Known vs. Prepared Spells: A Deep Dive for Aspiring Mages
The core difference between known spells and prepared spells lies in the flexibility and breadth of magical options available to a spellcaster. A caster with spells known has a fixed repertoire of spells they can cast, chosen from their class spell list. Think of it like a musician with a set playlist. A caster who prepares spells has access to a wider range of spells from their class list, but they must choose a specific subset each day (or after a long rest) to be able to cast. This is akin to a chef who has a pantry full of ingredients but must decide which dishes to prepare for the day. One provides consistency, the other flexibility.
Understanding Spells Known
The Fixed Repertoire
For classes like Bards, Sorcerers, and Warlocks, spellcasting is based on a “spells known” system. This means that as they level up, they learn a certain number of spells from their class’s spell list. These spells are permanently etched into their magical consciousness, so to speak. They can cast these spells using available spell slots, but they are limited to the specific spells they have chosen to learn.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The advantage of the spells known system is its simplicity. Players don’t need to spend time each day deciding which spells to prepare; they always have their go-to spells ready. This can be particularly useful for players who prefer a streamlined gameplay experience or who have a specific playstyle that relies on a consistent set of spells.
However, the disadvantage is the lack of flexibility. If a situation arises that calls for a spell they haven’t learned, the spellcaster is out of luck. They can’t adapt their magical arsenal to the specific challenges they face as easily as a spellcaster who prepares spells.
Deciphering Prepared Spells
The Daily Selection
Classes like Clerics, Druids, and Wizards use a “prepared spells” system. These spellcasters have access to a much wider range of spells from their class spell list – in the Wizard’s case, spells they have painstakingly copied into their spellbook. However, they can only cast a certain number of spells each day, determined by their class level and relevant ability score (usually Intelligence for Wizards, Wisdom for Clerics and Druids). After a long rest, they must choose which spells to prepare from their available pool.
Benefits and Drawbacks
The main benefit is adaptability. They can tailor their prepared spells to the expected challenges of the day. Heading into a dungeon known for its fire traps? Prepare some fire resistance spells. Expecting to face undead? Load up on radiant damage spells. This flexibility makes prepared spellcasters incredibly versatile.
The drawback is the preparation time and the potential for misjudgment. If they prepare the wrong spells, they might find themselves ill-equipped to handle unexpected situations. It also adds a layer of complexity to the game, as players need to carefully consider their spell selection each day.
Diving Deeper: Key Considerations
- Spellbook Dependency (Wizards): Wizards have a unique mechanic where they must learn spells and transcribe them into their spellbook. This means that even though they are prepared spellcasters, they are still limited by the spells they have managed to acquire and record.
- Ritual Casting: Many classes have the ability to cast certain spells as rituals. This allows them to cast spells without expending a spell slot, but it takes significantly longer. This can mitigate some of the limitations of both spells known and prepared spells systems, as it allows access to a broader range of spells outside of combat.
- Oath/Domain Spells: Some subclasses, such as Paladin Oaths and Cleric Domains, grant access to specific spells that are always prepared and do not count against the spellcaster’s daily limit. This provides a degree of certainty and consistency to their spellcasting.
- Metamagic (Sorcerers): While Sorcerers are spells known casters, their Metamagic abilities provide them with a unique form of flexibility. They can modify their spells to increase their range, duration, or effectiveness, allowing them to adapt their limited spell selection to a wider variety of situations.
The Sweet Spot: Finding Your Playstyle
Ultimately, the best spellcasting system depends on individual player preferences and playstyle. The spells known system is great for those who value simplicity and consistency, while the prepared spells system is ideal for those who enjoy strategic planning and adaptability. There’s no right or wrong choice, and understanding the nuances of each system can help you create a character that perfectly suits your vision. Whether you favor blasting everything with a Fireball or healing the wounded and vanquishing the undead, learning to control your magical arsenal is key to success in a fantasy roleplaying game.
To further understand the implications of spells and spellcasting in games, consider researching the work being done at the Games Learning Society and exploring GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can a wizard cast spells without preparing them?
Generally no, not in combat. A Wizard can only cast prepared spells from their spellbook by expending a spell slot. However, outside of combat, a wizard should be able to cast any spell they have within their spellbook, assuming the spell isn’t on the list of prepared spells. It still uses a Spell Slot and adds 1 minute to the cast time. Rituals remain as they are, not needing spell slots, but taking 10 minutes.
2. Do prepared spells count against spells known?
That is a confusing question because of its wording. The answer is that if you choose to prepare a spell you already know, it doesn’t affect the number of spells you know. Oath/Domain Spells don’t count against the number of spells you can prepare.
3. Can you use a prepared spell twice?
Yes, both the Cleric and the Wizard can use a prepared spell multiple times as long as she or he has expendable spell slots for it. Casting a spell does not remove it from your character’s list of prepared spells.
4. Can you have more prepared spells than spell slots?
Yes, you can definitely prepare more spells than you have spell slots. The number of spell slots dictates how many spells you can cast, while the number of prepared spells dictates which spells you have available to cast.
5. Do cantrips count as spells?
Yes, a cantrip is a spell. They appear on a class’s spell list, but they’re unique in that they can be cast without expending a spell slot.
6. How many known spells does a wizard start with?
You start with 6 spells in your spellbook, and learn 2 every time you level up. Any time you find a wizard spell written in a book or a scroll, and it’s of a level you can cast, you can add it to your spellbook for some time and gold.
7. Can a wizard change known spells?
All spellcasting classes can change spells during each level up. Clerics, Druids, Paladins, and Wizards can change their Prepared Spells by selecting from their Known Spells. For all other spellcasting classes: You can replace one spell when leveling up your character. This option is available to you at every level up.
8. How long does a prepared spell last?
There is no limit. So long as you don’t prepare new spells, your old set of spells remains prepared.
9. Do warlocks know or prepare spells?
Warlocks do not have to prepare spells like a cleric or wizard. They have a list of spells known and a number of spell slots they can use to cast those spells.
10. Can cantrips be changed?
When you gain a level, you may swap one cantrip for another that you have available. As a Downtime Activity, a cantrip can be swapped for another that you have available after 10 days of practice and the expenditure of 20gp. Cantrips can be prepared and cast as 1st level spells.
11. How many cantrips can a wizard have?
You can only have up to five cantrips prepared at a time, but wizards are the only class that can swap one of their cantrips for another from their available list during a Long Rest (a change made in Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything), which means always having the right tools for the job.
12. Are oath spells prepared?
Yes, but once you gain access to an oath spell, you always have it prepared. Oath spells don’t count against the number of spells you can prepare each day.
13. Can a wizard cast spells without saying them?
Spells can also be cast non-verbally, but with a magical wand. This special technique is taught in the sixth year of study at Hogwarts and requires the caster to concentrate on the incantation. Some spells are designed to be used non-verbally.
14. Can you prepare the same spell multiple times?
Yes, you can prepare the same spell multiple times, as long as you have the spell slots and meet the requirements to prepare it. This allows you to have multiple instances of the same spell available for casting.
15. What happens if a prepared spell requires components, but I don’t have them?
If a prepared spell requires components and you do not have them, you cannot cast the spell. Some spells require specific and costly components, while others only require a focus or a component pouch. Always ensure you have the necessary components before relying on a particular spell.