[RPG] Can creatures affected by Imprisonment cast spells

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If a creature is targeted by the Imprisonment spell and fails its saving throw, it is forced into a magical restraint; for example a gem stone imprisonment.

Can a creature cast spells while it is restrained by Imprisonment?

Best Answer

Yes, it may cast spells. (Usually)

There is no text stating the creature is incapable of casting spells, with the exception of the Chain (which some DMs may rule prevents somatic and material spells due to being restrained, although note this is not RAW), and Slumber (which causes the target to sleep, being incapacitated)

You create a magical restraint to hold a creature that you can see within range. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or be bound by the spell; if it succeeds, it is immune to this spell if you cast it again. While affected by this spell, the creature doesn’t need to breathe, eat, or drink, and it doesn’t age. Divination spells can’t locate or perceive the target.

For the Gem containment:

Minimus Containment. The target shrinks to a height of 1 inch and is imprisoned inside a gemstone or similar object. Light can pass through the gemstone normally (allowing the target to see out and other creatures to see in), but nothing else can pass through, even by means of teleportation or planar travel. The gemstone can’t be cut or broken while the spell remains in effect.

Emphasis mine. Note the creature is aware, but nothing can pass in or out of the gem prison, including planar transport. This would include most spell effects, although there could be an argument made for very specific spells, such as Telepathy, or as mentioned in another answer, light based spells.

Additionally, in all cases but Slumber (and maybe Chains depending on DM), if the caster is powerful enough to cast spells of 9th level, and has Dispel Magic prepared, they would be capable of freeing themselves from the prison by casting Dispel Magic as a ninth level spell at their prison.

Note: In all cases, planar travel and teleportation is restricted.

Finally, which spells could potentially affect the prison or outside world depends on the prison chosen, and your DMs judgement.

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