Pass Without Trace 5e – Everything You Need to Know

Did you know that the Pass Without Trace spell in D&D 5e can make your party nearly invisible, leaving no tracks or traces of their passage? This powerful spell enhances stealth and allows you and your companions to remain undetected, making it a must-have for any adventurer looking to stay hidden in the shadows.

With Pass Without Trace, you can create a veil of shadows and silence that grants a +10 bonus to Dexterity (Stealth) checks for all chosen creatures within 30 feet of the caster. This means you can easily slip past enemies, avoiding detection and leaving no trace behind.

In this article, we’ll delve into all the details of Pass Without Trace in D&D 5e. From how to obtain the spell to its limitations, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the most of this game-changing ability.

How Do You Get Pass Without Trace?

Pass Without Trace is a valuable spell in the world of D&D 5e, providing exceptional stealth capabilities. In this section, we will explore how players can obtain this spell and unleash its potential.

Pass Without Trace is primarily available to the Ranger and Druid base classes. These classes possess the spell in their spell lists, allowing them to learn and cast it naturally as they level up. For players who have chosen these classes, Pass Without Trace becomes a valuable tool in their arsenal for sneaking past enemies undetected.

However, Pass Without Trace is not limited to just Rangers and Druids. Trickery Domain Clerics and Shadow Monks have access to this spell through their respective subclasses. This expands the utility of Pass Without Trace to characters who specialize in cunning and stealth, extending its benefits beyond traditional spellcasters.

In addition to class access, characters who do not naturally possess Pass Without Trace can still utilize the spell through scrolls and wands. These magical items contain stored spells, allowing anyone who gets their hands on them to cast Pass Without Trace. This provides a practical solution for parties lacking a Ranger or Druid but still in need of stealth capabilities.

“Pass Without Trace is a versatile spell that offers a wide range of tactical options for stealth-based gameplay. Its availability to multiple classes and accessibility through magical items ensures that no party is left without the means to move silently through dangerous territories.”

Now that we understand how Pass Without Trace can be obtained, let’s dive deeper into its mechanics and explore its limitations and applications.

Does Pass Without Trace Make You Invisible?

Pass Without Trace is a powerful spell in D&D 5e that enhances stealth and makes creatures harder to spot or track. However, it does not make them invisible. The spell creates a veil of shadows and silence, granting a +10 bonus to Dexterity (Stealth) checks for all chosen creatures within 30 feet of the caster. While this bonus greatly increases the likelihood of remaining undetected, it does not guarantee invisibility.

Even with Pass Without Trace, creatures can still be detected by normal means, such as low stealth rolls. The spell enhances their ability to hide and move silently, but it does not alter their physical form. They can still be seen, heard, or sensed by enemies if their stealth rolls or perception checks are unsuccessful.

“Pass Without Trace enhances stealth, not invisibility. It cloaks us in shadows, allowing us to move with utmost discretion.” – Aric the Rogue

It is important for players to understand the distinction between invisibility and enhanced stealth when using Pass Without Trace. Invisibility renders a creature completely unseen, while Pass Without Trace simply improves their chances of remaining undetected through improved stealth skills.

Here is an example of how Pass Without Trace works:

As you can see, Pass Without Trace enhances stealth but does not provide the same level of invisibility as a spell like Invisibility. Players should consider their options and choose the spell that best suits their needs in different situations.

Does Pass Without Trace Affect Smell?

Pass Without Trace does not hinder the ability of creatures to detect smells. It makes the caster and their companions harder to pick up through scent-based perception, but it does not eliminate the scent entirely. For example, if a party using Pass Without Trace tries to sneak past guard wolves, the wolves’ keen sense of smell will still allow them to detect the party’s presence. However, the +10 bonus to Stealth checks provided by the spell makes it less likely for the wolves to spot the party even with their heightened sense of smell.

Is Pass Without Trace Concentration?

Yes, Pass Without Trace is a concentration spell in D&D 5e. As the caster, you must maintain concentration on the spell for its duration, which can last up to 1 hour. Concentration spells require your continuous focus and can be disrupted if you take damage or attempt to cast another concentration spell.

If you do encounter a situation where you need to make a concentration check, use your Constitution saving throw modifier and roll a d20. The DC for the check is equal to one-half the damage taken or 10 (whichever is higher). If you fail your concentration check, the Pass Without Trace spell will end prematurely, and its effects will no longer apply to you or your allies.

It’s important to note that once the Pass Without Trace spell ends, the +10 bonus to Stealth checks no longer applies. So, if you wish to remain undetected, you’ll need to make new Stealth checks without the bonus granted by the spell.

Pass Without Trace provides a significant advantage when it comes to remaining hidden and avoiding detection. However, maintaining concentration and being mindful of potential disruptions is vital to ensure the spell’s effectiveness throughout your stealthy endeavors.

Final Words on Pass Without Trace 5e

Pass Without Trace is a versatile spell that can greatly enhance stealth in D&D 5e. It is particularly useful for parties that need to remain undetected or want to perform stealth-based actions. While the spell does not make creatures invisible, it provides a significant bonus to Stealth checks and makes it more difficult for others to detect or track them.

However, it is important to note that Pass Without Trace is not foolproof. Some creatures or magical abilities can still counter its effects. Players and Dungeon Masters (DMs) should understand the rules and limitations of the spell to fully utilize its benefits and consider potential risks.

With its +10 bonus to Stealth checks, Pass Without Trace enables characters to navigate dangerous environments, sneak past enemies, or gather critical information without being detected. Players who prioritize stealth and reconnaissance should consider having a Ranger or Druid in the party or obtaining scrolls and wands containing the spell to take advantage of its benefits.