Spells: Difference between revisions

'''Spells''' are magical effects that are created by creatures via '''spellcasting'''.{{note|The term ''spellcasting'' refers {{em|both}} to the act of casting spells, as well as the Spellcasting class feature. The latter is always capitalised, whereas the former is generally not.}} 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 or Pact Magic features – called ''spellcasters'' – have spell slots they can expend to cast spells they know, without the need for scrolls.

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.

=== Spell levels ===

All spells have a level –  a measure of how powerful a spell is, as well as how difficult it is to cast it. To cast a spell, the caster must usually expend a [[Spells#Spell slots|spell slot]] of sufficient level. Spells cast from scrolls {{em|do not}} consume spell slots when cast, nor do most spells granted by magic items.

Level 0 spells are called ''cantrips'', and can always be cast at will, without expending a spell slot.

Every class – including those without the Spellcasting feature – has a designated [[Ability scores|ability]] known as their ''spellcasting ability'', which represents their capacity to cast spells.{{note|Some spells designate a specific spellcasting ability regardless of the class casting them. This is most commonly a result of spells obtained via racial features.}}

; Intelligence : [[Fighter]], [[Rogue]], [[Wizard]].

; Wisdom : [[Cleric]], [[Druid]], [[Monk]], [[Ranger]].

; Charisma : [[Barbarian]], [[Bard]], [[Paladin]], [[Sorcerer]], [[Warlock]].

Spells learned from taking levels in a class will use that class' spellcasting ability modifier. Spells learned from scrolls count as Wizard spells (since learning from scrolls is a Wizard feature) and thus use Intelligence.{{verify}} Spells from other sources use the spellcasting ability of the class the creature most recently took a {{em|first}} level in.{{note|A level 5 wizard that takes 1 level in sorcerer will use Charisma as their spellcasting ability for non-wizard spells, even if they later take more levels in wizard. However, if they take a level in cleric, they will use Wisdom as their spellcasting ability modifier instead, as this is their most recently acquired class.}}{{note|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).}}

Each spell belongs to a school which defines its general purpose, and all spells have a range at which they can be cast, and a specified target or [[Area|area of effect]]. A spell may have an instantaneous effect when cast (for example a magical attack), or a spell may have an effect which persists for a specified ''duration'' (measured in ''turns'').

Most spells can be interrupted by {{SAI|Counterspell|h=20px}} before they are cast, and most spells cannot be cast by {{Cond|Silenced|w=20px}} creatures.

=== Schools of magic ===

Every spell belongs to one of eight schools of magic: [[abjuration]], [[conjuration]], [[divination]], [[enchantment (school)|enchantment]], [[evocation]], [[illusion]], [[necromancy]], or [[transmutation]]. Some class features only benefit spells of a specific school.

All spells have a casting time that determines whether it requires the caster to take an [[File:Action Icon.png|frameless|20px]] action, [[File:Bonus Action Icon.png|frameless|20px]] bonus action, or a [[File:Reaction Icon.png|frameless|20px]] reaction. Most spells require the caster to take an action.

=== Spell saves ===

Harmful spells which {{em|don't}} require an attack roll, such spells that target an area or a specific point in space – or that affect a target directly – often allow targeted creatures to attempt a [[saving throw|save]] against the spell, potentially ignoring or reducing the spell's effect.

 

<div style="text-align: center; font-weight:bold;"> {{InfoBlob|8 + proficiency bonus + spellcasting ability modifier}}</div>

 

* {{SAI|Grease|h=20px}}

* {{SAI|Fireball|h=20px}}

* {{SAI|Hold Person|h=20px}}

 

 

=== Spell attack rolls ===

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Spellcasters can either be ''full casters'' – meaning they can learn up to 6th level spells, ''half casters'' – meaning they can learn up to 3rd level spells, or ''one-third casters'' – meaning they can learn up to 2nd level spells. Non spellcasters do not gain or add spell slots.

 

 

 

One-third casters:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin-left: 12px;"

|+Spell Slots per Spell Level

!'''11'''

|4

|3

|2

!'''12'''

|4

|3

|3

|3

|2

|1

==== Other uses of spell slots ====

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.

=== Ritual spells ===

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;}}

* {{SAI|Detect Thoughts|h=20}}

* {{SAI|Disguise Self|h=20}}

* {{SAI|Enhance Leap|h=20}}

* {{SAI|Feather Fall|h=20}}

* {{SAI|Find Familiar|h=20}}

* {{SAI|Longstrider|h=20}}

* {{SAI|Silence|h=20}}

* {{SAI|Speak with Animals|h=20}}

* {{SAI|Speak with Dead|h=20}}

=== Scrolls ===

Spells can be cast from scrolls that are bought, found or looted. Spells cast from scrolls cannot be [[Upcasting|upcast]] (cast with a higher level spell slot for additional benefits e.g. to affect more targets). Spells cast from scrolls cannot benefit from [[metamagic]]. Scrolls cannot be created (scribed from a wizard's spellbook). Wizards can learn spells from scrolls (scribe the spell from a scroll into their spellbook). See [[Wizard|Wizard/Spell scribing]].

== See also ==

* [[List of all spells]]

* [[D&D 5e Spell Changes]]

* [[Unimplemented spells]]

== Footnotes ==

== External links ==

[[Category:Spellcasting]]