Spells and Spellcasting Guide for Dungeons and Dragons 5e

[@DungeonDudes]

What's your favourite spellcasting class in D&D 5e?

[@christreedee]

DUDDDE!!!!!!!!! the best!!!! PLEASE KEEP DOING USAGE OF SPELLS SERIES!!! M O R E!!!! tank you you awesome fuckers!!

[@jehudahphang9116]

BARD!!!!!!!

[@kristian9955]

Sorcerer, because they're able to concentrate on 2 spells at the same time... Twinned spell casting haste on the monk and the rogue of the party

[@devlinosiris2059]

Wizard, because of Widogast

[@elijahjramirez]

Bard all the way!

[@ketchupguns]

FYI: I've been sending so many of your videos to my new players on the campaign we just started. Very in depth.

[@matttillman7430]

I have been sharing videos from The Dungeon Dudes with my players, too. We just started making characters with the new rules, so these videos have been very helpful.

[@Recusant]

0:00- Introduction (Everyone is a spellcaster.) 1:43- Spell Levels (L-E-V-E-L-S) 3:47- Spellcasting Ability Score (Why +8 though?) 5:19- How Many Spells Known (Did you study, or are you just smart?) 6:15- Spells Prepared is Different (And you have to calculate it yourself.) 7:29- Wizards are Different Too (The power of books.) 8:22- Everybody Loves Cantrips (No slots, no problem.) 9:39- Spell Slots (Now you have problems.) 11:15- Spells Themselves (Big decisions, big math.) 15:10- Components (Everybody likes VS&M.) 17:32- Duration of Spells (Make a Concentration check to continue watching.) 20:08- Damage and Effects (Learn to read.) 21:53- Shapes and Sizes (The Xanathar has a guide for this.) 22:47- Closing Time (Buy merch, tip your bartender.)

[@dangernoodlesoup3227]

Thank you SO MUCH

[@varasatoshi3961]

Wisdom Classes: Druid Cleric Ranger Intelligence Classes: Wizard Arcane Trickster Eldritch Knight Charisma Classes: Warlock Bard Paladin Sorcerer

[@jr900man]

I'm dming for my friends who are new, this is helpful to tell them. Thank you

[@varasatoshi3961]

@@jr900man You're welcome my guy :)

[@varasatoshi3961]

@@jr900man by the way, barbarian is the only class that cannot cast spells using anything except for the magic initiate feat.

[@talongreenlee7704]

Vara Satoshi Actually, the way of the four elements monks also use wisdom for their spellcasting, and totem warrior barbarians can cast certain spells as rituals, just not while you’re raging. Barbarians don’t have a spellcasting ability score as far as I know cause their spells don’t require saves or attack rolls.

[@himboghost629]

Don't forget artificer Or mystics

[@Gravely5059]

You guys are hands down the best at explaining proper rules and usage of spells and actions on a PC'S turn. Love the charisma you dudes possess! Easily a +5 bros.

[@DungeonDudes]

Thank you :)

[@pureeschaap]

@@DungeonDudes Yes indeed!

[@KarenS-qe3ly]

@@DungeonDudesHi there. Thank You so much for your Excellent Videos on Dungeons and Dragons. I am just starting out in Dungeons & Dragons 5e, and I am playing a High Elf Wizard. What is the difference between a known spell and a prepared spell for a wizard? I would like to know exactly how many cantrips, first level spells, and second level spells does a second level wizard have as known spells. I think that it is 3 cantrips, 6 first level spells, and 2 second level spells. Then with each additional level the amount of spells increases by 2. How many prepared spells does a second level wizard have available to her--is it 2 + spellcasting ability modifier? Can I at any time swap known spells on the Wizard full list of spells if I feel a spell is not a good spell. Please respond with your answer, and Thank You.

[@dabunnisher29]

I’m restarting D&D from when I played as a kid with AD&D. Having to relearn a lot of stuff is daunting, but I found your channel from a lot of other channels, and I realized quickly, how rich your content is. If anyone wants to start D&D for the first time or revisit this world like me, I can safely say, your channel is required viewing. The way you guys methodically break down the rules and do it in a way for anyone to understand is amazing. I just want to thank you very much for helping me relearn a beautiful game, that I loved as a kid, and now love as an adult. I hope you remember, that all your hard work inspires and helps others in this world. Thank you so much.

[@MEBoisv]

I just started a new game online with some old friends. Some of them are new to D&D and don't have any books. I sent them all the Dungeon Dudes page and told them to start there.

[@Rillikual]

i agree

[@dougie_smash_em3893]

Well said 😎

[@dhesyca4471]

Welcome back to D&D :)

[@cfrankum83]

The +8 is based off of the fact that everyone starts with a proficiency bonus of +2, thus giving the initial base of 10. As older editions it usually starts out as 10 + (ability modifier) + spell level. I feel this was the simplest way to maintain that initial base of 10.

[@dm_ex_machina3395]

That fireball animation was awesome.

[@doctoreeeveal]

I just want to thank you so much for this video. I haven't played in over 30 years, trying to teach my kids by playing the starter set tonight. I messed up on spells, and my daughter basically vaporized 2 goblins in one action because I couldn't figure out spell casting on the fly. It was hilarious and fun, but kinda took the wind out of the sails on their first combat encounter. This is such a great explanation, thanks for being precise and showing references in the players manual.

[@yanderenejoyer]

About the 8 bonus for the save dc, it's actually pretty simple. Think about the dice, the d20. At level 1, the 8 + proficiency gives you a 10 save dc. That's 55% chance for full damage/effect with no modifiers. Then, add your modifier (Probably +3, it's the most common) and you have 13. That is also the base AC of many monsters at low level. Of course, many monsters have bonuses or deficits on saves, so there's that. Most weak indead and beasts are weak to saves on wisdown, charisma and intelligence, thus making your chance to hit those higher (most time a 65% for a -2 modifier for the monster) Now think about a normal attack. Against an AC 13 monster you have (with +5) 65% chance to hit. See how the values go hand in hand? It's all about balance and keeping it fair for all types of combat. Also, with no modifiers a normal attack has 55% chance to hit (base AC 10, no bonuses to attack or AC), same as the save DC spells.

[@DungeonDudes]

Yes! The math is quite well balanced. Thanks for the breakdown!

[@bloodgrave10]

I have a question about the balance of this math What if you have a lvl 1 fighter with heavy armor, who has an AC of 18, who encounters a very powerful evil wizard of lvl 10. Is the evil wizard only able to hit the fighter with spells if the DM rolls an 18 or higher?

[@cedzou606]

@@bloodgrave10 if the fighter has to make a saving throw it's not the AC that matters. The fighter must roll D20+ ability bonus + saving throw proficiency bonus

[@MrAllen1049]

@@bloodgrave10 yes as long as the wizard uses an attack that a fighters armor can deal with. such as dancing sword or other physical spells. however a fighters armor wont help against a fireball. thats considered a save dc

[@ultrakombou]

Can I just say that Kelly's collection of nerd wear is the secret treasure of this channel.

[@CherryBlossomStorm]

This is super high quality stuff. High production values etc. Don't know how you have so few views. If you keep this up you'll be a huge channel in a year.

[@DungeonDudes]

Wow! Thanks for the high praise :) We're working on it, hopefully we have enough ideas -- we'd love to know if you have any questions or video topics you'd like to see us cover!

[@timothykurdt7645]

@@DungeonDudes Looks like it happened! Keep it up!

[@Sophia-vk5bq]

This is from one year in the future. It's all true. These guys are huge. In my time, they're household names like Bill and Ted.

[@jimbeaux1442]

Gates and Bundy?

[@giovaniteixeira67]

200k

[@Ghost-lk2fc]

I'm new to d&d, my character is a druid and I've been struggling to understand all the rules of spellcasting. This video cleared up so much! I feel like I have a much better understanding of how it works now and I can't wait to put it all into play in my next session!

[@DelphineTheWorstBladeEver]

Do you still play a druid, or have you come to the conclusion that everyone else does? Lol

[@devlinosiris2059]

Appreciate the miniature close ups.

[@mtgoat4434]

Every time I see those 4th Ed manuals behind y’all on the bookshelf I’m like “burn them”!🔥lol

[@jand.4737]

I guess, 8 is the base for Spell save DC, because then you have 8+proficiency, which is at least 10.

[@Kippemon]

im more familiar with 3.5 but yeah this makes sense to me since base AC is 10 (avg d20 roll) and the take 10 rule, avg d20 once again but this system didnt have prof. mechanic so.. Makes perfect sense since the 5th edition still inherits lots of rules from prior editions where 10 is the average unbuffed skill/attack roll.

[@Lanceweilder]

I think that's it too, I initially thought 8 was weird but when I saw you added your proficiency bonus to it and the starting bonus is +2 it made sense, making it start at 10 like previous editions.

[@kbomb1235]

It’s the only change that confuses me from when I played D&D as a kid (30 years ago). Back then magic was rare and only a few classes could cast magic.

[@FilthyAnimal893]

15:00 that was cool.

[@Nerkzor]

Thank you so much Dungeon Dudes!! I was really struggling at understanding how spells worked with my cleric and your video totally helped me understand and remove this stress I had trying to figure this out on my own!

[@DungeonDudes]

That's what we're here for! We've got the Cleric Guide dropping later this month too :)

[@TheButterscotchNinja]

Definitely should have covered Ritual spells more intensely, it's the part that most people do wrong. Not all classes are created equal, and as such not all spellcasters can cast rituals. In a basic game not including feats the only casters capable of performing rituals are Bards, Clerics, Druids, Warlocks (Pact of the Tome only, using an invocation) and Wizards (Sorcerer's, "half-casters", and "third-casters" are excluded). In addition each class is able to do them differently. Bards are a "spells known" class, so they can cast any spell they know as a ritual assuming it has the ritual tag. Clerics and Druids both prepare spells from their entire spell list, to balance this they can only cast spells they have prepared as rituals. Wizards have a spellbook they prepare spells from, unlike the other classes they are able to cast spells as a ritual that they do not have prepared making ritual casting especially useful for them out of combat. Warlocks are different in that they require taking an eldritch invocation called Book of Ancient Secrets, and to have the "Pact of the Tome" as their chosen "Pact Boon". They have a unique ability which grants them a spellbook similar to the Wizard's which they are expand by copying new spells into it. This allows Warlocks to cast ritual spells from any class (so long as they have the spell in their ritual book) as rituals, and only rituals. Finally the last source of ritual magic is only included if your game allows feats, and that is the feat "Ritual Caster" which grants you a spellbook (similar to the Warlock's Book of Ancient Secrets) however it can only contain ritual spells of one class that you chooses upon taking the feat. Ritual casting is pretty complex, but extremely versatile for players who know how to use it, so it really shouldn't be overlooked, or only really mentioned in passing.

[@DungeonDudes]

Awesome post! Thanks for the detailed explanation! We thought it would be best to cover Ritual Spells and Magic in a separate video to give it the space it needs to be explained fully. It's great to have a good comment like this here to remind people about it though.

[@HundredYearsBoar]

I smell another video topic 😏

[@816ish]

Also Paladins have Ceremony that is a ritual spell. Ceremony is a very powerful ritual when used correctly depending on the campaign. It was super helpful during CoS. They also have access to several other rituals. I believe it's 4 just for the 1st level spell slot.

[@AshtraskaPanthera]

You guys do some really good guides. Thanks for clearing up the issue of somatic components while your hands are full.

[@LordTreyHowdy]

I like the idea of looking at spells of similar level to see what you can do. In addition, looking at similar spells of higher levels can help you figure out what you can't do. Comparing Major Image and Minor Illusion should give you a clue of the limits of Minor Illusion.

[@TheCookieFlavaJAR]

I feel like some diagrams could have helped really nicely when explaining Known, Prepared, Spell Book, but other than that GREAT video!!!

[@Scott-sk1rb]

I'd like to start off by saying you guys are great. I've watched (and continue to watch) a lot of your videos and you always do a great job at not only covering the topics, but also have a charisma that keeps the videos interesting. One slight thing that I've noticed, and you half covered it here, is that spells with an AoE work in all dimensions. You mentioned up, but not down. A fireball will also go its 20' radius down, which depending on the surface could be very relevant. Thanks for all the great videos!

[@morrigankasa570]

I just Homebrew allow certain things; like allowing people to channel magic through weapons & that vocal component thing can be whispered and still work, I also allow 2 concentration spells being done by an individual at Lvl 20, I also allow a variety of other things you mentioned.

[@dragonjaw95]

Btw with concentration I think as a sorcerer you can still use twinned spell meta magic for concentration spell to achieve a "double concentration" because it technically still counts as one spell and you get double spell effects.

[@DungeonDudes]

This is correct, though restricted to two instances of a single-target spell. So you couldn't have a twin wall of fire, but you can certainly twin Polymorph and Haste.

[@BabyBlackNinja]

16:50 / A correction (to an otherwise AWESOME video!): The feat “War Caster” allows a spell with a somatic component to be cast whilst holding two weapons... 🤔

[@bradleymallard6347]

but if the spell also requires materials then you still would not be able to use it

[@crispyjokingtuna1495]

This was really helpful. I did a one off with a warlock and the spell casting was really confusing, but now I think I could play it more effectively

[@talkativeturtles221]

I have watched so many of your videos gentlemen, over so many hours of my life, and I still cannot pinpoint a Moment that for unknown reasons fills me with Joy, more than Kelly's Eyebrow raise at 6 seconds into this video. Bless your souls lads.

[@christopherdodds9435]

You guys always explain things so clearly and concise. Thanks for all your videos. as a new Player you have helped me so much ! Frickin love you guys man.

[@andrewcobler6043]

You guys are sitting so close together, I like to imagine you’re secretly joined at the waste

[@creativeplayandpodcastnetwork]

This is a really great spall casting 101! Thanks for making this

[@ikefredregill6754]

Great video! But, the entire time, all I could think about was the guy in the beanie looks exactly, EXACTLY, like a Millennial Liev Schreiber, which is also pretty cool.

[@donc7664]

Found you guys by accident, but dug the content. Any chance you have the same type of "learn to play" videos for those sweet 4e books behind you?

[@treyn92]

A bit late to the punch, but this was super in-depth. It has helped explain questions that I've had and some that I didn't even know I had. Thank you for the video.

[@Desertrat446]

Thanks guys🤩. I learned so much on the first watch. Answering a few questions I had. Downloading to rewatch. DMs should watch this once a month as a refresher.

[@Marti.Dobson]

I'm only just getting into 5E after a long hiatus (grw up on Basic and Expert and 1E AD&D) and I admit freely that I doubted you so much when you mentioned BAT GUANO being needed to cast a Fireball that I had to look it up. I humbly beg your forgiveness for doubting you, O wise and dorky ones. BRILLIANT VIDEO like all your stuff, thanks very much :)

[@Vessekx]

Marti Dobson, that’s been the listed material component for every version of the fireball spell.

[@zoetree3616]

I did not realize cantrips level with the character, not the class so this just made me even more excited about the potential damage my cantrips can make! That and overall that's just super cool. I really appreciate your videos seeing as I joined a party of people who have more experience than I. It makes me feel more prepared rolling up to sessions with this knowledge

[@Good.shepherd420]

I finished ep.5 of drakkenheim and am really stoked for tomorrows episode!

[@luketabois2620]

I had to do some research as my players leveled up and more of them can now cast spells this was super helpful

[@zakealifa6294]

Just started playing druid and this guide helped me a lot. Thanks for the great videos, guys.

[@SkyFellowship]

This should be in your DM playlist. Watched everyone and was still confused about spells, lol Great work as always 😺

[@benpebbles4111]

Omg seeing old videos is truly so amazing. How much y'all have improved. 🙌

[@jeashead5916]

Love y'alls videos wish i would have found them before I made a warlock for my first character XD I always like use dancing lights in weird ways, my DM always gives me that look when I say I'm casting it, ready for my ridiculous solution

[@deantirus794]

This video has been most informative since I'm playing my very first spellcasting character, one I'm sure both of you are familiar with. I'm playing a Half-Elf Oath of Vengeance paladin!!

[@thornels]

i love how well you two talk together

[@mirkozohren1139]

Thanks guys for clearing that up. I finally decided making the upgrade to 5e from 3.5, and I got really confused over some of the things you explained.

[@goranfrka]

4:18 . the look on Kellys face is precious! :D

[@TheMiniJunkie]

Great channel, I’m learning a lot as a new DM! One suggestion from a fellow (much smaller) youtuber: consider inserting more overlay images like you did at 3:30. Or even panning artwork appropriate to the topic. You are both engaging speakers, but for 10-25 minute videos, it can become monotonous to stay on the single shot of you both talking. Just my 2 cents! Edit: although watching further, you are doing more of it in this video (with spell tables) than some of your other vids :)

[@giovaniteixeira67]

Good explanation. You guys have kind of a chemistry together. Greetings from Brazil.

[@brianpawlikowski1304]

This is a good up and coming channel. Lots of information, right to the point.

[@markapetersen]

Is there any way you could do a video with an example combat situation. That way you can detail what happens with each kind of character and all the actions that can be done.

[@DungeonDudes]

Absolutely! We're working out the logistics, but we are planning to film one of our game sessions to give an actual play example.

[@markapetersen]

Very nice. I have just started as a DM for my son and his friends. I am a 2nd edition guy so a lot of this is new to me.

[@YoungSpennyB]

Very informative. Much appreciated, gentlemen

[@h-grid3137]

Sending this to all my players

[@DungeonDudes]

Thanks for sharing! Hope it helps them play their next spellcaster!

[@h-grid3137]

We just started playing 5E, this is exactly what they need!!

[@AdamRowe]

Big Mac I think I may do the same if I have any new players come in wanting to try a caster. I wish I had this video when I was new.

[@twilightgardenspresentatio6384]

Big Mac absolutely

[@7thangelad586]

My brother and I had an interesting conversation about learning spells; we were curious if there’s a study of the psychology of learning spells (whether it’s practical or in theory). For example if you have a Paladin-who is inherently good-what would prevent him from learning a destructive spell that caused collateral damage to civilians or his own party members?? We thought a theoretical discussion on the psychology of any spell casting class would be fascinating whether it is implemented in the game or not. We also agreed that the spell casting classes must be perfect sociopaths or psychopaths.

[@DetectiveBarricade]

Nothing really, but paladins don't really learn spells so much as have a set of spells they can prepare. None of these can harm creatures that aren't of the paladin's choosing, though, so his own party members and commoners should be safe if he's truly good-aligned. (and being role played correctly, otherwise the DM can force the player out of the class or down the oathbreaker or treachery paths by 3rd level) Not sure why you'd think spellcasting classes must be perfect sociopaths or psychopaths, unless you've mostly played with "murder hobos"...

[@callmeobsequious]

This is LITERALLY the only thing that has helped spellcasting click for me, thank you.

[@redblu]

I think an important detail is that you can be concentrating on a spell and still cast a different spell, just not one that has concentration as its duration.

[@timkramar9729]

We did a bit of a fun thing for an elemental wizard. With an air focus. The character played a flute to cast his spells, instead of specifically speaking.

[@acejoker007]

First game coming up Friday. I appreciate the videos, definitely a great resource. Thanks!

[@BlackShadow1991]

Thanks for the explanation, you are making probably one of the best D&D guides around :D

[@MrMoshmuma]

Best video I have seen on spell casting. Well done lads

[@DungeonDudes]

Thank you! - Monty

[@16michaelf]

Thank you thank you thank you, finally a video on KZbin that explains it clear and easily so now it makes sense to me!

[@michaelcaley1359]

Great video, super easy to understand an right to the point. Just subscribed!!

[@christopherchenoweth3549]

Thanks, that cleared up a lot of things I was confused about.

[@DungeonDudes]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ArcaneCowboy]

"pulled out of butt' and "that's the balance point" are entirely different.

[@Redchakra007]

One house rule I use for Concentration spells is that you can use two at a time if you purposefully aren't holding concentration on the second one. For example, Vampiric Touch is concentration. If my player was concentrating on Hypnotic Pattern, and then used Vampiric Touch on another character, I'd allow them to keep Hypnotic Pattern up as long as they only intended to use Vampiric Touch as a one-off attack like Inflict Wounds.

[@PENNYMCCLUSKEY]

Thank you! This was a very helpful guide to dnd magic.

[@samwhary5498]

I know a wonderful app that manages all of this for you. The D&D 5e character creator can calculate the attack mods, DC, and spell slots based on the stats of your character. Very helpful for new players like myself. I'd recommend the premium one though if you're THAT new

[@mikem4432]

Unless I missed it, covering the methods or rules to recover spells would also be useful in such a video about the framework of magic in D&D, great video.

[@DungeonDudes]

Thanks! We cover the specific mechanics for recovering spell slots for each class in our Class Guides!

[@BDCSam]

GREAT Video guys! wow, so helpful. Bought all the spell cards cuz i cant keep track of all those spells.

[@The13thDyreWolf]

Thank you for the video I was wondering if there was a cap to spells a wizard could use

[@The13thDyreWolf]

Also I was wondering if you could cast a cantrip and cast another cantrip as a bonus action

[@vicentejaliquetabletopgame5567]

Awesome job Dungeon Dudes clear and easy instructions appreciate this tutorial.

[@gabrielambriz967]

Absolutely loved this video, super indepth and engaging! I am very grateful

[@cortex6065]

As a noob do with a new party of a bard, a ranger and a barbarian this is perfect

[@JessyA86]

This was immensely helpful. Thank you!!

[@reesescup69]

I feel you should have gone over more on the material costs. Like how even with a focus there are still necessities for cost material or costed material. (Greater restoration, revival spells for one that cost diamond and identify where you need the pearl still. For examples

[@cansteppenwolf1408]

Consistent quality. Good job again.

[@smats7994]

As a new DM This helped me so much.

[@danieloliveira1753]

You guys always come up with amazing content. Well done! I've said it once, i'll say it a thousand times: You guys got a fan in me. Anyways, i would really appreciate it if you guys made a video about roleplaying ideas for different kinds of characters (thats only an idea, you're welcome to adapt it). I thought about it because i just started a new campaign with my friends and i created a Wizard exorcist, so i'll make him an Abjurer. I gave him the Haunted One background but i would like some ideas if you could oblige. PS: Sorry for bad english, i'm Brazillian.

[@HundredYearsBoar]

This is basically the only time during a streamlined session that the game actually has to stop the most (for me - looking up spells etc).I also tried enforcing components and conditions needed for casting spells - my party did not like this at all and they are reasonable people. I might try again later in a more subtle way.

[@DungeonDudes]

I'm usually not a *huge* stickler for spell components, except when they have a real gold piece cost. The biggest issue I run into is when players try to be stealthy when casting spells, but the rules make doing that next to impossible unless you are a Sorcerer with Subtle Spell metamagic. -- Monty

[@Akeche]

Especially given most type of focus remove the component cost.

[@HundredYearsBoar]

Exactly. I tried it as a coin sink to make them need/want more gold, but it turned out to be just a burden. I totally get what you mean about the sneaking! 🤣

[@vandals4873]

Tell your magic users to write the text for each spell on an index card. They can keep these in a folder, or laminate them and punch a hole for a keyring. Use highlighter for whatever the requirements maybe or the casting time, so they are easy to read at a glance. Most folks don't want to pencil and then erase all over their character sheets, or even use scratch paper. Making flash cards for spells makes this much easier and faster for DMs and players.

[@chrisw3024]

There's actually pre-made Spell Card packs available to buy, one for each character class.

[@EasyBookReviewClub]

Great video guys! I'm new to the game and I'm slightly confused about casting time, a lot of spells have a casting time of 1 action, does that mean I forgo a round whilst I conjour the spell ready to use in the next?

[@polvotierno]

In my homebrew I made concentration a skill that can receive proficiency. I actually do exercises to improve concentration, so it makes sense to me. Then a spellcaster can use any ability as the basis of their concentration skill. It works out just fine in play.

[@cj18333]

Really enjoy all of yall's videos. Me, my wife, and some friends are getting back in to playing and every one of your vids have been super helpful. Keep up the great work!

[@DungeonDudes]

Getting back into D&D after a hiatus is a fantastic way to rekindle friendships as well. Glad we could help, please let us know if you have any questions you'd like to see us cover in a future episode.

[@loganphillips2166]

Step #1: Acquire flying or high perch. Step #2: Conjure animals Step #3: Watch the druids horrified look as you rain cows on your enemies. Conjure Animals never said you have to summon them onto the ground.

[@DianeCastle]

This is really great as an intro. But for complete tyros, have you considered an addendum to this video where you two actually walk a newbie through the casting of a couple simple spells, so they can see how to cast a spell, and go through the steps involved? It might help some of us DMs out with new 'casters.

[@koreydell4071]

Hey Dungeon Dudes. The realization that cantrips are based on character level, not your class level, is huge. I trust you but for the sake of proving to others, where is this stated?

[@heatherrogers5810]

It’s in the cantrip spell description. Acid Splash is a good example. It improves at the character’s higher levels.

[@Hazel-xl8in]

heather is right, but another thing that helps is cantrips can be granted by racial traits and feats, which aren’t tied to any class at all, and so sort of show that it’s not class level based

[@michaelrinere4390]

You guys are the best! Thank your making these videos! Keep it up! You’ve empowered me to start up my own DND group!

[@georgechilds7330]

Thanks guys this helped out a lot

[@DungeonDudes]

Glad to hear it! Hope you're slinging spells like a master at your next game!

[@simonjohnston3100]

I'm really glad they went to the slot system in 5e. Vancian magic was the reason I avoided playing casters in 3.5

[@rebthehuman6574]

This was so detailed and helpful! Thank you!

[@nsipep]

Question: If a Paladin uses a two handed weapon like a Glaive, can he cast spells with a somatic component? asuming he could rest one end of the glaive on the floor to free his other hand.

[@davidmeehan4486]

With one hand free you can cast a spell with somatic components.

[@Quickstein]

He could with the War Caster feat, but at the same time, that's a feat.

[@greysapocalyptic]

Very helpful video as a new DM this is great!

[@freezeburn9875]

Thank you guys so much for this. A few questions regarding material components though Does it have to be a specific item for each spell or could I make something up on the spot like a feather? If it is a specific material then how do I find out what material I have to have? Does the item disappear whenever I use the spell or can I use it forever as long as I have one item?

[@DungeonDudes]

Each spell that has an “M” listed for components for “material” will have the materials needed listed at the bottom of the spell description. Example, fireball lists *-(a tiny ball of bat guano and sulfur). The spell will also specify in the description if the material components are consumed during the casting. Example would be Revivify which says at the bottom, *-(diamonds worth 300gp, which the spell consumes). If the spell consumes it, you need to find it each time you want to cast the spell. If it doesn’t, you can hang on to your components. A lot of tables don’t bother with spell components, some swear by them. Technically, having a spell focus gets rid of the need for most components, except ones with a monetary value. Here is the section right from the Players Handbook. “ Material (M) Casting some spells requires particular objects, specified in parentheses in the component entry. A character can use a component pouch or a spellcasting focus (found in chapter 5, “Equipment”) in place of the components specified for a spell. But if a cost is indicated for a component, a character must have that specific component before he or she can cast the spell. If a spell states that a material component is consumed by the spell, the caster must provide this component for each casting of the spell. A spellcaster must have a hand free to access a spell's material components - or to hold a spellcasting focus - but it can be the same hand that he or she uses to perform somatic components.”

[@freezeburn9875]

Dungeon Dudes thank you so much

[@mingramh]

Great summary, thanks. I personally find the 5e spells rules as unnecessarily over complicated. I don't like the 5e notion that some many classes can cast spells. Barbarians and monks should never be able to cast spells.

[@petrus9067]

I think it brings more versatility and roleplay to the game and that' always good at least for a world where magic is not uncommon. If magic is within every sentient being, i don't see why those jobs can't be able to know at least a little bit of magic especially considering their background, maybe they witnessed a lot of it in their adventures or something.. it's not like they are instantly (or ever) gonna be like a focused magician. But i can see that is a taste/setting opinion so its fine

[@bitboi3395]

i have a houserule that wizards can buy or find cantrips but are as expensive as a 3t level spell to add

[@cs-sr5mp]

love the roots hoodie!

[@dyingontheinside5795]

Wizard hands down I'm playing in a campaign right now as a High Elf Blade-Singer Wizard. And while he may not be the best fighter the spells I gave him make him a perfect dodge tank.

[@nealjohnson8508]

Hugely helpful. Thanks!

[@pajnolan4459]

I love your guys videos. Thanks for making them

[@charlesholden4798]

I noticed you guys missed that a cleric and paladin can use their shield as their spellcasting focus? How do you feel about this rule? Do you add requirements like having them spend extra gold to make their shield a focus? What other thoughts do you have on focus type weapons like the pact weapons warlock?