Spells: Difference between revisions

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'''Spells''' are magical effects that are created by creatures via '''spellcasting'''. Spells are frequently cast to deal [[Damage mechanics|damage]] and provide [[healing]], or to inflict [[condition|conditions]] on its targets.
'''Spells''' are magical effects that are created by creatures via '''spellcasting'''. Spells are frequently cast to deal [[Damage mechanics|damage]] and provide [[healing]], or to inflict [[condition|conditions]] on the targets.


All [[Class|classes]] are capable of casting spells with the help of [[Scrolls|scrolls]] and [[Equipment|magic items]], and classes with the Spellcasting feature – called ''spellcasters'' – have spell slots they can expend to cast spells they know, without the need of scrolls.
All [[Class|classes]] are capable of casting spells with the help of [[Scrolls|scrolls]] and [[Equipment|magic items]], and classes with the Spellcasting feature – called ''spellcasters'' – have spell slots they can expend to cast spells they know, without the need for scrolls.


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== Overview ==
== Overview ==
Spells are created from the Weave, the magical energies of the multiverse. They are conjured through experience, knowledge or innate ability, or via the use of scrolls and magical items.
Spells are created from the Weave, the magical energies of the multiverse. They are conjured through experience, knowledge or innate ability, or via the use of scrolls and magical items.


=== Spellcasters ===
=== Spellcasters ===
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A character with the level progression {{InfoBlob|<nowiki>wizard 1, wizard 2, sorcerer 1, wizard 3</nowiki>}} will use CHA for item spellcasting, because sorcerer is the latest "new" class for the character. If the same character then takes {{InfoBlob|<nowiki>cleric 1</nowiki>}}, cleric would be the latest new class, and WIS will now be used for item spellcasting for this character. Finally, if the same character then picks {{InfoBlob|<nowiki>sorcerer 2</nowiki>}}, they would still continue to use WIS for item spellcasting as no new class was added since cleric.{{verify}}
A character with the level progression {{InfoBlob|<nowiki>wizard 1, wizard 2, sorcerer 1, wizard 3</nowiki>}} will use CHA for item spellcasting, because sorcerer is the latest "new" class for the character. If the same character then takes {{InfoBlob|<nowiki>cleric 1</nowiki>}}, cleric would be the latest new class, and WIS will now be used for item spellcasting for this character. Finally, if the same character then picks {{InfoBlob|<nowiki>sorcerer 2</nowiki>}}, they would still continue to use WIS for item spellcasting as no new class was added since cleric.{{verify}}


Fighter and rogues will only provide their spellcasting ability if they are level 3 and have the appropriate subclass ([[Eldritch Knight]] and [[Arcane Trickster]] respectively):  {{InfoBlob|<nowiki>ranger 1, barbarian 1, rogue 1</nowiki>}} will use CHA instead of INT for item and illithid spellcasting.
Fighters and rogues will only provide their spellcasting ability if they are level 3 and have the appropriate subclass ([[Eldritch Knight]] and [[Arcane Trickster]] respectively):  {{InfoBlob|<nowiki>ranger 1, barbarian 1, rogue 1</nowiki>}} will use CHA instead of INT for item and illithid spellcasting.


== Casting spells ==
== Casting spells ==
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When casting a spell that affects another creature, the caster may have to make an [[Attack roll|attack roll]] against the target's [[AC]], in order to determine if it's a hit or miss. Spells in the form of rays (like {{SAI|Ray of Enfeeblement}}) or projectiles (like {{SAI|Fire Bolt}} or {{SAI|Eldritch Blast}}) often require attacks rolls.
When casting a spell that affects another creature, the caster may have to make an [[Attack roll|attack roll]] against the target's [[AC]], in order to determine if it's a hit or miss. Spells in the form of rays (like {{SAI|Ray of Enfeeblement}}) or projectiles (like {{SAI|Fire Bolt}} or {{SAI|Eldritch Blast}}) often require attacks rolls.


The caster adds the corresponding spellcasting ability modifier, as well as their proficiency bonus, to the results of the attack roll.
The caster adds the corresponding spellcasting ability modifier, as well as their proficiency bonus, to the results of the attack roll:


<div style="text-align: center; font-weight:bold;">{{InfoBlob|{{D20}} + proficiency Bonus + spellcasting ability modifier}}</div>
<div style="text-align: center; font-weight:bold;">{{InfoBlob|{{D20}} + proficiency Bonus + spellcasting ability modifier}}</div>


Spells that conjure harmful creatures or objects (like {{SAI|Flaming Sphere}} or {{SAI|Spiritual Weapon}}) usually require the summoned entity to make attacks on their own turn, using the caster's spell attack above.
Spells that conjure harmful creatures or objects (like {{SAI|Flaming Sphere}} or {{SAI|Spiritual Weapon}}) usually require the summoned entity to make attacks on their own turn, using the caster's spell attack roll above.


Spells which create a damaging effect at a point in space (like {{SAI|Fireball}}) or affect a character directly (like {{SAI|Hold Person}}) do not require an attack roll, but often allow a target to attempt to save against the spell, ignoring or reducing the spell's effect. This saving throw is made against the caster's spellcasting DC:
Spells which create a damaging effect at a point in space (like {{SAI|Fireball}}) or affect a character directly (like {{SAI|Hold Person}}) do not require an attack roll, but often allow the target to attempt to save against the spell, ignoring or reducing the spell's effect. This saving throw is made against the caster's spellcasting DC:


<div style="text-align: center; font-weight:bold;">{{InfoBlob|8 + proficiency bonus + spellcasting ability modifier}}</div>
<div style="text-align: center; font-weight:bold;">{{InfoBlob|8 + proficiency bonus + spellcasting ability modifier}}</div>
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=== Concentration ===
=== Concentration ===
{{hatnote|Main article: [[Concentration]].}}
{{hatnote|Main article: [[Concentration]]}}
[[File:Concentration_Example.webp|thumb|class=notpageimage|Concentration icon in the hotbar. Click "X" to stop concentrating any time]]
[[File:Concentration_Example.webp|thumb|class=notpageimage|Concentration icon in the hotbar. Click "X" to stop concentrating any time]]
Spells with the {{Concentration}} tag requires the caster to focus on that spell for its duration.  
Spells with the {{Concentration}} tag require the caster to focus on that spell for its duration.  


A caster may only maintain the effect of one cncentration spell at a time.  
A caster may only maintain the effect of one cncentration spell at a time.  
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When taking damage, the caster can only maintain concentration by succeeding a Constitution save (sometimes referred to as a ''Concentration check'') with a DC of half the damage taken, but no less than 10.
When taking damage, the caster can only maintain concentration by succeeding a Constitution save (sometimes referred to as a ''Concentration check'') with a DC of half the damage taken, but no less than 10.


Ways a caster can lose Concentration while concentrating includes:
Ways a caster can lose Concentration while concentrating include:
* Failing a Concentration Constitution [[Saving Throws|Saving Throw]]. Said Saving Throw occurs every time a concentrating caster takes damage. The DC of this Saving Throw is either 10 or half the number of damage taken, whichever is higher.
* Failing a Concentration Constitution [[Saving Throws|saving throw]]. Said saving throw occurs every time a concentrating caster takes damage. The DC of this saving throw is either 10 or half the number of damage taken, whichever is higher.
* Being affected by [[Condition]]s such as [[Condition#Downed|Downed]], [[Condition#Sleeping|Sleeping]], [[Rage]], etc. If this happens Concentration is dropped without recourse.
* Being affected by [[Condition]]s such as [[Condition#Downed|Downed]], [[Condition#Sleeping|Sleeping]], [[Rage]], etc. If this happens, Concentration is dropped without recourse.
* The caster can also voluntarily end the Concentration effect, either by casting another Concentration Spell, by manually ending Concentration, or by taking a [[Long Rest]].  
* The caster can also voluntarily end the Concentration effect, either by casting another Concentration spell, by manually ending Concentration, or by taking a [[long rest]].  
** Unlike most actions, the manual ending of concentration can be done at anytime, even amidst someone else's turn. For players this is done via the x button on the concentrated spell's icon next to the caster's main portrait (see picture above).
** Unlike most actions, the manual ending of Concentration can be done at any time, even amidst someone else's turn. For players this is done via the x button on the concentrated spell's icon next to the caster's main portrait (see picture above).
* Most Concentration spells have a maximum duration, after which the spell automatically ends even if the caster is still concentrating.
* Most Concentration spells have a maximum duration, after which the spell automatically ends even if the caster is still concentrating.


== Spell slots ==
== Spell slots ==
Classes expend spell slots to cast their known spells. A creature's available spell slots are determined by how many caster levels they've taken.
Classes expend spell slots to cast their known spells. A creature's available spell slots are determined by how many caster levels that creature has taken.


Depleted spell slots are generally regained by taking a [[long rest]] or – for warlocks – a [[short rest]].
Depleted spell slots are generally regained by taking a [[long rest]] or – for warlocks – a [[short rest]].


=== Spell levels ===
=== Spell levels ===
A spell's level is a measure of how powerful it is, as well as how difficult it is to cast. Spell slots also have levels, and a character will have a specific number of spell slots of each level available to them: {{SpellSlot|1|4|w=24}} Level 1, {{SpellSlot|2|3|w=24}} Level 2, {{SpellSlot|3|2|w=24}} Level 3, and so on. A spell of a given level requires a spell slot of the same level or higher to be expended to cast it. For example, a 3rd level spell can be cast using a spell slot of level 3, 4, 5 or 6, but not of level 1 or 2.
A spell's level is a measure of how powerful the spell is, as well as how difficult it is to cast. Spell slots also have levels, and a character will have a specific number of spell slots of each level available to them: {{SpellSlot|1|4|w=24}} Level 1, {{SpellSlot|2|3|w=24}} Level 2, {{SpellSlot|3|2|w=24}} Level 3, and so on. A spell of a given level requires a spell slot of the same level or higher to be expended to cast it. For example, a 3rd level spell can be cast using a spell slot of level 3, 4, 5 or 6, but not of level 1 or 2.


Cantrips {{SpellSlot|cantrip|w=24}} are "level 0" spells: they do not consume any spell slots and can be cast "at will". They are effectively an infinite resource.
Cantrips {{SpellSlot|cantrip|w=24}} are "level 0" spells: they do not consume any spell slots and can be cast "at will". They are effectively an infinite spellcasting resource.


Due to their unique mechanics, the spell slots of a [[Warlock]] are colored differently, like so: {{SpellSlot|1 Warlock|2|w=24}}
Due to their unique mechanics, the spell slots of a [[Warlock]] are colored differently, like so: {{SpellSlot|1 Warlock|2|w=24}}


A spell's level has other effects:
A spell's level has other effects:
* Wizards need to spend more gold to learn a higher level spell (usually 50gp per level, though cheaper for the spells of a Wizard's chosen school).
* Wizards need to spend more gold to learn a higher level spell (usually 50gp per level, though cheaper for the spells of a wizard's chosen school).
* [[Counterspell]] is harder to use against a spells of higher levels.
* [[Counterspell]] is harder to use against spells of higher levels.


Some Wizard subclass features (such as [[Arcane Ward]] and [[Grim Harvest]]) and the Paladin's [[Divine Smite]] ability have varying effects depending on level of the spell or spell slot used to power them.
Some Wizard subclass features (such as [[Arcane Ward]] and [[Grim Harvest]]) and the Paladin's [[Divine Smite]] ability have varying effects depending on level of the spell or spell slot used to power them.
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==== Upcasting ====
==== Upcasting ====
{{hatnote|Main article: [[Upcasting]]}}
{{hatnote|Main article: [[Upcasting]]}}
{{Icon|Upcast Icon.png|24px}}'''Upcasting''' is when a spellcaster uses a higher level spell slot to cast a lower level spell. Many spells become more powerful when cast with a spell slot higher than the spell's level. For damaging spells this usually takes the form of additional damage dice, but spells can also gain a larger area of effect, a longer duration, additional targets or other benefits.
{{Icon|Upcast Icon.png|24px}}'''Upcasting''' is when a spellcaster uses a higher level spell slot to cast a lower level spell. Many spells become more powerful when cast with a spell slot higher than the spell's base level. For damaging spells this usually takes the form of additional damage dice, but spells can also gain a larger area of effect, a longer duration, additional targets or other benefits.


=== Spell slots per level ===
=== Spell slots per level ===
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The total amount of spell slots a spellcaster would get is determined by their effective spellcaster level (ESL). For full spellcasters this is exactly their class level. Half-casters are not considered spellcasters until class level 2, at which point their ESL is their class level halved. One-third-casters have an ESL eaual to their class level divided by three. For the purpose of determining spells lots, ESL is {{em|rounded up}} when no multiclassing of multiple caster classes is involved.
The total amount of spell slots a spellcaster would get is determined by their effective spellcaster level (ESL). For full spellcasters this is exactly their class level. Half-casters are not considered spellcasters until class level 2, at which point their ESL is their class level halved. One-third-casters have an ESL eaual to their class level divided by three. For the purpose of determining spell slot count, ESL is {{em|rounded up}} when no multiclassing of multiple caster classes is involved.


When multiple spellcaster classes are chosen for a character, the character's ESL is instead the ESL of every individual spellcasting class that the character has, each rounded down, and then summed up. As an example, a level 1 cleric/level 3 paladin/level 3 ranger character would have an '''ESL''' of 3, because:{{InfoBlob|<nowiki>1 + round_down(1.5) + round_down(1.5) = 1 + 1 + 1 = 3</nowiki>}}  
When multiple spellcaster classes are chosen for a character, the character's ESL is instead the ESL of every individual spellcasting class that the character has, each rounded down, and then summed up. As an example, a level 1 cleric/level 3 paladin/level 3 ranger character would have an '''ESL''' of 3, because:{{InfoBlob|<nowiki>1 + round_down(1.5) + round_down(1.5) = 1 + 1 + 1 = 3</nowiki>}}  
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Once an ESL is calculated, one can consult the spell slots per level table to find out their character's spell slot distribution.
Once an ESL is calculated, one can consult the spell slots per level table to find out their character's spell slot distribution.


Warlock} are unique, as their spell slots are all of uniform level, matching the highest spell slot available of a normal full spellcaster class until spell level 5, which is the highest level spell slot warlocks can have. They also simply gain a spell slot at class level 1,2, and 11. When a character has levels in both Warlock and a class with traditional spellcasting, their Warlock spell slots are counted separately from any other spell slots, and Warlock levels are ignored when calculating ESL.
Warlocks are unique, as their spell slots are all of uniform level, matching the highest spell slot available of a normal full spellcaster class until spell level 5, which is the highest level spell slot warlocks can have. They also simply gain a spell slot at class level 1, 2, and 11. When a character has levels in both Warlock and a class with traditional spellcasting, their Warlock spell slots are counted separately from any other spell slots, and Warlock levels are ignored when calculating ESL.


=== Recovering spell slots ===
=== Recovering spell slots ===
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* {{class|Wild Magic Barbarian}}s have access to the [[Bolstering Magic]] feature, allowing them or an ally to recover a few low level spell slots when they Rage.
* {{class|Wild Magic Barbarian}}s have access to the [[Bolstering Magic]] feature, allowing them or an ally to recover a few low level spell slots when they Rage.
* Items such as the {{RarityItem|Pearl of Power Amulet}} or {{RarityItem|Spellcrux Amulet}} allow for the recovery of spell slots once per long rest.
* Items such as the {{RarityItem|Pearl of Power Amulet}} or {{RarityItem|Spellcrux Amulet}} allow for the recovery of spell slots once per long rest.
* The [[Arcane Cultivation]] line of Elixirs grants the user a temporary additional spell slot of a specific level from 1st to 4th, depending on the elixir. While this doesn't technically replenish an existing slot, the practical effect is the same.
* The [[Arcane Cultivation]] line of [[Elixirs]] grants the user a temporary additional spell slot of a specific level from 1st to 4th, depending on the elixir. While this doesn't technically replenish an existing slot, the practical effect is the same.


=== Ritual spells ===
=== Ritual spells ===
When a {{Icon|Ritual_Spell_Icon.png|24px}} ritual spell is cast outside of combat/turn-based mode, they do not consume spell slots and are effectively free to cast. They consume spell slots as normal in-combat/turn-based mode.
When a {{Icon|Ritual_Spell_Icon.png|24px}} ritual spell is cast outside of combat/turn-based mode, it does not consume spell slots and is effectively free to cast. Ritual spells consume spell slots as normal in combat/turn-based mode.


{{div col | style = column-width: 18em; list-style-type: none;}}
{{div col | style = column-width: 18em; list-style-type: none;}}
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* {{Class|Warlock}}
* {{Class|Warlock}}


All of these classes, with the exception of wizard, also have access to the Replacement Spell feature, which allows them to swap a known spell each time a new level is taken in them. While wizards do not have access to this feature, they can instead lear new spells from scrolls, without needing to give up an already known spell.
All of these classes, with the exception of Wizard, also have access to the Replacement Spell feature, which allows them to swap a known spell each time a new level is taken in them. While wizards do not have access to this feature, they can instead learn new spells from scrolls, without needing to give up an already known spell.


The following classes automatically learn all their available spells when a level is taken in them:
The following classes automatically learn all their available spells when a level is taken in them:
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* {{Class|Wizard}}
* {{Class|Wizard}}


The number of Prepared Spells each class can have at a time is equal to {{InfoBlob|spellcasting ability modifier + class level) (minimum of 1)}}
The number of prepared spells each class can have at a time is equal to {{InfoBlob|spellcasting ability modifier + class level) (minimum of 1)}}


Additionally, Spells granted by [[Race|racial features]] or by certain class features (such as by [[Cleric|cleric Domains]]) are considered ''inherent'' and are always prepared.
Additionally, spells granted by [[Race|racial features]] or by certain class features (such as by [[Cleric|cleric Domains]]) are considered ''inherent'' and are always prepared.


==Spell list==
==Spell list==

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