So, this is what the Player's Handbook says about cantrips: "A cantrip is a spell that can be cast at will, without using a spell slot and without being prepared in advance."
What does that mean "cast at will"? So can my 1st level Sourcerer alternate (or not even alternate - use) Fire Bolt and Ray of Frost each round each time they are in combat? That's what I'm thinking 'at will' means.
Could somebody please clarify this? Thank you all.
In this case, "at will" means that there is no limit to the number of times per day that you can cast the cantrips that your character knows.
As Sillvva states, you need to check the casting time for each cantrip as well. Many of them are indeed "1 action" which means that you can also move and take a bonus action if you have any available to you.
Cantrips are At-Will in such as they do not use Spell Slots. You are still restricted by casting time. If you are looking at multi casting (Casting Firebolt twice) then there are a few options. One is Twin Spell but that is better used for concentration buffs. I would recommend Quickened Spell, it reduces the cast time of a spell to 1 bonus action if it's a 1 action spell.
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On that note, also remember that if you cast a spell with a timing of 1 bonus action, then you can't cast another spell during the same turn, except for a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action. It doesn't matter if your bonus action spell was a cantrip or cost a spell slot.
Per the basic rules and PHB:
Bonus Action A spell cast with a bonus action is especially swift. You must use a bonus action on your turn to cast the spell, provided that you haven’t already taken a bonus action this turn. You can’t cast another spell during the same turn, except for a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action.
cantrips can be cast whenever you want as long as you account for casting time. eg. you cannot cast two one-action spells within one action, unless you use certain measures to shorten casting time.
just keep in mind casting time and cantrips can be a wonderful thing. they're the main attack for a sorcerer (i believe - i haven't actually played a sorcerer before) and can be incredibly useful, in and out of combat. keep a versatile set of cantrips under your belt and you'll be fine!
I hate to put it like this but I find Sorcerer really shines the most when paired up with a secondary spellcasting class. Like ones where you recover spell slots during a short rest, or warlock where your spell slots are all your highest possible level. (Though I need to test the SorcLock tonight to be sure that is an accurate statement)
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So, this is what the Player's Handbook says about cantrips: "A cantrip is a spell that can be cast at will, without using a spell slot and without being prepared in advance."
What does that mean "cast at will"? So can my 1st level Sourcerer alternate (or not even alternate - use) Fire Bolt and Ray of Frost each round each time they are in combat? That's what I'm thinking 'at will' means.
Could somebody please clarify this? Thank you all.
Just remember even cantrips have a casting time. If it says 1 action, then you cannot cast another with a timing of 1 action in the same turn.
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In this case, "at will" means that there is no limit to the number of times per day that you can cast the cantrips that your character knows.
As Sillvva states, you need to check the casting time for each cantrip as well. Many of them are indeed "1 action" which means that you can also move and take a bonus action if you have any available to you.
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Cantrips are At-Will in such as they do not use Spell Slots. You are still restricted by casting time. If you are looking at multi casting (Casting Firebolt twice) then there are a few options. One is Twin Spell but that is better used for concentration buffs. I would recommend Quickened Spell, it reduces the cast time of a spell to 1 bonus action if it's a 1 action spell.
GM of The Bonus Role - We are playing a 5E game set in my homebrew world of Audra check us out Sunday's at 10 AM CST and follow us at the following social media links.
https://www.twitch.tv/thebonusrole
@BonusRole
On that note, also remember that if you cast a spell with a timing of 1 bonus action, then you can't cast another spell during the same turn, except for a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action. It doesn't matter if your bonus action spell was a cantrip or cost a spell slot.
Per the basic rules and PHB:
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cantrips can be cast whenever you want as long as you account for casting time.
eg. you cannot cast two one-action spells within one action, unless you use certain measures to shorten casting time.
just keep in mind casting time and cantrips can be a wonderful thing. they're the main attack for a sorcerer (i believe - i haven't actually played a sorcerer before) and can be incredibly useful, in and out of combat. keep a versatile set of cantrips under your belt and you'll be fine!
I hate to put it like this but I find Sorcerer really shines the most when paired up with a secondary spellcasting class. Like ones where you recover spell slots during a short rest, or warlock where your spell slots are all your highest possible level. (Though I need to test the SorcLock tonight to be sure that is an accurate statement)
GM of The Bonus Role - We are playing a 5E game set in my homebrew world of Audra check us out Sunday's at 10 AM CST and follow us at the following social media links.
https://www.twitch.tv/thebonusrole
@BonusRole
Sorcerers shine if you plan ahead like sherlock holmes and have a clear focus. AOE bulldozer. Suble NPC abuzer or boss shut down.
"At will" means just that. Without a spell slot and without preparing.