Me and my player are discussing whether a Ring of Mind Shielding would block a Sending spell.
I know it doesn't say the word "telepathy" anywhere in the spell, but it says the creature hears the message in its mind, which is the definition of telepathy in the Monster Manual.
Personally I do interpret it as telepathy, but I want to know if there are any official rulings or statements on this.
I know it doesn't say the word "telepathy" anywhere in the spell, but it says the creature hears the message in its mind, which is the definition of telepathy in the Monster Manual.
This is the only thing the two have in common. I'd argue they're more different than they are alike. Sending has unlimited range, doesn't mention the message is sent mentally, and doesn't overcome language barriers. I wouldn't consider it telepathy based on that one aspect any more than I would the Alarm spell.
Contrast both of those with Telepathic Bond which is quite clear about telepathy being involved in both its name and description.
It's also worth considering that the ring blocking Sending would be largely pointless. Telepathy is unlimited and only requires being within range of the target, so there's some value in being able to ignore an overly-chatty telepath. Sending is costly and requires familiarity with the target. If someone is trying to reach you with Sending it's likely important.
I'd block it. "Hears in its mind" is telepathy. "Telepathically" isn't a defined term, just a commonly used one. If something looks like telepathy, and quacks like telepathy, it's telepathy.
Me and my player are discussing whether a Ring of Mind Shielding would block a Sending spell.
I know it doesn't say the word "telepathy" anywhere in the spell, but it says the creature hears the message in its mind, which is the definition of telepathy in the Monster Manual.
Personally I do interpret it as telepathy, but I want to know if there are any official rulings or statements on this.
This is the only thing the two have in common. I'd argue they're more different than they are alike. Sending has unlimited range, doesn't mention the message is sent mentally, and doesn't overcome language barriers. I wouldn't consider it telepathy based on that one aspect any more than I would the Alarm spell.
Contrast both of those with Telepathic Bond which is quite clear about telepathy being involved in both its name and description.
It's also worth considering that the ring blocking Sending would be largely pointless. Telepathy is unlimited and only requires being within range of the target, so there's some value in being able to ignore an overly-chatty telepath. Sending is costly and requires familiarity with the target. If someone is trying to reach you with Sending it's likely important.
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I'd block it. "Hears in its mind" is telepathy. "Telepathically" isn't a defined term, just a commonly used one. If something looks like telepathy, and quacks like telepathy, it's telepathy.
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I'm going to make this way harder than it needs to be.
I also consider it telepathy, and have picked it for telepathy themed characters and homebrew.
That said, it is ultimately up to the DM. If the DM says no, there isn't any reason to argue with them in this case.