Telekinesis

You gain the ability to move or manipulate creatures or objects by thought. When you cast the spell, and as your action each round for the duration, you can exert your will on one creature or object that you can see within range, causing the appropriate effect below. You can affect the same target round after round, or choose a new one at any time. If you switch targets, the prior target is no longer affected by the spell. Creature: You can try to move a Huge or smaller creature. The target must make a Strength check contested by your spellcasting ability check. If you win, you move the creature up to 30 feet in any direction, including upward but not beyond the range of this spell. Until the end of your next turn, the creature is restrained in your telekinetic grip. Object: You can try to move an object that weighs up to 1,000 pounds. If the object isn't being worn or carried, you automatically move it up to 30 feet in any direction, but not beyond the range of this spell. If the object is worn or carried by a creature, you must make an ability check with your spellcasting ability contested by that creature's Strength check. If you succeed, you pull the object away and can move it up to 30 feet.

At a Glance

Level
5th
School
Transmutation
Casting Time
1 action
Range
60 feet
Duration
Concentration, up to 10 minutes
Concentration
Yes

How Telekinesis Works

Casting Time1 action
Range60 feet
ComponentsV, S
DurationConcentration, up to 10 minutesCONCENTRATION

Available to:

SorcererWizard

Common Mistakes

Common Mistake
Forgetting it requires your action each round to maintain and move the target
Common Mistake
Allowing objects heavier than 1,000 pounds to be moved
Common Mistake
Not using contested checks for creatures and worn/carried objects
Common Mistake
Thinking you can use it to make melee attacks with objects - the spell doesn't grant attack actions

DM Tips

DM Tip
Great for environmental puzzles and creative problem-solving
DM Tip
Lifting creatures and dropping them can be devastating - they take fall damage
DM Tip
The restrained condition is powerful - advantage for attackers, disadvantage for the target
DM Tip
Consider having enemies target the caster's concentration when someone is held telekinetically

Sources & Further Reading