Is a Spell caster only a character that has the spell casting class feature, IE wizard, sorcerer, cleric, ETC...
or
is it anyone that can cast a spell. class abilities that allows you to cast a spell, IE Warrior of the Elements knows the Elementalism or Magic initiate/Fay Touched/Shadow Touched give you spells that you can cast.
From how I am interpreting what is written in the Spellssection of the PHB, any character that can cast a spell that is 'prepared' is a Spellcaster.
The chapter also talks about casting without a Spell Slot, like using a Spell Scroll to cast a spell, but this also includes using a Cantrip, as that does not use a Spell Slot. So having Spell Slots is not the only criteria of what defines a Spellcaster.
I'm not sure that being a Spellcaster is strictly defined in the 5e system.
I am currently playing a Tabaxi Echo Knight Fighter that has a Dark Gift from a bad experience from his past, so he can summon his Echos (which is magic), and also has access to Mage Hand from his Dark Gift, so even though he is a Fighter, he has prepared spells, even if they are just a Cantrip and Class ability. I would classify him as a Martial Class, but technically he has prepared spells so he is a Spellcaster of sorts.
Spellcaster isn't a term that is utilised by the the engine (IE, you don't have an effect that says "If you are a Spellcaster, X happens). Instead it's a term of convenience that we use in discussions - it's useful for comparing groups of classes like fighters and barbarians with those like wizards and Clerics. As such it doesn't have a fixed definition.
Instead, it is defined by what you are discussing, and you need to define it in each discussion. If you're talking about the ability to cast a spell, then an Eldritch Knight is indeed a Spellcaster. If on the other hand, if you're talking about its primary method of attack, then no, it's not a Spellcaster but instead a Martial (that happens to be able to perform some magic).
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If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
Spellcaster isn't a term that is utilised by the the engine (IE, you don't have an effect that says "If you are a Spellcaster, X happens). Instead it's a term of convenience that we use in discussions - it's useful for comparing groups of classes like fighters and barbarians with those like wizards and Clerics. As such it doesn't have a fixed definition.
Instead, it is defined by what you are discussing, and you need to define it in each discussion. If you're talking about the ability to cast a spell, then an Eldritch Knight is indeed a Spellcaster. If on the other hand, if you're talking about its primary method of attack, then no, it's not a Spellcaster but instead a Martial (that happens to be able to perform some magic).
The problem is that the term "spellcaster" is used in the engine in several places, usually for magic item attunement restrictions.
If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
The place where the term seems to imply an actual strict definition is in the crafting spell scrolls section. It says:
A spellcaster can transfer a spell to a scroll and create a Spell Scroll, using the rules below.
It then goes on, not to define "spellcaster", but the conditions required to scribe the scroll, which essentially refers to anyone that has prepared spells (as well as the requisite skills, which I would argue are not part of being a "spellcaster").
There are numerous magic items that require attunement "by a spellcaster", including nearly every item in the Wands category. If you really need a specific example, look at the Ruby of the War Mage or Wand of Fireballs.
In which case, the sense in which they intend is implied clearly - someone who can cast spells, presumably one that casts spells that require an M component.
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If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
A spellcaster is someone who can cast spells, including through feats.
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Look at what you've done. You spoiled it. You have nobody to blame but yourself. Go sit and think about your actions.
Don't be mean. Rudeness is a vicious cycle, and it has to stop somewhere. Exceptions for things that are funny. Go to the current Competition of the Finest 'Brews! It's a cool place where cool people make cool things.
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It is a vague term but I tend to define it as a class or subclass that has a spellcasting/Pact Magic feature. So full casters: Bards, Clerics, Druids, Wizards, Warlocks, Sorcerers. Half casters: Artificer, Paladin, Ranger. And 1/3 casters: Arcane Trickster Rogue and Eldritch Knight Fighter.
In which case, the sense in which they intend is implied clearly - someone who can cast spells, presumably one that casts spells that require an M component.
It's a fair question though. Absent a RAW definition, a DM could easily decide "spellcaster" means "character with a class feature that lets them cast spells" rather than just "anyone who can cast a spell"
I mean, if you are a pure martial but have a magic weapon that lets you cast a spell -- a crusader's shortsword, for example -- are you a "spellcaster" for the purposes of attuning to a wand of fireballs?
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Active characters:
Green Hill Sunrise, jaded tabaxi mercenary trapped in the Dark Domains (Battle Master fighter) Mardan Ferres, elven private investigator obsessed with that one unsolved murder (rogue) Xhekhetiel, halfling survivor of a Betrayer Gods cult (Runechild sorcerer/fighter)
In which case, the sense in which they intend is implied clearly - someone who can cast spells, presumably one that casts spells that require an M component.
It's a fair question though. Absent a RAW definition, a DM could easily decide "spellcaster" means "character with a class feature that lets them cast spells" rather than just "anyone who can cast a spell"
I mean, if you are a pure martial but have a magic weapon that lets you cast a spell -- a crusader's shortsword, for example -- are you a "spellcaster" for the purposes of attuning to a wand of fireballs?
No, the rules say: "If a creature must be a spellcaster to attune to an item, the creature qualifies if it can cast at least one spell using its traits or features, not by using a magic item or the like."
In which case, the sense in which they intend is implied clearly - someone who can cast spells, presumably one that casts spells that require an M component.
It's a fair question though. Absent a RAW definition, a DM could easily decide "spellcaster" means "character with a class feature that lets them cast spells" rather than just "anyone who can cast a spell"
I mean, if you are a pure martial but have a magic weapon that lets you cast a spell -- a crusader's shortsword, for example -- are you a "spellcaster" for the purposes of attuning to a wand of fireballs?
No, the rules say: "If a creature must be a spellcaster to attune to an item, the creature qualifies if it can cast at least one spell using its traits or features, not by using a magic item or the like."
Notably that seems to include spellcasting granted by feats such as Fey-Touched. Feats count as "traits or features", I think.
In which case, the sense in which they intend is implied clearly - someone who can cast spells, presumably one that casts spells that require an M component.
It's a fair question though. Absent a RAW definition, a DM could easily decide "spellcaster" means "character with a class feature that lets them cast spells" rather than just "anyone who can cast a spell"
I mean, if you are a pure martial but have a magic weapon that lets you cast a spell -- a crusader's shortsword, for example -- are you a "spellcaster" for the purposes of attuning to a wand of fireballs?
No, the rules say: "If a creature must be a spellcaster to attune to an item, the creature qualifies if it can cast at least one spell using its traits or features, not by using a magic item or the like."
That works for me for a RAW definition, even outside of attunement requirements
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Active characters:
Green Hill Sunrise, jaded tabaxi mercenary trapped in the Dark Domains (Battle Master fighter) Mardan Ferres, elven private investigator obsessed with that one unsolved murder (rogue) Xhekhetiel, halfling survivor of a Betrayer Gods cult (Runechild sorcerer/fighter)
Is a Spell caster only a character that has the spell casting class feature, IE wizard, sorcerer, cleric, ETC...
or
is it anyone that can cast a spell. class abilities that allows you to cast a spell, IE Warrior of the Elements knows the Elementalism or Magic initiate/Fay Touched/Shadow Touched give you spells that you can cast.
Interesting question. As this is purely an RP and subjective question, even if it feels objective.
At first thought the answer should be "any class with the Spellcasting Feature" but when was the last time anyone paladin RPed as a Spellcaster, or a Ranger, even Bards don't have to RP as a spellcaster.
So what is a spellcaster? The Character who says they are a spellcaster...
Example my Hexblood Barbarian Elizabeth Teartickle is a wytch who casts "axe to the face" in roleplay her as a wytch she Flys a broom has the hat and everything... not her fault she has an 8 in int.
Conversely my Bladesinger is a cleric of Eilistraee.
Is a Spell caster only a character that has the spell casting class feature, IE wizard, sorcerer, cleric, ETC...
or
is it anyone that can cast a spell. class abilities that allows you to cast a spell, IE Warrior of the Elements knows the Elementalism or Magic initiate/Fay Touched/Shadow Touched give you spells that you can cast.
On the surface, it would be appear you are a bonafide Spellcaster if you have the Spellcasting or Pact magic feature. Otherwise you are just a dabbler. But from the outside looking in, anyone or anything that can cast a spell, should be a spell caster.
Since I wasn't able to stealth edit on my previous post including links before a reply. I will give my examples now.
Even though I'm mostly the DM, I make characters to play in short games, or to design them as NPCs to fill the world.
Cheeky Elizabeth Teartrickle The Wytch (5.5): https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/134634088 The original character was a level 4 Wildmagic Barbarian (one shot game) for the 5.5 update I did Path of the World Tree, and topped her off with levels as a Druid. The Druid levels were added at the end are just there for fluff. I may use her as one of the NPCs at some point.
My Bladesinger idea... She would be a Mariel but I have not named the character as I have not played her in 20 years. https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/134175276 she would be a Cleric, a martial fighter, the final design would probably start with Fighter for a level and then go full wizard. But I'm still working this idea out.
Basic idea though
she would be a Cleric, a Singer, a priestess, and a fighter, the fact she is mostly a wizard is just a technicality. She is not a caster even if she uses magic in combat.
Is a Spell caster only a character that has the spell casting class feature, IE wizard, sorcerer, cleric, ETC...
or
is it anyone that can cast a spell. class abilities that allows you to cast a spell, IE Warrior of the Elements knows the Elementalism or Magic initiate/Fay Touched/Shadow Touched give you spells that you can cast.
Interesting question. As this is purely an RP and subjective question, even if it feels objective.
At first thought the answer should be "any class with the Spellcasting Feature" but when was the last time anyone paladin RPed as a Spellcaster, or a Ranger, even Bards don't have to RP as a spellcaster.
So what is a spellcaster? The Character who says they are a spellcaster...
Example my Hexblood Barbarian Elizabeth Teartickle is a wytch who casts "axe to the face" in roleplay her as a wytch she Flys a broom has the hat and everything... not her fault she has an 8 in int.
Conversely my Bladesinger is a cleric of Eilistraee.
I don’t think of it as an RP issue but a mechanics issue. RP has nothing to do with it. A paladin or a ranger doesn’t need to RP as a spellcaster. The fact that they have the spellcasting feature with a table showing spell slot progression is all they need. Even if they never ever cast a spell they are a spellcaster.
I think the bastion rules might help here, as for a few of the special facilities it has a prerequisite for what we would usually consider spellcaster and that prerequisite is:
I think this is a easy and clear definition. If you have the ability to use a Spellcasting Focus (which is tied to the Spellcasting and Pact Magic features), you are a spellcaster. If you don't, you are not a spellcaster, just someone with some random spells for some reason.
Is a Spell caster only a character that has the spell casting class feature, IE wizard, sorcerer, cleric, ETC...
or
is it anyone that can cast a spell. class abilities that allows you to cast a spell, IE Warrior of the Elements knows the Elementalism or Magic initiate/Fay Touched/Shadow Touched give you spells that you can cast.
Greetings Hardwire99,
From how I am interpreting what is written in the Spells section of the PHB, any character that can cast a spell that is 'prepared' is a Spellcaster.
The chapter also talks about casting without a Spell Slot, like using a Spell Scroll to cast a spell, but this also includes using a Cantrip, as that does not use a Spell Slot. So having Spell Slots is not the only criteria of what defines a Spellcaster.
I'm not sure that being a Spellcaster is strictly defined in the 5e system.
I am currently playing a Tabaxi Echo Knight Fighter that has a Dark Gift from a bad experience from his past, so he can summon his Echos (which is magic), and also has access to Mage Hand from his Dark Gift, so even though he is a Fighter, he has prepared spells, even if they are just a Cantrip and Class ability.
I would classify him as a Martial Class, but technically he has prepared spells so he is a Spellcaster of sorts.
Clear as mud :)
Spellcaster isn't a term that is utilised by the the engine (IE, you don't have an effect that says "If you are a Spellcaster, X happens). Instead it's a term of convenience that we use in discussions - it's useful for comparing groups of classes like fighters and barbarians with those like wizards and Clerics. As such it doesn't have a fixed definition.
Instead, it is defined by what you are discussing, and you need to define it in each discussion. If you're talking about the ability to cast a spell, then an Eldritch Knight is indeed a Spellcaster. If on the other hand, if you're talking about its primary method of attack, then no, it's not a Spellcaster but instead a Martial (that happens to be able to perform some magic).
If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
The problem is that the term "spellcaster" is used in the engine in several places, usually for magic item attunement restrictions.
Give an example please.
If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
The place where the term seems to imply an actual strict definition is in the crafting spell scrolls section. It says:
It then goes on, not to define "spellcaster", but the conditions required to scribe the scroll, which essentially refers to anyone that has prepared spells (as well as the requisite skills, which I would argue are not part of being a "spellcaster").
There are numerous magic items that require attunement "by a spellcaster", including nearly every item in the Wands category. If you really need a specific example, look at the Ruby of the War Mage or Wand of Fireballs.
In which case, the sense in which they intend is implied clearly - someone who can cast spells, presumably one that casts spells that require an M component.
If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
A spellcaster is someone who can cast spells, including through feats.
Look at what you've done. You spoiled it. You have nobody to blame but yourself. Go sit and think about your actions.
Don't be mean. Rudeness is a vicious cycle, and it has to stop somewhere. Exceptions for things that are funny.
Go to the current Competition of the Finest 'Brews! It's a cool place where cool people make cool things.
How I'm posting based on text formatting: Mod Hat Off - Mod Hat Also Off (I'm not a mod)
It is a vague term but I tend to define it as a class or subclass that has a spellcasting/Pact Magic feature. So full casters: Bards, Clerics, Druids, Wizards, Warlocks, Sorcerers. Half casters: Artificer, Paladin, Ranger. And 1/3 casters: Arcane Trickster Rogue and Eldritch Knight Fighter.
EZD6 by DM Scotty
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/397599/EZD6-Core-Rulebook?
It's a fair question though. Absent a RAW definition, a DM could easily decide "spellcaster" means "character with a class feature that lets them cast spells" rather than just "anyone who can cast a spell"
I mean, if you are a pure martial but have a magic weapon that lets you cast a spell -- a crusader's shortsword, for example -- are you a "spellcaster" for the purposes of attuning to a wand of fireballs?
Active characters:
Green Hill Sunrise, jaded tabaxi mercenary trapped in the Dark Domains (Battle Master fighter)
Mardan Ferres, elven private investigator obsessed with that one unsolved murder (rogue)
Xhekhetiel, halfling survivor of a Betrayer Gods cult (Runechild sorcerer/fighter)
No, the rules say: "If a creature must be a spellcaster to attune to an item, the creature qualifies if it can cast at least one spell using its traits or features, not by using a magic item or the like."
Notably that seems to include spellcasting granted by feats such as Fey-Touched. Feats count as "traits or features", I think.
That works for me for a RAW definition, even outside of attunement requirements
Active characters:
Green Hill Sunrise, jaded tabaxi mercenary trapped in the Dark Domains (Battle Master fighter)
Mardan Ferres, elven private investigator obsessed with that one unsolved murder (rogue)
Xhekhetiel, halfling survivor of a Betrayer Gods cult (Runechild sorcerer/fighter)
Interesting question. As this is purely an RP and subjective question, even if it feels objective.
At first thought the answer should be "any class with the Spellcasting Feature" but when was the last time anyone paladin RPed as a Spellcaster, or a Ranger, even Bards don't have to RP as a spellcaster.
So what is a spellcaster? The Character who says they are a spellcaster...
Example my Hexblood Barbarian Elizabeth Teartickle is a wytch who casts "axe to the face" in roleplay her as a wytch she Flys a broom has the hat and everything... not her fault she has an 8 in int.
Conversely my Bladesinger is a cleric of Eilistraee.
On the surface, it would be appear you are a bonafide Spellcaster if you have the Spellcasting or Pact magic feature. Otherwise you are just a dabbler. But from the outside looking in, anyone or anything that can cast a spell, should be a spell caster.
Since I wasn't able to stealth edit on my previous post including links before a reply. I will give my examples now.
Even though I'm mostly the DM, I make characters to play in short games, or to design them as NPCs to fill the world.
Cheeky Elizabeth Teartrickle The Wytch (5.5): https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/134634088 The original character was a level 4 Wildmagic Barbarian (one shot game) for the 5.5 update I did Path of the World Tree, and topped her off with levels as a Druid. The Druid levels were added at the end are just there for fluff. I may use her as one of the NPCs at some point.
My Bladesinger idea... She would be a Mariel but I have not named the character as I have not played her in 20 years. https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/134175276 she would be a Cleric, a martial fighter, the final design would probably start with Fighter for a level and then go full wizard. But I'm still working this idea out.
Basic idea though
I don’t think of it as an RP issue but a mechanics issue. RP has nothing to do with it. A paladin or a ranger doesn’t need to RP as a spellcaster. The fact that they have the spellcasting feature with a table showing spell slot progression is all they need. Even if they never ever cast a spell they are a spellcaster.
EZD6 by DM Scotty
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/397599/EZD6-Core-Rulebook?
The new enspelled Staff has a prerequisite for attunement (Requires Attunement by a Spellcaster)
I think the bastion rules might help here, as for a few of the special facilities it has a prerequisite for what we would usually consider spellcaster and that prerequisite is:
I think this is a easy and clear definition. If you have the ability to use a Spellcasting Focus (which is tied to the Spellcasting and Pact Magic features), you are a spellcaster. If you don't, you are not a spellcaster, just someone with some random spells for some reason.