Spell Mechanics Flashcards
What are the basic components of a spell?
Name, Level, School, Casting Time, Range, Components (V, S, M), Duration, Description.
What do the three spell components (V, S, M) stand for?
V (Verbal) – Spoken words, S (Somatic) – Hand gestures, M (Material) – Required objects.
What happens if a caster can’t provide a spell’s verbal component?
They can’t cast the spell (e.g., if gagged or in silence).
What happens if a caster can’t provide a spell’s somatic component?
They can’t cast the spell (e.g., if restrained or lacking a free hand).
How does a spell’s material component work?
If a spell requires a material component, a spellcasting focus or a component pouch can replace non-costly components.
What is a spellcasting focus?
An item (like a wand, staff, or holy symbol) that replaces non-costly material components.
How do spell slots work?
A caster expends a spell slot of a spell’s level or higher to cast it. Spell slots are limited and restored after a long rest.
What happens when you cast a spell at a higher level?
Some spells have improved effects when cast using a higher-level spell slot.
What is a cantrip?
A 0-level spell that can be cast without using a spell slot and is always prepared.
What are the different spell ranges?
Self, Touch, Specific Distance (e.g., 30 feet), Area of Effect (e.g., cone, line, sphere).
What are the main spell areas of effect?
Cone, Line, Sphere, Cylinder, Cube.
How does a spell’s duration work?
A spell is either instantaneous or lasts for a set time (e.g., 1 minute, 1 hour, concentration-based).
What is concentration in spellcasting?
A caster can maintain one concentration spell at a time. Taking damage forces a Constitution saving throw to maintain it.
What breaks concentration?
Taking damage (fail a Constitution save), casting another concentration spell, being incapacitated, or voluntarily stopping.
How is a spell’s saving throw determined?
The target rolls a d20 + relevant saving throw modifier vs. the caster’s Spell Save DC.
What is a caster’s Spell Save DC?
8 + proficiency bonus + spellcasting ability modifier (e.g., INT for Wizards, CHA for Sorcerers).
What is a spell attack roll?
d20 + proficiency bonus + spellcasting ability modifier vs. target’s AC.
What happens when a spell attack roll is a natural 20?
The spell’s damage dice are doubled (critical hit).
What happens when a spell attack roll is a natural 1?
The spell misses automatically.
How does ritual casting work?
Some spells have the ‘ritual’ tag and can be cast without expending a spell slot if cast over 10 extra minutes.
What is counterspell and how does it work?
A reaction spell that interrupts another caster’s spell. If the spell is 3rd level or lower, it fails automatically; otherwise, an ability check is required.
What is dispel magic and how does it work?
Ends a spell affecting a target. Automatically ends spells of 3rd level or lower; higher-level spells require a check.
What happens when two spells are cast at the same time?
The DM decides based on timing and rules, but most often both spells take effect unless countered.
Can you cast two spells in one turn?
You can cast a cantrip with a bonus action spell but can’t cast two leveled spells in one turn unless stated otherwise.
How do bonus action spells work?
A spell with a casting time of ‘bonus action’ can be cast on your turn, but you can only cast a cantrip with an action that turn.
What happens if a caster is restrained while casting?
If the spell has only verbal components, it can be cast normally. If it requires somatic or material components, the caster must break free first.
What happens if a caster is holding a weapon or shield and needs to cast a spell?
If the spell requires somatic components and no focus, the caster must have a free hand or use War Caster feat.
What happens when a spellcaster is grappled?
They can still cast spells unless the grappled condition prevents necessary components (e.g., silenced or hands restrained).
Can a spellcaster maintain concentration while unconscious?
No. Unconsciousness immediately breaks concentration.
How do magic items affect spellcasting?
Some items (like wands or staffs) let you cast spells without using spell slots. Others increase Spell Save DC or attack rolls.
What is a scroll and how does it work?
A spell scroll allows you to cast a specific spell without using a spell slot. If it’s a higher level than you can cast, you must make a spellcasting ability check (DC 10 + spell level).
Can a multiclassed character use spell slots from different classes?
Yes, spell slots are combined, but known/prepared spells and spellcasting abilities remain separate.
What happens if you try to cast a spell in an anti-magic field?
The spell fails. Ongoing spells in the area are suppressed until they leave the field.
Can you ready a spell using the Ready action?
Yes, but you must concentrate on the spell until the trigger happens.
