D&D (2024) Multiclassing: Slots and Prepared Spells

[Mistwell]

I'm creating a multiclass higher level PC [edit: under 2024 rules], and am confused on which spells I can cast with which spell slots. I thought I had the rules down, but realize now there is nuance I hadn't considered. Looking for opinions from those who have more experience than I do.

PC is level 9 Rogue (Arcane Trickster) level 3 Wizard (Illusionist).

Multiclassing rules say spell slots would be 1/3 of the Rogue levels (3) and all the Wizard levels (3) for a total of spellcaster level 6. That's 4 1st level slots, 3 2nd level slots, and 3 third level slots.

Multiclassing rules say spells prepared are for each class individually. Now if this were a Cleric / Wizard, that would be pretty easy since the spells are clearly prepared from different classes and spell categories. However each of these classes draws spells from the general Wizard spell list, and are using a unified spell slot list. Arcane Trickster gets 6 prepared spells. Wizard also get 6 prepared spells. For both classes the prepared spell rules say, "The chosen spells must be of a level for which you have spell slots."

I will also have access to copy a bunch of spells, as there is a full 13th level wizard in the party, and he also has many found spellbooks and scrolls.

My question is, can I prepare any 3rd level spells, or only up to 2nd level spells with each class, and upcasting 1st or 2nd level spells into the third level slot?

 

[jmartkdr2]

2014 rules: Prepare spells as though each class was entirely separate.

As a 9th level arcane trickster, you know 3 cantrips and 6 leveled spells, which must be 1st or 2nd level, and 4 of those must be enchantment or illusion spells. The other two can be any school. Note that you can't change these da-to-day: like a sorcerer, you can only change them at level up. It;;s best to put your bread-and-butter spells here. These come from the wizard list.

On top of that, you can earn and prepare spells as a 3rd-level wizard: you know 3 more cantrips plus minor illusion (Illusionist bonus). You also have a spellbook with at least 10 spells in it: 8 1st-level and up to two 2nd-level, plus any you gained as loot through adventuring. Of these, you can prepare up to 3+Int per day. There's no reason to prepare the same spell twice, so these will generally be the more situational spells you may want. You ca also cast them as rituals if they have the ritual tag without preparing them so long as they're in your spellbook. These are not school restricted.

You can also add spells to you spellbook for cash; illusion spells cost half as much to copy. Filling your book with rituals is generally a good idea although if the cost is prohibitive you should coordinate with the wizard about what should be doubled up.

So overall that's 7 cantrips (one must be minor illusion), 6 leveled spells known that can't be changed each day (4 illusion or enchantment and 2 any school) and 3 + Int mod additional prepared spells. Net 16+Int mod spells ready to cast. That's a lot of breadth but not as much depth as a 13th-level wizard. You can't knw or prepare 3rd-level spells at all, but can upcast the spells you know/have prepared.

 

[Mistwell]

It's 2024 rules, that's why I was asking. The way it reads seems to imply you can prepare spells for slots you have for each class, and you have 3rd level slots.

 

[Clint_L]

Seems pretty straightforward: "This table might give you spell slots of a higher level than the spells you prepare. You can use those slots but only to cast your lower-level spells. If a lower-level spell that you cast, like Burning Hands, has an enhanced effect when cast at a higher level, you can use the enhanced effect as normal."

In other words, it specifically prohibits you from using spells of a higher level than your character would have earned from any of their classes. That you have a higher level spell caster in your party doesn't get you around the fact that your character only knows how to cast spells of up to second level in difficulty, even if they can cast them with a little more oomph.

 

[Charlaquin]

Spells are prepared for each class individually, and neither a 3rd level Wizard nor a 9th level Arcane Trickster Rogue can prepare 3rd level spells, so no, your Rogue 9/Wizard 3 character can’t prepare 3rd level spells. They can still use those 3rd level spell slots to upcast their 1st and 2nd level spells though.

 

[Zardnaar]

Basically what everyone else is saying. Your higher level slots are only usable to upcast spells.

You're almost a half caster with weaker spells.

Direct damage spells will suck load up on utility, defensive and the rare few that do something worthwhile (hint, command, tashas laughter).

Level 13 1 very rare item, 2 rares and
whatever uncommon not unreasonable ask your DM.

Iirc you already know you can sneak attack with true strike.

 

[Mistwell]

Seems pretty straightforward: "This table might give you spell slots of a higher level than the spells you prepare. You can use those slots but only to cast your lower-level spells. If a lower-level spell that you cast, like Burning Hands, has an enhanced effect when cast at a higher level, you can use the enhanced effect as normal."

Right the issue is "higher level than spells you prepare." The "Prepare" rules seem to say you can prepare any spell you know up to your highest spell slot.

In other words, it specifically prohibits you from using spells of a higher level than your character would have earned from any of their classes. That you have a higher level spell caster in your party

Oh no, the mention of the higher level spell caster in the party is just to mention I can access spells for my spellbook of higher levels. That part isn't why I can prepare those spells just noting I could copy them when needed so that is not part of the issue.

doesn't get you around the fact that your character only knows how to cast spells of up to second level in difficulty, even if they can cast them with a little more oomph.

Right, except I am no longer sure with these rules that the "second level in difficulty" is accurate given the preparation rules and the "spell slots are combined" rule.

I THINK it still works that way but the wording seems more...unclear this time.

 

[Mistwell]

Spells are prepared for each class individually, and neither a 3rd level Wizard nor a 9th level Arcane Trickster Rogue can prepare 3rd level spells, so no, your Rogue 9/Wizard 3 character can’t prepare 3rd level spells. They can still use those 3rd level spell slots to upcast their 1st and 2nd level spells though.

Yes they're prepared individually, but still depend on spell slots for what you can prepare individually. So do you track spell slots individually for purposes of preparation?

 

[mellored]

Each class has it's own seprate prepared spells restricted by the class level. Wizard 3 can prepared level 2 wizars spells.

You combine the slots as per the multiclass table (except warlock).

You can any cast prepared spell in any slot (including warlock). Which leads to upcasting spells.

I.e.
Wizard 3/cleric 3/sorcerer 3/druid 3/Bard 3/warlock 3 will have 2nd level spells, up to a 6th level regular slot, and 2 level 2 pact slots.

 

[mellored]

Right the issue is "higher level than spells you prepare." The "Prepare" rules seem to say you can prepare any spell you know up to your highest spell slot.

"You determine what spells you can prepare for each class individually, as if you were a single-classed member of that class"