Helm of Telepathy 5e
Wondrous Item, uncommon (requires attunement)
While wearing this helm, you can use an action to cast the Detect Thoughts spell (save DC 13) from it. As long as you maintain concentration on the spell, you can use a bonus action to send a telepathic message to a creature you are focused on. It can reply--using a bonus action to do so--while your focus on it continues.
While focusing on a creature with Detect Thoughts, you can use an action to cast the Suggestion spell (save DC 13) from the helm on that creature. Once used, the Suggestion property can't be used again until the next dawn.
Commentary by Sam West, Twitter: @CrierKobold
Besides its superb appearance, showcasing a brass brain etched on a bizarre mask and helm, this magic item is super cool, and a must for any mentalist-style character out there. It upgrades Detect Thoughts and also makes it castable at will. On top of that, it comes with a once per day Suggestion. That’s a lot of 2nd level spells for an uncommon magic item!
Detect Thoughts, on its own, lets you read the surface thoughts of creatures around you for an action each. With this as an at-will ability, you can passively read the minds of everything you come near.
Nothing is stopping you from using the helm repeatedly against the same creature, even should it pass the save over and over again. It doesn’t cost anything to reactivate, after all!
As mentioned in the spell description, Detect Thoughts is a great interrogation tool. Stack a free Suggestion on top of that and you’re set up to be the ultimate investigative detective who will get the truth when they question a witness.
All of this makes a Helm of Telepathy an incredible world-building opportunity for corrupt or unethical criminal justice systems.
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