Zone of Truth
Level 2 · Enchantment
- Save
- AOE
Listed under enchantment, Zone of Truth costs a 2nd-level slot for bard, cleric, and paladin casters. Cast time: Action. Range 60 feet, components V/S, duration 10 minutes. Effect: You create a magical zone that guards against deception in a 15- foot-radius Sphere centered on a point within range.
Stat Block
- Level
- 2
- School
- Enchantment
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range / Area
- 60 feet
- Components
- V, S
- Duration
- 10 Minutes
- Ritual
- No
- Concentration
- No
- Classes
- Bard, Cleric, Paladin
- Material
- —
Description
You create a magical zone that guards against deception in a 15- foot-radius Sphere centered on a point within range. Until the spell ends, a creature that enters the spell's area for the first time on a turn or starts its turn there makes a Charisma saving throw. On a failed save, a creature can't speak a deliberate lie while in the radius. You know whether a creature succeeds or fails on this save. An affected creature is aware of the spell and can avoid answering questions to which it would normally respond with a lie. Such a creature can be evasive yet must be truthful.
5e (2014) vs 2024 changes
This spell has both a 5e (2014) and 2024 Player's Handbook version. Doungim shows the current 2024 stat block above. Differences between editions typically affect components, range, or scaling — check both source books for the table.
Doungim Lore
School Fit
The Enchantment tradition is built on a paradox: it works only on creatures with minds, and creatures with minds are the most likely to have the saving throws to resist it. Zone of Truth is Enchantment because the spell rewrites a sentient creature's intent or perception. 2nd-level slots become common enough that Zone of Truth can be cast in two or three encounters per long rest.
Class Fit
- Bard: For a Bard, Zone of Truth is best paired with another spell using the same target on the same turn — Bonus-Action plus Action layering is where the class wins fights. 60 feet is enough range that Zone of Truth doesn't pull the caster forward.
- Cleric: Wisdom is the Cleric's casting stat, and the DC scales with proficiency bonus plus Wis modifier — Zone of Truth is castable at the Cleric's normal DC. Zone of Truth reaches 60 feet, which lets the caster stay clear of the front line.
- Paladin: Tier-2 Paladins get fewer slots than a full caster but Smite makes each slot count for more damage; Zone of Truth earns its place when damage isn't what's needed. At 60 feet, Zone of Truth stays usable from the caster's typical positioning.
Related Spells
Frequently Asked Questions about Zone of Truth
- What level spell is Zone of Truth?
- Zone of Truth is a level 2 spell from the Enchantment school. The classes that can prepare it: Bard, Cleric, Paladin.
- What save does Zone of Truth require?
- Zone of Truth forces a Charisma save. The DC is the caster's spell save DC (8 + proficiency + casting modifier).
- What is the range of Zone of Truth?
- The range on Zone of Truth is 60 feet — far enough that most casters can stay clear of the front line.
- How long does Zone of Truth last?
- Without concentration, Zone of Truth runs for its full 10 minutes duration regardless of what else the caster is doing.
- What components and casting time does Zone of Truth need?
- For Zone of Truth: the components are V, S, casting is a normal Action.