Spellcasting Flashcards
PHB Chapter 10—the rules for casting spells.
1
Q
What is a cantrip?
A
A cantrip is a spell that can be cast at will, without using a spell slot and without being prepared in advance. Its spell level is 0.
2
Q
How does casting a spell as a ritual differ from normal casting?
A
The ritual version of a spell takes 10 minutes longer to cast than normal and does not expend a spell slot.
3
Q
What is required to cast a spell as a ritual?
A
A spellcaster must have a feature that grants the ability to cast rituals and must have the spell prepared or on their list of spells known.
4
Q
What basic information is included in a spell description?
A
The spell’s name, level, school of magic, casting time, range, components, and duration.
5
Q
What are the different casting times for spells?
A
Most spells require a single action, but some require a bonus action, a reaction, or longer casting times.
6
Q
What is a bonus action in spellcasting?
A
A spell cast with a bonus action is swift and requires using a bonus action on your turn, provided you haven’t already taken one.
7
Q
Can you cast another spell during the same turn after using a bonus action?
A
No, you cannot cast another spell during the same turn, except for a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action.
8
Q
What are reactions in the context of spellcasting?
A
Some spells can be cast as reactions in response to an event, and the spell description specifies when this can occur.
9
Q
What happens when casting a spell with a longer casting time?
A
You must spend your action each turn casting the spell and maintain concentration; if concentration is broken, the spell fails but does not expend a spell slot.
10
Q
True or False: A ritual spell can be cast at a higher level.
A
False
11
Q
What must a character do to maintain concentration while casting a spell over multiple turns?
A
Spend their action each turn casting the spell.
12
Q
Spell Range
A
The target type and max distance from the caster.
13
Q
For a spell like magic missile, who is the target?
A
A creature
14
Q
For a spell like fireball, what is the target?
A
The point in space where the ball of fire erupts
15
Q
How are most spells’ ranges expressed?
A
In feet
16
Q
What is the range of spells that target only a creature you touch?
A
Touch
including yourself
17
Q
Spell range of Self
A
Affect only the caster, or have an AoE that originates from the caster.
18
Q
What does a range of self indicate for spells that create cones or lines of effect?
A
The origin point of the spell’s effect must be the caster
19
Q
Once a spell is cast, are its effects limited by its range?
A
Not unless the spell’s description says otherwise.
20
Q
What are the requirements for a spell to be cast called?
A
Components
21
Q
What are the three types of components a spell may require?
A
- Verbal (V)
- Somatic (S)
- Material (M)
22
Q
What happens if a character cannot provide one or more components of a spell?
A
They are unable to cast the spell
23
Q
What do verbal components entail?
A
Chanting of mystic words—the particular combination of sounds, with specific pitch and resonance
24
Q
What prevents a character from casting a spell with a verbal component?
A
Being gagged or in an area of silence
25
What do somatic components require from the caster?
Free use of at least one hand
26
What do material components require?
Particular objects specified in the component entry
27
Function of a component pouch or spellcasting focus
Replace material components, unless the component has a specified cost.
28
What must a character have if a cost is indicated for a material component?
That specific component—a component pouch or focus does not suffice.
29
When must a material component be provided for each casting of a spell?
If the material component is consumed.
30
What must a spellcaster have available to cast using material components?
A free hand.
31
# True or False
A spellcaster must have two free hands if a spell requires material and somatic components.
False
| Same hand can access material components and perform somatic gestures.
32
What does spell duration mean?
The length of time the spell persists
## Footnote
A duration can be expressed in rounds, minutes, hours, or even years. Some may last until dispelled or destroyed.
33
What are instantaneous spells?
Spells that harm, heal, create, or alter a creature or an object in a way that can't be dispelled
Double check this.
## Footnote
Their magic exists only for an instant.
34
What does it mean for a spell to require concentration?
You must maintain concentration to keep the spell's magic active
## Footnote
If you lose concentration, the spell ends.
35
When does a spell require concentration?
If noted under the spell's Duration.
36
When does concentration end?
* Casting another spell that requires concentration
* Taking damage (requires CON save)
* Being incapacitated or killed
37
How can concentration be interrupted?
* Casting another spell that requires concentration
* Taking damage (requires CON save)
* Being incapacitated or killed
38
What happens if you take damage while concentrating on a spell?
Make a separate CON save for each source of damage to maintain concentration.
39
DC to maintain concentration
10 or half the damage taken, whichever is higher.
40
Can you concentrate on two spells at once?
No, you can't concentrate on two spells at the same time.
41
What happens if you are incapacitated while concentrating?
You lose concentration on the spell.
42
What can the DM decide regarding concentration and environmental phenomena?
They might require a CON save even for non-damaging distractions/disruptions
## Footnote
For example, DC 10 if a wave crashes over you while on a storm-tossed ship.
43
Fill in the blank: A duration can be expressed in _______.
rounds, minutes, hours, or years.
44
True or False: You can end concentration at any time without an action.
True.
45
What must you have to target something with a spell?
A clear path to it.
## Footnote
The target cannot be behind total cover, unless the description says otherwise.
46
Types of spell targets
| as indicated in the spell description
* Creatures
* Objects
* Point of origin for an area of effect
47
True or False: A creature always knows when it has been targeted by a spell.
False
## Footnote
They might not unless there is an obvious perceptible effect, or the spell description so specifies.
48
What happens if you place an area of effect at a point you can't see?
The point of origin comes into being on the near side of an obstruction
49
Can you target yourself with a spell that targets a creature of your choice?
Yes, unless they must specifically be hostile or a creature other than you.
50
# True or False
You can target yourself if you're in your spell's AoE.
True
51
What is an example of a subtle spell effect?
An attempt to read a creature's thoughts
| A creature might not know it was the target of a spell, unless specified
52
What are the five typical shapes of a spell's area of effect?
* cone
* cube
* cylinder
* line
* sphere
53
What is a point of origin in relation to a spell's area of effect?
The location from which the spell's energy erupts
54
True or False: A spell's area of effect can only originate from a point in space.
False
| Some originate from a creature or object.
55
How does a spell's effect expand from the point of origin?
In straight lines.
A straight line must extend directly from the **point of origin** to the **location within the AoE**, and be unblocked between them.
56
What must an obstruction provide to block a spell's effect within its AoE?
Total cover
| This "blocks" the straight line from a spell's point of origin.
57
AoE: Cone
* Extends in a direction you choose from its point of origin
* Isoceles triangle—width of cone equal to central length at any point
* Point of origin is **not included** unless caster decides otherwise
58
AoE: Cube
* Size is length of each side
* Point of origin lies anywhere on a face
* Point of origin is **not included** unless caster decides otherwise
59
In a cylinder's area of effect, where is the point of origin located?
The center of a circle forming one end of the cylinder. This must be on the ground, or at the height of the spell effect.
## Footnote
The circle's radius and height are specified in the spell description.
60
AoE: Cylinder
* Point of origin is either on the ground, or at the height of the cylinder
* Description specifies both radius and height
* Is included in the spell effect
* Spell effect's energy
* Forms radial lines from origin
* Then straight (up or down) to the other end of the cylinder (the height of the cylinder)
| Always forms a vertical column.
61
AoE: Line
* Length and width specified in the spell description
* Straight path extends from the point of origin "up to its length"
* Covers an area [volume] defined by the width
* Point of origin is **not included** unless caster decides otherwise
| Forms a horizontal rectangular prism.
## Footnote
Can the length be lessened by the caster, per the "up to its length" wording?
62
What is the difference between a line and a cone in terms of area of effect?
A line extends in a straight path with a constant defined width, while a cone expands outward with the width determined by distance.
63
AoE: Sphere
* Radius specified in spell description
* Point of origin is the center of the sphere
* Point of origin is included in the spell effect
64
There are eight categories of spells. What is their collective name and function?
Schools of Magic
| Scholarly categories that only describe spells.
# Separate card to list all 8?
65
What is the primary nature of Abjuration spells?
Protective
| Some have aggressive uses.
66
What effects can Abjuration spells create?
* Magical barriers
* Negate harmful effects
* Harm trespassers
* Banish creatures
67
What do Conjuration spells generally involve?
* Transportation of objects and creatures
68
What are three functions of Conjuration spells?
* Summon creatures or objects to the caster
* Teleport the caster to another location
* Create objects or effects from nothing
69
What is the use of Divination spells?
Reveal information
70
What forms do Divination spells take?
* Secrets long forgotten
* Glimpses of the future
* Locations of hidden things
* Truth behind illusions
* Visions of distant people or places
71
What is the effect of Enchantment spells?
Affect the minds of others, influencing or controlling behavior
72
# True or False
Evocation spells only heal wounds.
False
73
What do Evocation spells allow?
* Maniupulate magical energy to create a desired effect
* Call on elemental power
* Channel positive energy to heal wounds
74
What do Illusion spells do?
Deceive the senses or minds of others
75
Name specific possible effects of Illusion spells.
* See or hear things that aren't there
* Fail to sense things that are there
* Create false memories
* Can either effect present creatures (external, sensory), or be planted directly in the target's mind
76
Fill in the blank: Necromancy spells manipulate the energies of _______.
Life and death
77
Name four use cases of Necromancy spells.
* Grant an extra reserve of life force
* Drain life energy from another creature
* Create undead
* Bring the dead back to life
78
How is creating the undead using Necromancy generally regarded?
Not considered a good act as it’s often used by evil casters.
79
What do Transmutation spells do?
Change the properties of a creature, object, or environment
80
List four effects of Transmutation spells.
* Turn an enemy into a harmless creature
* Bolster the strength of an ally
* Move an object at the caster's command
* Enhance a creature's innate healing abilities
81
Describe the source and function of a spell target’s saving throw.
Allows a target to avoid some or all effects of a spell.
| Spell lists ability used for the roll and the effect of success/failure.
82
What numbers determine the DC to resist a spell?
8
+ spellcasting ability modifier
+ proficiency bonus
+ any special modifiers
83
What is required for a caster to determine if a spell effect hits the target?
The caster must make an attack roll.
84
How is the attack bonus for a spell calculated?
| Two components
Spellcasting ability modifier + proficiency bonus
85
When do ranged attacks have disadvantage?
Within 5 feet of a hostile creature that can see you and isn't incapacitated.
86
What happens to the effects of different spells when their durations overlap?
They add together.
87
What happens when the same spell is cast multiple times?
The most potent effect applies, or the most recent effect if equally potent.
88
True or False: If two clerics cast Bless the same target, the target rolls two bonus dice.
| i.e. duplicate buffing spells
False
89
What is the Weave in the context of D&D magic?
It’s the fabric of magic that serves as an interface between the will of a spellcaster and raw magic.
## Footnote
Name is specific to the Forgotten Realms, though is exists throughout multiverse.
90
In the Forgotten Realms, which goddess represents the embodied essence of the Weave?
Mystra
91
What happens without the Weave?
Raw magic is locked away and inaccessible to mortals.
92
What types of magic rely on the Weave?
All magic
| Commonly regarded as two broad categories—Arcane and Divine magic.
93
# Fill in the blank
The spells of wizards, warlocks, sorcerers, and bards are called _______.
Arcane magic
94
What is Divine magic?
Magic mediated by Divine power.
95
Name three bases of Divine magic.
* Gods
* Divine forces of Nature
* Sacred weight of a Paladin's oath
96
How do arcane spellcasters access the Weave?
They pluck directly at the strands of the Weave by understanding it.
| Understanding can be learned or intuitive.
97
What effect does *dispel magic* have on the Weave?
It smooths the Weave.
98
What occurs where the Weave is damaged or torn?
Magic works in unpredictable ways or not at all.
99
How are magical effects created?
The threads of the Weave intertwine, twist, and fold to make the effect possible.
100
What do Divination spells like *detect magic* allow characters to do?
They glimpse the Weave.
101
Who can use magic in areas where the Weave has been torn?
Nobody
102
What is the difference between Arcane and Divine magic?
Arcane magic is based on an understanding of the Weave, while Divine magic is mediated by divine power.
103
Name four classes that use Divine magic.
* Clerics
* Druids
* Paladins
* Rangers
104
What is raw magic?
The stuff of creation—the mute and mindless will of existence.
105
Where is raw magic found throughout the multiverse?
Permeating every bit of matter and present in every manifestation of
energy.
106
# True or False
You must be proficient with the armor you are wearing to cast spells.
True
107
How does unfamiliar armor hamper a caster?
It distracts from the mental focus and physically hampers the precise gestures required.
108
