Alright, listen up. In my world, cantrips are the basic building blocks for any spellcaster, the kind of magic that’s so fundamental, it’s like breathing. Here’s how they work:
What Are Cantrips?: They’re minor spells, but don’t let that fool you. These little tricks are essential for everyday magical tasks or some light combat. Think of them as the spells you can cast without breaking a sweat, as often as you need, all day long.
Learning Cantrips: You usually pick up these spells at the start of your magical journey. Whether it’s from a crusty old spellcaster teaching you the ropes or a well-thumbed tome filled with arcane secrets, cantrips are your first foray into the world of magic. They’re like your training wheels before you dive into the deeper, more exhausting spells.
No Spellbook Needed: Here’s the kicker – cantrips don’t need to be stored in a spellbook or anything fancy like that. Why? Because you practice them so much they’re etched into your memory. You can cast them at the drop of a hat, no need to flip through pages to remember how to light a candle magically or make a small object float.
Casting Cantrips: The beauty of these spells is their ease of use. You can cast them as much as you want, no need for lengthy preparations or recovery. Sure, they’re not going to level a mountain, but they’re dependable for the smaller tasks at hand.
Choosing Cantrips: When you start out as a spellcaster, you get to pick a few cantrips. These choices are a reflection of your personality and style. Whether you prefer subtle manipulation or something more flashy, your cantrips are a reflection of your character and approach to magic.
Now, to give you a taste of what cantrips in my world are like, here are a few I’ve conjured up:
Grumble’s Grasp: A cantrip where you create a spectral hand that gives a good, hard pinch to someone nearby. It’s not much for damage, but it’s great for getting someone’s attention or being a nuisance.
Thadeus’s Thorny Response: This one lets you grow tiny, irritating thorns on any surface. Handy for making sure no one sits where they shouldn’t, or for leaving a little surprise for those pesky goblins trying to sneak up on you.
Curmudgeon’s Candle: A flick of your finger, and you light or snuff out a small flame – like a candle or a torch. Useful for those times when you’re too lazy to get up and do it yourself.
Dwarven Grunt: Not exactly a spell for quiet conversations. This cantrip amplifies your grunts and mumbles so everyone in the room can hear your displeasure loud and clear. Doubles as a way to intimidate the less sturdy folk.
Thadeus’ Cantrips (5e)
Grumble’s Grasp
Level: Cantrip
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 30 feet
Components: V, S
Duration: Instantaneous
Effect: Create a spectral hand that pinches a creature within range, distracting them. Make a spell attack against the target. On a hit, the target takes 1d4 psychic damage and has disadvantage on the next attack roll it makes before the end of its next turn.
Thadeus’s Thorny Response
Level: Cantrip
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Components: V, S
Duration: 1 hour
Effect: Cause thorns to sprout from a surface no larger than 1 square foot. Any creature that touches the surface takes 1d4 piercing damage.
Curmudgeon’s Candle
Level: Cantrip
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 60 feet
Components: V, S
Duration: Instantaneous
Effect: Ignite or extinguish a candle, torch, or small campfire within range.
Dwarven Grunt
Level: Cantrip
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self (15-foot radius)
Components: V
Duration: Instantaneous
Effect: Amplify your grunt to be audible within 15 feet, forcing all creatures in range to make a Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of your next turn.
Thadeus’ Cantrips (SWADE)
Grumble’s Grasp
Power: Bolt (with a trapping of a spectral hand and distraction)
Range: 12/24/48
Duration: Instant
Effect: Shoots a single projectile doing 2d4 damage. The trapping adds a distraction effect, possibly imposing a penalty to the target’s next action.
Thadeus’s Thorny Response
Power: Barrier (with a trapping of thorns)
Range: Touch
Duration: 3 (1/round)
Effect: Creates a small barrier of thorns. It can cause damage (1d4) to anyone who touches or crosses it.
Curmudgeon’s Candle
Power: Environmental Protection (with a trapping of controlling flames)
Range: Smarts
Duration: Instant
Effect: Allows you to extinguish or ignite small fires.
Dwarven Grunt
Power: Fear (with a trapping of an intimidating grunt)
Range: Smarts x 2
Duration: Instant
Effect: Causes targets in range to make a fear check, potentially causing them to be Shaken or worse.