Silence
For the duration, no sound can be created within or pass through a 20-foot-radius sphere centered on a point you choose within range. Any creature or object entirely inside the sphere is immune to thunder damage, and creatures are deafened while entirely inside it. Casting a spell that includes a verbal component is impossible there.
At a Glance
Level
2nd
School
Illusion
Casting Time
1 action
Range
120 feet
Duration
Concentration, up to 10 minutes
Concentration
Yes
How Silence Works
| Casting Time | 1 action |
|---|---|
| Range | 120 feet |
| Components | V, S |
| Duration | Concentration, up to 10 minutesCONCENTRATION |
| Ritual | Yes — can be cast without a spell slot (adds 10 minutes) |
Available to:
BardClericRanger
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Forgetting that the sphere can be centered on an object, allowing it to move
Common Mistake
Not enforcing that creatures must be entirely inside to be affected
Common Mistake
Allowing subtle spell to work - verbal components are impossible, even with Subtle Spell
Common Mistake
Forgetting it grants immunity to thunder damage for creatures inside
DM Tips
DM Tip
Devastating against enemy spellcasters who rely on verbal components
DM Tip
Can be centered on a moving creature or object to create a mobile silence zone
DM Tip
Great for stealth approaches - breaking down doors or fighting quietly
DM Tip
Remember that most spells have verbal components, so this shuts down most casting
Sources & Further Reading
- Silence — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full SRD text
- Silence — Roll20 Compendium — Structured reference
- Silence — D&D Beyond — Official digital reference