Do Rogues Get Spells in D&D? A Deep Dive into Arcane Trickery and Beyond

Yes and no. The Rogue class in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (and in many previous editions) is primarily a martial class focused on skills, stealth, and cunning. Most Rogue subclasses do not inherently grant spellcasting abilities. However, the Arcane Trickster subclass is the notable exception, allowing Rogues to dabble in the magical arts. This makes them versatile spies, saboteurs, and infiltrators who can use illusion and enchantment to enhance their roguish talents. Let’s unpack the intricacies of Rogue spellcasting and explore related questions.

The Arcane Trickster: A Rogue Subclass with Magic

The Arcane Trickster is the only Rogue subclass that grants innate spellcasting. At 3rd level, when a Rogue chooses the Arcane Trickster subclass, they gain the ability to cast spells, drawing primarily from the wizard spell list.

Spell Selection for Arcane Tricksters

Arcane Tricksters have specific restrictions on their spell selection:

• Limited Schools: A significant portion of their spells must be from the schools of Enchantment and Illusion. This reflects their focus on deception and misdirection.
• Cantrips and Spells: They gain access to cantrips (spells that can be cast at will) and a limited number of spell slots to cast leveled spells.
• Intelligence-Based Casting: Their spellcasting ability is Intelligence (INT), meaning a higher INT score improves their spell attack bonus and spell save DC.

Beyond the Arcane Trickster: Other Avenues for Rogue Magic

While the Arcane Trickster is the dedicated spellcasting subclass, other Rogues can gain access to spells through different means:

• Feats: Certain feats, such as Magic Initiate or Ritual Caster, allow Rogues to learn a few spells from other classes’ spell lists. These feats will specify the spellcasting ability used.
• Multiclassing: Rogues can choose to multiclass into spellcasting classes like Wizard, Sorcerer, or Cleric. This significantly expands their spellcasting options but requires careful planning to balance Rogue and spellcasting abilities.
• Magic Items: Wands, scrolls, and other magic items can grant Rogues access to spells they wouldn’t otherwise have. However, using these items might require an ability check to succeed, depending on the item’s properties and the DM’s ruling.

FAQs: Rogue Spellcasting and Related Abilities

Here are some frequently asked questions about Rogues and magic in D&D 5e:

1. What is a Rogue’s Spellcasting Ability?

A Rogue isn’t inherently a spellcasting class. Therefore, it does not have a set spellcasting ability. However, if your Rogue is an Arcane Trickster, they gain some spells, which use Intelligence (INT) as their spellcasting ability. If you get the ability to cast spells via feats, those feats will tell you which ability to use.

2. Can a Rogue Use a Spellbook?

No, an Arcane Trickster does not use a spellbook. They just know a certain number of spells without the need of a spellbook. They learn spells, and they can change a single spell out each time they gain a level.

3. What Spells Can Rogues Use?

Arcane Tricksters can learn a selection of spells from the Wizard spell list, with restrictions on Enchantment and Illusion spells. Some popular options include:

• Cantrips: Minor Illusion, Booming Blade, Green-Flame Blade
• 1st Level Spells: Charm Person, Disguise Self, Find Familiar, Silent Image
• Higher-Level Spells: At later levels, Invisibility and even Fireball can become options (with restrictions).

4. Do Rogues Have Spell Slots?

Yes, Arcane Trickster Rogues have spell slots. They start with two 1st level spell slots at Rogue level 3 and gain more as they gain more Rogue levels.

5. What Stat Do Rogues Use for Spells?

• Dexterity (DEX): Rogues heavily rely on Dexterity. It influences skills, tools, attacks, damage, AC, and saves.
• Constitution (CON): Hit points are vital, especially for melee Rogues.
• Intelligence (INT): Arcane Tricksters need Intelligence for their spells.

6. Can a Rogue Use a Spell Scroll?

Yes. The intent is that a Thief can use spell scrolls with Use Magic Device.

7. Who is the God of Rogues in D&D?

The classic choice is Olidammara the Laughing Rogue, patron god of thieves and bards in the Greyhawk pantheon. Another classic is Lady Luck (Tymora in Forgotten Realms, aka Our Smiling Lady).

8. What Race Makes the Best Rogue in D&D?

Some popular race choices for Rogues include:

• Human
• Kobold
• Owlin
• Tabaxi
• Changeling
• Kenku

9. Can Rogue Steal Magic?

This refers to the Marvel Comics character Rogue, not the D&D class. Rogue’s mutant ability is to absorb the powers, skills, and to some extent the actual mind of anyone she touches with her bare skin.

10. Can Rogues Cast Invisibility?

Outside of class features, the spell Invisibility can also be learned by Arcane Trickster rogues at 8th level.

11. What is a Good First Level Spell for Rogue?

Consider Charm Person, Find Familiar, Silent Image, and Disguise Self heavily, as they all have tremendous value. Find Familiar is probably the best of those four because it isn’t as dependent on setting.

12. Can Rogues Cast Fireball?

Speaking of subclasses – Arcane Trickster Rogues can also learn Fireball, with Rogues able to pick it up from level 14.

13. Do Rogues Do Magic Damage?

One of the Unique things about Rogues, though, is its access to Poisoned Weapon. Poisoned Weapon is a magic-based ability that deals damage over time and can be stacked. Each tick benefits from the “Additional Magic Damage” stat.

14. Can Rogues Change Spells?

Arcane Trickster Rogues have a set number of known cantrips and spells of each level. They can swap a single spell out each time they gain a level. As such, they have no need for a spell book.

15. What is a DND Cantrip?

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.

Conclusion

While the core Rogue class is focused on martial skills, the Arcane Trickster subclass offers a compelling blend of stealth, agility, and magical trickery. By understanding the limitations and possibilities of Rogue spellcasting, players can create unique and effective characters that excel in both combat and social encounters. Whether through subclass features, feats, or magic items, Rogues can certainly incorporate magic into their repertoire, adding another layer of depth to this versatile class.

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