This new illusion spell creates a horrifying mask that can frighten creatures or drive them insane. Its maddening powers grow more powerful when cast at higher levels.
Masque of Madness
4th level illusion
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 30 feet
Components: V, S
Duration: 1 Minute
You create an image that covers your face with a horrifying visage. When a creature that can see you starts its turn within range, it must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or become frightened by you for the duration. If the saving throw fails by 5 or more, the creature is instead afflicted with a short term madness for the duration.
Unless surprised, a creature can avert its eyes to avoid the saving throw at the start of its turn. If the creature does so, it can’t see you until the start of its next turn, when it can avert its eyes again. If the creature looks at you in the meantime, it must immediately make the save.
Classes: Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard
At Master Level. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 5th-7th level, a creature that fails its saving throw by 5 or more is afflicted with a short term madness for 1d10 minutes. Also, choose 1 option:
- The range increases by 10 feet for each slot level above 4th.
or - The duration increases by 5 rounds (30 seconds) for each slot level above 4th.
At Epic Level. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 8th or 9th level, a creature that fails its saving throw by 5 or more is afflicted with a short term madness for 1d10 minutes. A creature that fails its saving throw by 10 or more is afflicted with a long term madness for 1d10 days. Also, choose 1 option:
- The range increases by 10 feet for each slot level above 4th.
or - The duration increases by 5 rounds (30 seconds) for each slot level above 4th.
Upcasting Spells in Dungeons & Dragons 5e
The 5th edition Dungeons & Dragons rules have few options for upcasting spells beyond increasing the damage or number of targets. This new spell can be found in our upcoming book, Upcasting: New options for casting spells at higher levels.
The book provides new options for spellcasters who want to add more flavor and powers to their favorite spells and cantrips.
At Higher Levels. When you cast a spell using a slot that is of a higher level than the spell, the spell assumes the higher level for that casting. The higher the spell slot expended, the more powerful the spell becomes. Most spells have several benefit options to choose from.
At Master Level. Even experienced adventurers don’t have many high level spell slots, so expending one on a lower level spell should be worthwhile. When you cast a lower level spell using a spell slot of 5th-7th level, you gain master level benefits in addition to the higher level benefit you chose.
At Epic Level. Only the mightiest spellcasters have 8th and 9th level spell slots, so using one is an epic move. When you cast a spell using a spell slot of 8th or 9th level, you gain epic level benefits in addition to the higher level benefit you chose.
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