Spell Mechanics

Question 2

What are the basic components of a spell?

Answer 2

Name, Level, School, Casting Time, Range, Components (V, S, M), Duration, Description.

Question 3

What do the three spell components (V, S, M) stand for?

Answer 3

V (Verbal) – Spoken words, S (Somatic) – Hand gestures, M (Material) – Required objects.

Question 4

What happens if a caster can’t provide a spell’s verbal component?

Answer 4

They can’t cast the spell (e.g., if gagged or in silence).

Question 5

What happens if a caster can’t provide a spell’s somatic component?

Answer 5

They can’t cast the spell (e.g., if restrained or lacking a free hand).

Question 6

How does a spell’s material component work?

Answer 6

If a spell requires a material component, a spellcasting focus or a component pouch can replace non-costly components.

Question 7

What is a spellcasting focus?

Answer 7

An item (like a wand, staff, or holy symbol) that replaces non-costly material components.

Question 8

How do spell slots work?

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

What happens when you cast a spell at a higher level?

Answer 9

Some spells have improved effects when cast using a higher-level spell slot.

Question 10

What is a cantrip?

Answer 10

A 0-level spell that can be cast without using a spell slot and is always prepared.

Question 11

What are the different spell ranges?

Answer 11

Self, Touch, Specific Distance (e.g., 30 feet), Area of Effect (e.g., cone, line, sphere).

Question 12

What are the main spell areas of effect?

Answer 12

Cone, Line, Sphere, Cylinder, Cube.

Question 13

How does a spell’s duration work?

Answer 13

A spell is either instantaneous or lasts for a set time (e.g., 1 minute, 1 hour, concentration-based).

Question 14

What is concentration in spellcasting?

Answer 14

A caster can maintain one concentration spell at a time. Taking damage forces a Constitution saving throw to maintain it.

Question 15

What breaks concentration?

Answer 15

Taking damage (fail a Constitution save), casting another concentration spell, being incapacitated, or voluntarily stopping.

Question 16

How is a spell’s saving throw determined?

Answer 16

The target rolls a d20 + relevant saving throw modifier vs. the caster’s Spell Save DC.

Question 17

What is a caster’s Spell Save DC?

Answer 17

8 + proficiency bonus + spellcasting ability modifier (e.g., INT for Wizards, CHA for Sorcerers).

Question 18

What is a spell attack roll?

Answer 18

d20 + proficiency bonus + spellcasting ability modifier vs. target’s AC.

Question 19

What happens when a spell attack roll is a natural 20?

Answer 19

The spell’s damage dice are doubled (critical hit).

Question 20

What happens when a spell attack roll is a natural 1?

Answer 20

The spell misses automatically.

Question 21

How does ritual casting work?

Answer 21

Some spells have the ‘ritual’ tag and can be cast without expending a spell slot if cast over 10 extra minutes.

Question 22

What is counterspell and how does it work?

Answer 22

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.

Question 23

What is dispel magic and how does it work?

Answer 23

Ends a spell affecting a target. Automatically ends spells of 3rd level or lower; higher-level spells require a check.

Question 24

What happens when two spells are cast at the same time?

Answer 24

The DM decides based on timing and rules, but most often both spells take effect unless countered.

Question 25

Can you cast two spells in one turn?

Answer 25

You can cast a cantrip with a bonus action spell but can’t cast two leveled spells in one turn unless stated otherwise.

Question 26

How do bonus action spells work?

Answer 26

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.

Question 27

What happens if a caster is restrained while casting?

Answer 27

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.

Question 28

What happens if a caster is holding a weapon or shield and needs to cast a spell?

Answer 28

If the spell requires somatic components and no focus, the caster must have a free hand or use War Caster feat.

Question 29

What happens when a spellcaster is grappled?

Answer 29

They can still cast spells unless the grappled condition prevents necessary components (e.g., silenced or hands restrained).

Question 30

Can a spellcaster maintain concentration while unconscious?

Answer 30

No. Unconsciousness immediately breaks concentration.

Question 31

How do magic items affect spellcasting?

Answer 31

Some items (like wands or staffs) let you cast spells without using spell slots. Others increase Spell Save DC or attack rolls.

Question 32

What is a scroll and how does it work?

Answer 32

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).

Question 33

Can a multiclassed character use spell slots from different classes?

Answer 33

Yes, spell slots are combined, but known/prepared spells and spellcasting abilities remain separate.

Question 34

What happens if you try to cast a spell in an anti-magic field?

Answer 34

The spell fails. Ongoing spells in the area are suppressed until they leave the field.

Question 35

Can you ready a spell using the Ready action?

Answer 35

Yes, but you must concentrate on the spell until the trigger happens.