D&D 5E How to Use "Charm Person" Without Getting Caught

[Fauchard1520]

I'm about to embark upon a campaign as an enchantment-centric character, and this "charm person" business is very much on my mind. Thanks to vocal and somatic components, it seems to me like it's virtually impossible to charm someone if there are witnesses. Is there a smart way to use mind-control magic subtly, or is it all about picking moments when no one is watching?

Comic for illustrative purposes.

 

[Krachek]

Charm person and friend are great for profit now and pay later!
of course you can use subtle spell but where is the fun If people don’t get angry because you charm them!

 

[iserith]

Pick your moments and your targets wisely.

 

[Flamestrike]

Subtle spell metamagic.

 

[aco175]

Could bards cast it as part of a performance.

 

[Guest User]

Thanks to vocal and somatic components, it seems to me like it's virtually impossible to charm someone if there are witnesses.

Verbal and Somatic components could look like someone cracking their knuckles in a peculiar fashion while humming a song.

Different magical traditions might have very different V, and S components for the same spell effects.

Best advice I can give is talk to the DM and start laying down the ground rule agreements.

 

[Flamestrike]

V and S components didnt seem to bother Obi Wan.

[waves hand] 'These aren't the droids you're looking for.'

 

[Mistwell]

Step 1) Cast the spell;
Step 2) Do whatever you were planning to do once the spell was cast;
Pay attention now as this is usually the step people miss:
Step 3) Run away faster than your target can run, prior to the spell's duration running out.

Follow these simple three steps and you are unlikely to get caught.

 

[Khelon Testudo]

Shouldn't the Deception or Persuasion skills help - especially when you have advantage? \
Mark: "You cast a spell!"
PC: "No, I was shoo-ing a fly!"
Mark: "I'm sure I heard magic chanting!"
PC: "Oh dear, that must have been my Tourette's."

 

[Campbell]

Subtle Spell will hide your casting, but the target will still know afterwards.