D&D 5E Cantrips

[Gothnog]

I would love to see more done with cantrips. I am personally a huge fan of them, and although I do like some of the new "combat cantrips," I think they've lost some of the original flavor. To me, cantrips have always been the "role playing" spells that allowed the spellcaster to keep doing magic throughout the day. A while back I made a video about it here.

I'd be interested to hear other people's thoughts on cantrips and their uses.

Gothnog's Magnificent Cantrips -- Fifth Edition

 

[aramis erak]

I've always felt that, prior to 4E, they were just a nasty afterthought - poorly executed and best handled as a 1st level spell with a bit of buffing up.

with 5E, they're a variety of useful spells, and pretty well thought out, if a bit narrow.

 

[was]

The use of cantrips has always varied with the skill and depth of the player. I have seen cantrips used in combat to distract and befuddle many a foe.

 

[thalmin]

It was for the cantrips I decided my level 4 cleric should take a feat instead of raising WIS to 18. I took Magic Initiate to get 2 more cantrips, plus an extra Cure Wounds.

 

[Hereticus]

In 4e lower level wizards were "magic missile users", in 5e they are "fire bolt users".

 

[Nachti]

I would love to see more done with cantrips. I am personally a huge fan of them, and although I do like some of the new "combat cantrips," I think they've lost some of the original flavor. To me, cantrips have always been the "role playing" spells that allowed the spellcaster to keep doing magic throughout the day. A while back I made a video about it here.

I'd be interested to hear other people's thoughts on cantrips and their uses.

Gothnog's Magnificent Cantrips -- Fifth Edition

Take a look at the rituals. They are what you are looking for - roleplaying spells.

 

[Zaran]

I've always felt that every apprentice wizard learns Light, Mage Hand, and Prestidigitation. Of course this means that you can't get a combat spell. If we were able to memorize cantrips like other spells this wouldn't be a big deal. The lack of this ability is the biggest issue I have with 5e. Even if someone got multiple attack cantrips, that doesn't make them uber. So I don't see why there is such a limit on the number. It would be like a fighter having different weapons.

 

[Nebulous]

I think 5e cantrips are just fine the way they are. The amount of flexibility built into Prestidigitation and Minor Illusion is massive.

 

[Dausuul]

I've always felt that every apprentice wizard learns Light, Mage Hand, and Prestidigitation. Of course this means that you can't get a combat spell. If we were able to memorize cantrips like other spells this wouldn't be a big deal. The lack of this ability is the biggest issue I have with 5e. Even if someone got multiple attack cantrips, that doesn't make them uber. So I don't see why there is such a limit on the number. It would be like a fighter having different weapons.

Myself, I see no reason to constrain low-level wizards like that (what, no minor illusion?), but if you insist on it, just carry a crossbow and wait till level 4 to pick up your first attack cantrip. From levels 1-4, a light crossbow and a decent Dex bonus are as good as a cantrip; it's only once you reach level 5 that the cantrip is better.

 

[Boarstorm]

As a side note, whenever I think of cantrips I think of a scene early on in the movie Dragonslayer. There is a book on a table, and the wizard gestures and the book slides to him. Even in 2nd edition, I gave wizards unlimited uses of the cantrip spell for minor "flavorful" effects of that nature.