[RPG] Are targets that save against Zone of Truth aware of the spell

dnd-5espells

Zone of truth states:

On a failed save, a creature can't speak a deliberate lie while in the radius.

An affected creature is aware of the spell…

Does "affected" here indicate that creature failed their save, or that they are within the radius of the spell? Put another way, is a creature aware of the spell if they succeed on their saving throw?

Best Answer

RAW, it doesn't say one way or the other. However, I interpret the spell as creating a zone in which not telling the truth becomes more difficult. If you fail the saving throw, you can't overcome the effects of the spell. If you succeed, however, your willpower is sufficient enough to overcome the effects of the spell. I would personally rule that a creature knows they are in a Zone of Truth after they step into the circle and either succeed on or fail their saving throw.