If you are reading this post, you are either a DND newbie seeking to learn about the various spells, or rather you just want to know more about spells, spellcasting rules and solidify the previous knowledge you have. Whatever might be the case, we got you covered as we will be breaking down each concept for better grasping.
If there is one thing that always poses a nightmare for beginners, it is spell casting rules. It shows up, rubs it on your face that you are not conversant with it. This can be frustrating.
Such questions like what is spell casting, what are Cantrips? does spell has levels? Alright if they do, are they the same with spell slot level? How many spells do I know? Do I have to prepare spells? All these questions and many more lurk in the mind when you think about DND spells. Very soon we will be demystifying these hard nuts and get you all set.
What is a Spell Slot?
Some spellcasting rules apply, particularly to a certain class. However, some don’t. We will cover this differently. Enough of big talks. Let’s hop into the subject matter.
You might be wondering that a spell slot is perhaps like a slot machine designed for casting spells just like the slot machine for gambling. Well, you are not entirely wrong.
A spell slot is D&D 5E’s mechanism through which a spell is cast. Each class gets a number of spells slots to use per day. Every time you cast a spell, you use up a spell slot. Not to worry buddy as these slots get restored whenever you take a long rest.
Do Spells and Spell Slots have levels?
Both spells and spell slots have levels. When it is time to cast a spell, you use up a spell slot that is the same level as the spell or higher. An example will simplify the above statement. Take for instance your character has two 1st level Spell Slots, and one 4th level Spell Slot and you have to cast a Fog cloud which is a 1st level spell.
You can use one of your 1st level Spell Slots, or your 4th level Spell Slot in order to cast Fog cloud through that slot. This may be absurd to the ear because of questions like But why should I spend my 4th level spell slot in place of a basic 1st level spell. While this question is a valid one, you may want to reconsider why you have to banish the thought that this is preposterous and get on to use the 4th level spell.
- Often times we exhaust our spell slots of the same level for the day and there is this pressing need to cast a spell. This spell, however, may help our campaigns. In such situations, we do not really have an option but to use our higher-level spells.
- some spells become more powerful when used in a spell slot higher than their own level.
How many Spells do I know?
Some classes know all of their spells. They don’t have to learn new spells. A class like this is the Cleric. Clerics never need to actively learn new spells. Nevertheless, other classes do need to expressively learn new spells. For those classes which expressively do learn new spells at each level, the actual process is easy: simply consult the PHB and choose which new spells you want to learn from your class’s spell list.
Preparing Spells
Now, you have the spells that you know, and you now have spell slots through which to cast them. Many classes need to prepare their Spells before they actually cast them. This means choosing Spells from your known Spells and placing the spells into your mind”, ready for casting. When you prepare your spells, choose from the Cleric list. Choose a number of spells equal to your Cleric level plus your Wisdom modifier. The spells must be of a level for which you have Spell Slots. “If you don’t already have a spell card, this could be very important”
What are Cantrips?
A cantrip is a spell that can be cast at will, without using a spell slot, and without being prepared in advance. Repeated practice has fixed the spell in the caster’s mind and infused the caster with the magic needed to produce the Effect over and over. A cantrip’s Spell Level is 0. Every class has quirks as to how they cast magic. Sorcerers have Sorcery Points, Warlocks have Invocations, Paladins don’t get cantrips.
If you’re looking to make the most of your caster’s choices then here are my picks of all the best cantrips in Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition.
Guidance. Source: Player’s Handbook
Prestidigitation. Source: Player’s Handbook
Eldritch Blast
Minor Illusion
Toll the Dead
Mage Hand
Vicious Mockery
Booming Blade
Tacha’s Cauldron of everything comes in very handy if you seek to be a pro in DND games.