House Rules - Spellcasting - Revision history

DB at 17:01, 13 November 2025

2025-11-13T17:01:33Z

DB: /* Hunter's Mark */

2025-07-17T12:43:16Z

Hunter's Mark

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:43, 17 July 2025
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	\| colspan="2" \|		\| colspan="2" \|
	\|-		\|-
	\| colspan="2" \|You magically mark one creature you can see within range as your quarry. Until the spell ends, you deal an extra 1d6 Force damage to the target whenever you hit it with an attack roll. You also have Advantage on any ~~Wisdom (~~Perception or Survival~~) check~~ you make to find it.		\| colspan="2" \|You magically mark one creature you can see within range as your quarry. Until the spell ends, you deal an extra 1d6 Force damage to the target whenever you hit it with an attack roll. You also have Advantage on any Perception or Survival checks you make to find it.

	If the target drops to 0 Hit Points before this spell ends, you can take a Bonus Action to move the mark to a new creature you can see within range.		If the target drops to 0 Hit Points before this spell ends, you can take a Bonus Action to move the mark to a new creature you can see within range.

DB: Added full text for (Mass) Cure Wounds and (Mass) Healing Word to make clearer that it also increases more when using higher slots

2025-07-13T12:26:12Z

Added full text for (Mass) Cure Wounds and (Mass) Healing Word to make clearer that it also increases more when using higher slots

@@ Line 40: / Line 40: @@
 ==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#cure%20wounds_phb Cure Wounds] ====
-'''Increased healing from 1d8 to 2d8''', as the [https://5e.tools/spells.html#cure%20wounds_xphb 2024 version]. [https://5e.tools/spells.html#mass%20cure%20wounds_phb Mass Cure Wounds] '''from 3d8 to 5d8'''.
+Changed to [https://5e.tools/spells.html#cure%20wounds_xphb 2024 version], which '''increased healing from 1d8 to 2d8''':
 ==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#dominate%20person_phb Dominate Person] ====
@@ Line 52: / Line 67: @@
 ==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#healing%20word_phb Healing Word] ====
-Increased healing from 1d4 to 2d4, as the [https://5e.tools/spells.html#healing%20word_xphb 2024 version]. [https://5e.tools/spells.html#mass%20healing%20word_phb Mass Healing Word] also from 1d4 to 2d4.
+Changed to the [https://5e.tools/spells.html#healing%20word_xphb 2024 version], which '''increased healing from 1d4 to 2d4''':
 ==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#hunter's%20mark_phb Hunter's Mark] ====
@@ Line 79: / Line 109: @@
 ==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#invisibility_phb Invisibility] ====
 Using this [https://5e.tools/spells.html#invisibility_xphb 2024 wording]: The '''spell ends early immediately after the target makes an attack roll, deals damage, or casts a spell'''. The same goes for other items/abilities/etc. that bestow invisibility.
 ==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#message_phb Message] ====

DB: Added full text for Phantasmal Killer

2025-07-12T09:16:35Z

Added full text for Phantasmal Killer

@@ Line 84: / Line 84: @@
 ==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#phantasmal%20killer_phb Phantasmal Killer] ====
-Updated to [https://5e.tools/spells.html#phantasmal%20killer_xphb 2024 version].
+Updated to [https://5e.tools/spells.html#phantasmal%20killer_xphb 2024 version]:
 ==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#sending_phb Sending] ====

DB: Added Hunter's Mark

2025-07-04T09:14:39Z

Added Hunter's Mark

@@ Line 53: / Line 53: @@
 ==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#healing%20word_phb Healing Word] ====
 Increased healing from 1d4 to 2d4, as the [https://5e.tools/spells.html#healing%20word_xphb 2024 version]. [https://5e.tools/spells.html#mass%20healing%20word_phb Mass Healing Word] also from 1d4 to 2d4.
 ==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#hypnotic%20pattern_phb Hypnotic Pattern] ====

DB: Hypnotic Pattern now a removed spell

2025-04-16T22:31:07Z

Hypnotic Pattern now a removed spell

DB at 16:19, 23 March 2025

2025-03-23T16:19:23Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:19, 23 March 2025
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	=== Familiarity ===		=== Familiarity ===
	A number of spells speak about being familiar with someone or something. Here is my ruling for the most common spells:		A number of spells speak about being familiar with someone or something. Here is my ruling for the most common spells (a longer explanation is down in the Background to Changes section):

	* [https://5e.tools/spells.html#clairvoyance_phb '''Clairvoyance''']; seen for at least a minute.		* [https://5e.tools/spells.html#clairvoyance_phb '''Clairvoyance''']; seen for at least a minute.

DB: Added Barkskin and Message, and Familiarity heading

2025-03-23T16:05:25Z

Added Barkskin and Message, and Familiarity heading

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:05, 23 March 2025
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	=== Ritual Spells ===		=== Ritual Spells ===
	If you '''have a spell prepared that has the Ritual tag''', you can cast that spell as a Ritual. This means that Paladins, etc. now also can do this.		If you '''have a spell ''prepared'' that has the Ritual tag''', you can cast that spell as a Ritual. This means that Paladins, etc. now also can do this.

	=== Individual Spell Changes ===		=== Individual Spell Changes ===
	''Note that I have definitely not compared all spells, so more changes might be coming to this at a later date.''		''Note that I have definitely not compared all spells, so more changes might be coming to this at a later date.''

			==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#barkskin_phb Barkskin] ====
			No longer a Concentration spell making it finally useful.

	==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#counterspell_phb Counterspell] ====		==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#counterspell_phb Counterspell] ====
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	==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#invisibility_phb Invisibility] ====		==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#invisibility_phb Invisibility] ====
	Using this [https://5e.tools/spells.html#invisibility_xphb 2024 wording]: The spell ends early immediately after the target makes an attack roll, deals damage, or casts a spell. The same goes for other items/abilities/etc. that bestow invisibility.		Using this [https://5e.tools/spells.html#invisibility_xphb 2024 wording]: The spell ends early immediately after the target makes an attack roll, deals damage, or casts a spell. The same goes for other items/abilities/etc. that bestow invisibility.

			==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#message_phb Message] ====
			Removed the V component. Now it makes sense and you can actually whisper the message.

	==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#phantasmal%20killer_phb Phantasmal Killer] ====		==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#phantasmal%20killer_phb Phantasmal Killer] ====
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	==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#sending_phb Sending] ====		==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#sending_phb Sending] ====
	Can't contact other planes unless cast using a slot of 5th level or higher, there is no fail chance.		Can't contact other planes unless cast using a slot of 5th level or higher, there is no fail chance. Also see familiarity below.

	==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#spiritual%20weapon_phb Spiritual Weapon] ====		==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#spiritual%20weapon_phb Spiritual Weapon] ====
	Now is a Concentration spell like the [https://5e.tools/spells.html#spiritual%20weapon_xphb 2024 version] and the damage increases by 1d8 for every slot level above 2.		'''Now is a Concentration spell''' like the [https://5e.tools/spells.html#spiritual%20weapon_xphb 2024 version] and the damage increases by 1d8 for every slot level above 2.

	==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#vicious%20mockery_phb Vicious Mockery] ====		==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#vicious%20mockery_phb Vicious Mockery] ====
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	==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#zone%20of%20truth_phb Zone of Truth] ====		==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#zone%20of%20truth_phb Zone of Truth] ====
	Removed. For details read the entirety of [https://www.hipstersanddragons.com/zone-of-truth-dnd/ this article]. The remix suggested doesn't work either.		'''Removed'''. For details read the entirety of [https://www.hipstersanddragons.com/zone-of-truth-dnd/ this article]. The remix suggested doesn't work either.

	== Spellcasting Changes ==		== Spellcasting Changes ==
	This is a quick listing of the changes. The next section explains why I came to these changes.		This is a quick listing of the changes. The next section explains why I came to these changes.

			=== Saves ===
	* A '''character knows they have been the target of a spell, if they succeed on the save imposed by the spell'''. However, unless they have anything else to go on, they might not know the source of the magic. Also note that this is a general rule; '''if an ability, feat, item, or spell description says the target won't notice anything even on a successful save, that supersedes this rule'''.		* A '''character knows they have been the target of a spell, if they succeed on the save imposed by the spell'''. However, unless they have anything else to go on, they might not know the source of the magic. Also note that this is a general rule; '''if an ability, feat, item, or spell description says the target won't notice anything even on a successful save, that supersedes this rule'''.
	* Characters can voluntarily fail a saving throw <s>but only when warned about the save beforehand and not under a magical compulsion</s>.		* Characters can voluntarily fail a saving throw <s>but only when warned about the save beforehand and not under a magical compulsion</s>.

	== Background ==		=== Familiarity ===
			A number of spells speak about being familiar with someone or something. Here is my ruling for the most common spells:

			* [https://5e.tools/spells.html#clairvoyance_phb '''Clairvoyance''']; seen for at least a minute.
			* [https://5e.tools/spells.html#locate%20creature_phb '''Locate Creature''']; as described.
			* [https://5e.tools/spells.html#locate%20object_phb '''Locate Object''']; as described.
			* [https://5e.tools/spells.html#message_phb '''Message''']; if through solid objects, need to be quite familiar with them, had a few conversations.
			* [https://5e.tools/spells.html#scrying_phb '''Scrying''']; as described.
			* [https://5e.tools/spells.html#sending_phb '''Sending''']; need to be quite familiar with them, had a few conversations, or, if someone describes target for you they need to be intimately familiar.
			* [https://5e.tools/spells.html#teleport_phb '''Teleport''']; as described.

			== Background to Changes ==
	No need to read any of this unless you want to know where I got everything from.		No need to read any of this unless you want to know where I got everything from.

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	==== Is the sentence of suggestion in the suggestion spell the verbal component, or is the verbal component separate? ([https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/sac/sage-advice-compendium#SA211 Sage Advice]) ====		==== Is the sentence of suggestion in the suggestion spell the verbal component, or is the verbal component separate? ([https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/sac/sage-advice-compendium#SA211 Sage Advice]) ====
	Verbal components are mystic words, not normal speech. The spell’s suggestion is an intelligible utterance that is separate from the verbal component. The command spell is the simplest example of this principle. The utterance of the verbal component is separate from, and precedes, any verbal utterance that would bring about the spell’s effect.		Verbal components are mystic words, not normal speech. The spell’s suggestion is an intelligible utterance that is separate from the verbal component. The command spell is the simplest example of this principle. The utterance of the verbal component is separate from, and precedes, any verbal utterance that would bring about the spell’s effect.

			=== Familiarity ===
			The issue is that the rules need to work even when someone has the ability to cast a certain spell an unlimited time or has enough flunkies to have that done for them. This has been recognized by the designers for certain spells that all have their counters, otherwise any ruler or powerful bad guy would be scryed on 24/7, laying bare all their plans and/or expose blackmailable situations. Sending didn't have a counter until the 2024 version.

			The internet is full of questions on this topic and people make good points like these:<blockquote>It really depends on how you define familiar. Note that it doesn’t say that the recipient has to be familiar with the Sender.

			In that sense, I’m familiar with the Prime Minister. I know his name, what he looks and sounds like... he, on the other hand, doesn’t have even the vaguest notion of my existence.

			I’m more familiar with the Prime Minister than I am the cashier at The grocery store. Even though I’ve met the cashier, said hello and wished them well and likely had some casual chit chat. So in some senses I’m more familiar with that cashier as we have interacted... but I wouldn’t be able to tell you the first thing about what they looked like and I sure wouldn’t recognize them again.

			If I was to cast Sending, I think it would be easier for me to Send to the Prime Minister because I can fix him in my mind clearly. The cashier on the other hand I am liable to mix up with many other cashiers.</blockquote>[https://5e.tools/spells.html#clairvoyance_phb Clairvoyance], both versions says: a location familiar to you (a place you have visited or seen before), meaning you don't need to be all that familiar at all, though I would say you need to have seen the location for a good time.

			[https://5e.tools/spells.html#locate%20creature_phb Locate Creature], both versions don't specify anything about familiarity but do allow you to find creatures you are less familiar with: "so long as you have seen such a creature up close—within 30 feet—at least once". Unrelated but interesting; the 2014 version is blocked by "running water at least 10 feet wide", probably based on the mistaken idea that blocks a dog's scent, and the [https://5e.tools/spells.html#locate%20creature_xphb 2024 version] by "any thickness of lead".

			[https://5e.tools/spells.html#locate%20object_phb Locate Object], both versions say the same: " a specific object known to you if you have seen it up close—within 30 feet—at least once" meaning that in this specific case you don't need to be all that familiar at all.

			[https://5e.tools/spells.html#message_phb Message]; neither version has any clarification but ruling it the same as Sending. Also removed V from components as the 2024 version.

			[https://5e.tools/spells.html#scrying_phb Scrying] says "Familiar (you know the target well)" but the [https://5e.tools/spells.html#scrying_xphb 2024 version] changed that to "[Knowledge of the Target Is...] Extensive (know the target well)". But the gist remains the same, you need to know someone well for it to be called familiar.

			The [https://5e.tools/spells.html#sending_xphb 2024 Sending] spell now says: "a creature you have met or a creature described to you by someone who has met it" instead of "a creature with which you are familiar" from the [https://5e.tools/spells.html#sending_phb 2014 version]. This clears things up a bit though people will argue "met" different ways. I am going with that you will need to have had actual conversations with the person, not just a "Nice to meet you".

			[https://5e.tools/spells.html#teleport_phb Teleport] is quite specific and I've taken these from the [https://5e.tools/spells.html#teleport_xphb 2024 version] cause it has nice bullet points:

			* "Very familiar" is a place you have visited often, a place you have carefully studied, or a place you can see when you cast the spell.
			* "Seen casually" is a place you have seen more than once but with which you aren't very familiar.
			* "Viewed once or described" is a place you have seen once, possibly using magic, or a place you know through someone else's description, perhaps from a map.

			Interestingly Clairvoyance and Teleport are the ones most at odds with each other, where Clairvoyance's version of familiar includes Teleport's "Seen casually".
	[[Category:Rules]]		[[Category:Rules]]

DB at 19:34, 26 December 2024

2024-12-26T19:34:01Z

@@ Line 8: / Line 8: @@
 * If you're '''concentrating on a spell, you know when that spell ends''', whether you end your concentration willingly, your concentration is broken, or the spell ends in some other way.
 To quote Hipsters & Dragons: '''to begin casting a spell in public is the arcane equivalent of drawing a sword and waving it around'''.
 == Spellcasting Changes ==
@@ Line 13: / Line 73: @@
 * A '''character knows they have been the target of a spell, if they succeed on the save imposed by the spell'''. However, unless they have anything else to go on, they might not know the source of the magic. Also note that this is a general rule; '''if an ability, feat, item, or spell description says the target won't notice anything even on a successful save, that supersedes this rule'''.
-* Characters can voluntarily fail a saving throw but only when warned about the save beforehand and not under a magical compulsion.
+* Characters can voluntarily fail a saving throw <s>but only when warned about the save beforehand and not under a magical compulsion</s>.
 == Background ==
 === Knowing a spell has been cast on you. ===
@@ Line 39: / Line 100: @@
 Normally a save is a split second reaction to an unexpected event; jumping away from the suddenly appearing fireball (or car). When it comes to the three mental abilities we have no real world examples. The 5E rules don't mention you can voluntarily forgo a save but earlier editions of D&D and Pathfinder do. An on Twitter two designers have said they would allow it in most cases.
-'''The 2024 rules now explicitly say you can; page 11.'''
+'''The 2024 rules now explicitly say you can; page 11 and [https://5e.tools/variantrules.html#saving%20throw_xphb Rules Glossary].'''
 ==== Voluntarily Giving up a Saving Throw ([https://www.d20pfsrd.com/Magic/#TOC-Saving-Throw Pathfinder SRD]) ====

DB at 12:50, 18 September 2024

2024-09-18T12:50:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:50, 18 September 2024
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	=== Failing a save willingly ===		=== Failing a save willingly ===
	Normally a save is a split second reaction to an unexpected event; jumping away from the suddenly appearing fireball (or car). When it comes to the three mental abilities we have no real world examples. The 5E rules don't mention you can voluntarily forgo a save but earlier editions of D&D and Pathfinder do. An on Twitter two designers have said they would allow it in most cases.		Normally a save is a split second reaction to an unexpected event; jumping away from the suddenly appearing fireball (or car). When it comes to the three mental abilities we have no real world examples. The 5E rules don't mention you can voluntarily forgo a save but earlier editions of D&D and Pathfinder do. An on Twitter two designers have said they would allow it in most cases.

			'''The 2024 rules now explicitly say you can; page 11.'''

	==== Voluntarily Giving up a Saving Throw ([https://www.d20pfsrd.com/Magic/#TOC-Saving-Throw Pathfinder SRD]) ====		==== Voluntarily Giving up a Saving Throw ([https://www.d20pfsrd.com/Magic/#TOC-Saving-Throw Pathfinder SRD]) ====

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:31, 17 April 2025
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	==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#barkskin_phb Barkskin] ====		==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#barkskin_phb Barkskin] ====
	No longer a Concentration spell making it finally useful.		'''No longer a Concentration spell''', making it finally useful.

	==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#counterspell_phb Counterspell] ====		==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#counterspell_phb Counterspell] ====
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	==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#cure%20wounds_phb Cure Wounds] ====		==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#cure%20wounds_phb Cure Wounds] ====
	Increased healing from 1d8 to 2d8, as the [https://5e.tools/spells.html#cure%20wounds_xphb 2024 version]. [https://5e.tools/spells.html#mass%20cure%20wounds_phb Mass Cure Wounds] from 3d8 to 5d8.		'''Increased healing from 1d8 to 2d8''', as the [https://5e.tools/spells.html#cure%20wounds_xphb 2024 version]. [https://5e.tools/spells.html#mass%20cure%20wounds_phb Mass Cure Wounds] '''from 3d8 to 5d8'''.

	==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#dominate%20person_phb Dominate Person] ====		==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#dominate%20person_phb Dominate Person] ====
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	Changed to the [https://5e.tools/spells.html#gaseous%20form_xphb 2024 version]. The important changes:		Changed to the [https://5e.tools/spells.html#gaseous%20form_xphb 2024 version]. The important changes:

	* You can target one additional creature for each spell slot level above 3. [So you can now cast it on multiple people!]		* You can '''target one additional creature for each spell slot level above 3'''. [So you can now cast it on multiple people!]
	* The spell ends on the target if it drops to 0 Hit Points or if it takes a Magic action to end the spell on itself. [So the other people you cast it on can end it on themselves.]		* The '''spell ends on the target if it drops to 0 Hit Points or if it takes a Magic action to end the spell on itself'''. [So the other people you cast it on can end it on themselves.]

	==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#healing%20word_phb Healing Word] ====		==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#healing%20word_phb Healing Word] ====
	Increased healing from 1d4 to 2d4, as the [https://5e.tools/spells.html#healing%20word_xphb 2024 version]. [https://5e.tools/spells.html#mass%20healing%20word_phb Mass Healing Word] also from 1d4 to 2d4.		Increased healing from 1d4 to 2d4, as the [https://5e.tools/spells.html#healing%20word_xphb 2024 version]. [https://5e.tools/spells.html#mass%20healing%20word_phb Mass Healing Word] also from 1d4 to 2d4.

			==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#hypnotic%20pattern_phb Hypnotic Pattern] ====
			'''Removed'''.

	==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#invisibility_phb Invisibility] ====		==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#invisibility_phb Invisibility] ====
	Using this [https://5e.tools/spells.html#invisibility_xphb 2024 wording]: The spell ends early immediately after the target makes an attack roll, deals damage, or casts a spell. The same goes for other items/abilities/etc. that bestow invisibility.		Using this [https://5e.tools/spells.html#invisibility_xphb 2024 wording]: The '''spell ends early immediately after the target makes an attack roll, deals damage, or casts a spell'''. The same goes for other items/abilities/etc. that bestow invisibility.

	==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#message_phb Message] ====		==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#message_phb Message] ====
	Removed the V component. Now it makes sense and you can actually whisper the message.		'''Removed the V component.''' Now it makes sense and you can actually whisper the message.

	==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#phantasmal%20killer_phb Phantasmal Killer] ====		==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#phantasmal%20killer_phb Phantasmal Killer] ====
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	==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#sending_phb Sending] ====		==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#sending_phb Sending] ====
	Can't contact other planes unless cast using a slot of 5th level or higher, there is no fail chance. Also see familiarity below.		'''Can't contact other planes unless cast using a slot of 5th level or higher''', there is no fail chance. Also see familiarity below.

	==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#spiritual%20weapon_phb Spiritual Weapon] ====		==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#spiritual%20weapon_phb Spiritual Weapon] ====
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	==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#vicious%20mockery_phb Vicious Mockery] ====		==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#vicious%20mockery_phb Vicious Mockery] ====
	Damage upped from 1d4 to 1d6.		'''Damage upped from 1d4 to 1d6.'''

	==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#zone%20of%20truth_phb Zone of Truth] ====		==== [https://5e.tools/spells.html#zone%20of%20truth_phb Zone of Truth] ====
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	== Background to Changes ==		== Background to Changes ==
	No need to read any of this unless you want to know where I got everything from.		''No need to read any of this unless you want to know where I got everything from.''

	=== Knowing a spell has been cast on you. ===		=== Knowing a spell has been cast on you. ===