Should You Allow the Wish Spell in Your DD Campaigns?

One of the most powerful and controversial spells in Dungeons and Dragons (DD) is the Wish spell. This spell, with its vast potential to change the fabric of the campaign or the world itself, has sparked debates among Dungeon Masters (DMs) and players alike. The likelihood of a campaign lasting long enough for characters to actually use the Wish spell is quite low. However, when the opportunity arises, should DMs allow or limit its usage?

The Case for Allowing the Wish Spell

My personal philosophy on Wish follows two key principles:

Just because the spell seems beyond the realm of possibility, it doesn't mean it's impossible with two Wish spells. This principle allows for a degree of creativity and flexibility in the campaign, encouraging players to think outside the box. Assuming the spellcaster has a deep understanding of magic, they should be able to predict the outcomes and manipulate the spell to achieve their desired effect. As their in-character advisor, I avoid delving into complex syntax debates.

Magic in published settings is often portrayed as a tool that even the most powerful wizards can use to achieve the seemingly impossible. If a character cannot use the Wish spell in these scenarios, what's the point of such powerful magic?

From an in-character perspective, a character with extensive magical knowledge can justify the use of Wish in ways that align with their knowledge and experience. For example, a character might wish to create a magical spaceship to harness their full power. While the campaign came to an end, the character's limited use of the spell proved effective, turning the tide in a challenging battle against the Tarrasque.

Historical Precedents and Campaign Flexibility

It's important to note that the use of Wish is not uncommon in published scenarios. For instance, in a college campaign I ran, a cleric of Thor wished for an established church of Thor on a world previously worshipping the Greco-Roman pantheon. The campaign arc was such that I granted the wish, but with a twist. The result was a proliferation of churches of Thor with a hierarchical structure, which created interesting dynamics and plot points. However, Loki's priests from another plane used Plane Shift to infiltrate and disrupt this new religious order, leading to an unexpected side plot in the campaign.

These examples highlight the potential for a DM to leverage the Wish spell to enhance the narrative and add depth to the campaign. The flexibility provided by allowing the Wish spell can lead to more engaging and memorable adventures.

Ultimately, allowing the Wish spell in your campaign not only enriches the storytelling but also fosters creativity and strategic play among your players. Providing them with the tools to achieve their wildest dreams, within reason, can lead to more interesting and immersive gaming experiences.

Conclusion: While the Wish spell is a powerful tool, its use should be handled with care to maintain the balance of the campaign and the immersion of the players. Balancing the flexibility of the spell with the narrative needs of your campaign ensures that the Wish spell remains a valuable and exciting element of your DD adventures.