponentsV, S
DurationConcentration, up to 1 minuteCONCENTRATION
Saving ThrowWisdom

Available to:

At Higher Levels

If you cast this spell using a spell slot of 6th level or higher, you can alter the target's memories of an event that took place up to 7 days ago (6th level), 30 days ago (7th level), 1 year ago (8th level), or any time in the creature's past (9th level).

Common Mistakes

Common Mistake
Trying to modify memories while in combat - target has advantage
Common Mistake
Forgetting the event must be 10 minutes or less
Common Mistake
Not describing the modified memory clearly
Common Mistake
Thinking you can modify any memory - base spell only works on last 24 hours

DM Tips

DM Tip
Incredibly powerful for espionage, infiltration, and cover-ups
DM Tip
The target's mind fills in gaps, so you don't need perfect details
DM Tip
Can be used to make enemies forget alliances or create false memories of friendship
DM Tip
At 9th level, can rewrite a creature's entire history

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Further Reading