Minor Illusion: choose sound or an object image

SRD 5.2.1 · Spell decisions

Before casting

At the table

1. Choose a sound or an object image within range; casting again ends the earlier illusion.
2. An object image must fit within a 5-foot Cube and creates no sound, light, smell or other sensory effect.
3. Physical interaction reveals an image; Study and a successful Investigation check against the spell save DC can reveal either option.

Example decision

A caster chooses the image option to depict a small glowing lantern. Does that image itself illuminate nearby writing?

No; the image option cannot create light.

The image can depict an object, but the image clause expressly excludes creating light. It cannot supply real illumination for reading nearby writing. If actual illumination is the goal, use a capability that provides it. If the goal is visual misdirection, consider whether physical interaction or inspection could reveal the illusion.

Watch for this mistake

One casting chooses sound or image; it does not automatically combine an object image with a matching sound. Once a creature discerns the illusion, it becomes faint to that creature rather than necessarily ending for everyone.

Ask the table

Is the intended result a sound or an object image, and which sensory effect is actually required?

Source spell

Illusion Cantrip (Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard) Casting Time: Action Range: 30 feet Components: S, M (a bit of fleece) Duration: 1 minute You create a sound or an image of an object within range that lasts for the duration. See the descriptions below for the effects of each. The illusion ends if you cast this spell again. If a creature takes a Study action to examine the sound or image, the creature can determine that it is an illusion with a successful Intelligence (Investigation) check against your spell save DC. If a creature discerns the illusion for what it is, the illusion becomes faint to the creature. Sound. If you create a sound, its volume can range from a whisper to a scream. It can be your voice, someone else’s voice, a lion’s roar, a beating of drums, or any other sound you choose. The sound continues unabated throughout the duration, or you can make discrete sounds at different times before the spell ends. Image. If you create an image of an object—such as a chair, muddy footprints, or a small chest—it must be no larger than a 5-foot Cube. The image can’t create sound, light, smell, or any other sensory effect. Physical interaction with the image reveals it to be an illusion, since things can pass through it.

Source: SRD 5.2.1, 149. Online guide.