Friends: 5e Mechanics and Guide To Using the Spell

Spell Description:

For the duration, you have advantage on all Charisma checks directed at one creature of your choice that isn’t hostile toward you.

When the spell ends, the creature realizes that you used magic to influence its mood and becomes hostile toward you. A creature prone to violence might attack you.

Another creature might seek retribution in other ways (at the DM’s discretion), depending on the nature of your interaction with it.

Who Can Cast Friends?

Bards, Sorcerers, Warlocks, and Wizards can cast the Friends spell directly from their spell lists without any fancy footwork.

All four of these classes will get access to the Friends spell immediately as it is a cantrip.

Outside of these classes, taking Magic Initiate and choosing one of these classes will allow you to cast the Friends spell.

What Is Friends?

Friends is a cantrip-level Enchantment spell. It grants the caster advantage on all Charisma checks against the target for up to 1 minute. The spell requires Concentration to keep the spell’s effect active.

Once the spell’s effect resolves, the target realizes that magic was used to influence their mood and become hostile toward the caster.

When and Where Should I Cast Friends?

Honestly, you shouldn’t. Friends is not a very good spell, especially not for making friends.

However, if you happen to be a Sorcerer who took Subtle Spell as one of their Metamagic features, you could use Subtle Spell to hide the casting of Friends.

Then, use the spell not to make friends but to provoke people into attacking you seemingly without reason to any onlookers. 

Why Should I Take Friends?

Think of Friends not as a utility spell to make friends but as a utility spell to make enemies. Ultimately, the spell boils down to “take a creature who is not hostile to you and make them hostile towards you.”

If you are looking for a spell to provoke people into attacking you, Friends is a good option.

Common Questions About Friends