There seems to be some confusion on the feat Magic Initiate and it interpretation, so this is my breakdown from my perspective:
Spell Caster Ability (SCA) is based on your class; even for natural magic, they suggest boosting a certain modifier for your spell DC and to hit.
Spell DC is 8 + proficiency + class mod; to Hit is proficiency + class mod.
So my DM interpretation of the Magic Initiate is that your to hit or dc would be based on the Spell Caster Ability of the spell list you have chosen.
So its best if you are able to choose from a spell casting ability that your character is curated for. IE; A paladin with already high charisma would benefit greatly from choosing something within the Charisma spell casters and use the same spell casting ability.
However if you are, say a cleric and your spell caster ability (SCA) is Wisdom, you would not benefit as *much* from gaining this feat with a different SCA from Charisma or Intelligence. The modifier is no longer wisdom, it would be charisma, ect. So if you happen to be high in charisma, awesome it doesn’t really change. But if your Wisdom is +3 and Charisma is -2 that’s a huge swing. (8+ proficiency +3) vs (8+ proficiency -2).
So you have to use this wisely, this feat doesn’t instantly give you unlimited power.
That said, as a DM I realize there are shit cantrips for certain classes and I’ll usually write them up a solid cantrip for those without range weapons and shit health (I’m looking at your clerics…). So give your DM an ask.
**** also, I’m starting this thread specifically because dnd beyond is automatically putting this feat into whatever SCA the character has and I disagree.
Magic Initiate in the 2014 rules has the spellcasting modifier defined by the Class the spell list came from. A Bard taking a Paladin spell would have Charisma as the spellcasting ability, while a Bard taking a Cleric spell would have Wisdom as the spellcasting modifier.
Magic Initiate in the 2024 rules has the spellcasting modifier chosen by you when you take the feat from Charisma, Intelligence or Wisdom. I haven't done it before on DDB, but I imagine that it automates it for your highest attribute.
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.
Magic Initiate in the 2024 rules has the spellcasting modifier chosen by you when you take the feat from Charisma, Intelligence or Wisdom. I haven't done it before on DDB, but I imagine that it automates it for your highest attribute.
So its best if you are able to choose from a spell casting ability that your character is curated for. IE; A paladin with already high charisma would benefit greatly from choosing something within the Charisma spell casters and use the same spell casting ability.
It also depends on what you're trying to get. A Paladin with low INT probably wouldn't want to grab Magic Initiate (Wizard) for Firebolt, Acid Splash, and Ray of Sickness. Since those would all rely on the INT mod for efficacy.
But they might consider grabbing it for Mold Earth, Prestidigitation, and Find Familiar. Since those are spells they normally can't get and offer utility independent of INT.
Use the 2024 version, problem solved. In addition to letting you choose the casting stat independently of the spell list, it also lets you use the spell you learn with any slots from your class(es). It's strictly superior.
It also depends on what you're trying to get. A Paladin with low INT probably wouldn't want to grab Magic Initiate (Wizard) for Firebolt, Acid Splash, and Ray of Sickness. Since those would all rely on the INT mod for efficacy.
In the 2024 rules, via the 2024 feat, they would rely on whatever (single) casting stat you choose. A paladin would likely choose CHA, and thus have CHA-based Firebolt etc. (They would not, however, count as paladin spells.)
Use the 2024 version, problem solved. In addition to letting you choose the casting stat independently of the spell list, it also lets you use the spell you learn with any slots from your class(es). It's strictly superior.
If their group isn't using 5.5 rules then that isn't an option.
There seems to be some confusion on the feat Magic Initiate and it interpretation, so this is my breakdown from my perspective:
Spell Caster Ability (SCA) is based on your class; even for natural magic, they suggest boosting a certain modifier for your spell DC and to hit.
Spell DC is 8 + proficiency + class mod; to Hit is proficiency + class mod.
So my DM interpretation of the Magic Initiate is that your to hit or dc would be based on the Spell Caster Ability of the spell list you have chosen.
So its best if you are able to choose from a spell casting ability that your character is curated for. IE; A paladin with already high charisma would benefit greatly from choosing something within the Charisma spell casters and use the same spell casting ability.
However if you are, say a cleric and your spell caster ability (SCA) is Wisdom, you would not benefit as *much* from gaining this feat with a different SCA from Charisma or Intelligence. The modifier is no longer wisdom, it would be charisma, ect. So if you happen to be high in charisma, awesome it doesn’t really change. But if your Wisdom is +3 and Charisma is -2 that’s a huge swing. (8+ proficiency +3) vs (8+ proficiency -2).
So you have to use this wisely, this feat doesn’t instantly give you unlimited power.
That said, as a DM I realize there are shit cantrips for certain classes and I’ll usually write them up a solid cantrip for those without range weapons and shit health (I’m looking at your clerics…). So give your DM an ask.
**** also, I’m starting this thread specifically because dnd beyond is automatically putting this feat into whatever SCA the character has and I disagree.
Magic Initiate in the 2014 rules has the spellcasting modifier defined by the Class the spell list came from. A Bard taking a Paladin spell would have Charisma as the spellcasting ability, while a Bard taking a Cleric spell would have Wisdom as the spellcasting modifier.
Magic Initiate in the 2024 rules has the spellcasting modifier chosen by you when you take the feat from Charisma, Intelligence or Wisdom. I haven't done it before on DDB, but I imagine that it automates it for your highest attribute.
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.
You choose from a dropdown menu.
It also depends on what you're trying to get. A Paladin with low INT probably wouldn't want to grab Magic Initiate (Wizard) for Firebolt, Acid Splash, and Ray of Sickness. Since those would all rely on the INT mod for efficacy.
But they might consider grabbing it for Mold Earth, Prestidigitation, and Find Familiar. Since those are spells they normally can't get and offer utility independent of INT.
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Use the 2024 version, problem solved. In addition to letting you choose the casting stat independently of the spell list, it also lets you use the spell you learn with any slots from your class(es). It's strictly superior.
In the 2024 rules, via the 2024 feat, they would rely on whatever (single) casting stat you choose. A paladin would likely choose CHA, and thus have CHA-based Firebolt etc. (They would not, however, count as paladin spells.)
If their group isn't using 5.5 rules then that isn't an option.
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo, Sunny | Draíocht, Kholias | Eggo Lass, 100 Dungeons
Talorin Tebedi, Vecna: Eve | Cherry, Stormwreck | Chipper, Strahd
We Are Modron
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 48, 5/23/25, Immaculate Mary