Understanding 'Familiar' in the Sending Spell of Dungeons Dragons 5th Edition

In Dungeons and Dragons (DD) 5th Edition, the Sending spell allows a caster to send a short message (up to 25 words) to a creature they are familiar with. This concept of 'familiarity' can often be nebulous, leading to varying interpretations among players and Dungeon Masters (DMs). Let's delve into what constitutes a creature that is familiar to the caster, the mental connection required, and the nuance of DM discretion in enforcing this rule.

Significance of 'Familiar Creatures'

The recipient of the Sending spell must be a creature that the caster is familiar with. In the context of Known Creatures, this means the caster must have encountered the recipient before, either as a friend, ally, or even an enemy. The familiarity doesn't have to be extensive, as long as the caster can visualize the creature in their mind. However, simply seeing the creature from a distance is not necessarily enough. The caster should have a clear, mental image of the recipient.

Mental Connection and Discretion

The phrase 'familiar creature' introduces an intriguing level of complexity to the Sending spell. In an earlier spell, Scrying, the term 'familiar creature' is defined as one the caster knows well. My interpretation of it is that a creature must be someone with whom you are on friendly terms, someone you could recognize in a crowd.

DM Discretion and Practical Examples

Due to the lack of a clear definition, DMs often need to apply discretion when determining whether a creature is familiar to the caster. Here are some practical guidelines and examples:

Made Eye Contact: The creature should have made eye contact with the caster. This is a significant step in familiarizing the caster with the recipient. Conversations: The extent of the familiarization often depends on the number and nature of conversations. Speaking with the creature is a good start, but merely meeting briefly might not suffice. A significant amount of conversation, such as several hours over multiple encounters, would likely be sufficient. Descriptive NPCs: Even if a creature is not familiar, updated descriptions, physical appearances, or identifying items can help the caster visualize the recipient. For example, if an NPC has a distinctive hat or a particular way of speaking, the caster might still be able to 'see' them in their mind.

Note that the margin of failure increases with the level of familiarity. Caster confidence in recognizing the creature with just a few brief interactions is generally lower than with more extensive and frequent interactions.

Example of Implementation in Play

Let's consider a scenario where an Wizard (caster) uses the Sending spell to communicate with a creature they encounter in the field. The Wizard is familiar with a local blacksmith who often assists them during their adventures. The blacksmith is well-known to the Wizard, having spoken with them on numerous occasions and even made eye contact in previous interactions. The Wizard feels confident enough to use the Sending spell to quickly relay important information to the blacksmith without fear of misidentification.

Conclusion

The term 'familiar' in the context of the Sending spell in DD 5th Edition is indeed open to interpretation. While it generally refers to a creature the caster has encountered and can visualize, the specific extent of familiarity can vary. DM discretion is a crucial element in determining the level of familiarity required. By considering these guidelines, players and DMs can make more informed and nuanced decisions when using the Sending spell, enhancing the immersion and enjoyment of their DD sessions.

Do you have any additional insights or rules for determining 'familiar creatures'? Share your thoughts in the comments below!