Experimental Arcanist

Your study of magic transcends mere repetition — you seek to weave new formulas into existence. Through careful experimentation, you can research and craft your own spells, though not without risk.

Experimental Spellcraft

You can attempt to create new spells through research and experimentation.
To craft a new spell, choose a spell level you can cast. The base DC to complete the spell is:

Spellcraft DC = 15 + (2 × spell level)

Each day you dedicate at least 4 hours to research and may spend additional time or spell slots to focus your work.

• For every 2 extra hours spent that day, or for each spell slot of equal or higher level you dedicate to the process, the DC is reduced by 2 (to a maximum reduction of 8 per day).
• Spell slots used this way are expended until your next long rest.

At the end of each research day, make an Arcana check against the DC.

• On a success, you gain 1 progress point.
• For every 5 points by which you exceed the DC, you gain 2 progress points instead.
• On a failure, the spell’s unstable theories cause a setback, increasing the DC by +1.

You must accumulate 20 progress points to complete the spell’s design.
If the spell lies outside your usual magical tradition (such as a wizard crafting a druidic or divine spell), you make the Arcana check with disadvantage.

Experimental Casting

Before your research is complete, you can attempt to cast the unfinished spell once per long rest using a spell slot of its intended level.
When you do, roll a d100 to determine the result:

The DM may alter or expand these effects depending on the nature of the spell and the materials used in its casting.

Completing the Spell

Once your research reaches 20 progress points, the spell is considered complete.
You can immediately inscribe it into your spellbook (or other focus medium) without further cost or time, as your earlier materials account for the process.