So I’m planning this campaign where a BBEG ascends to become a Demigod. My question is if a demigod has to be able to cast spells because the BBEG is a fighter barbarian.
So I’m planning this campaign where a BBEG ascends to become a Demigod. My question is if a demigod has to be able to cast spells because the BBEG is a fighter barbarian.
Whether or not a demigod might normally be able to cast spells, you can always say that a barbarian, if attaining 15th level, will always enter Persistent Rage while conscious. In that case, even "If you are able to cast spells, you can’t cast them or concentrate on them while raging."
A demigod could still be envisioned to have powers but they wouldn't need to invlove spells.
It’s your campaign. They don’t have to cast spells of you don’t want them to.
And if you do want them to, they can. Once the NPC becomes some kind of god, I wouldn’t really worry about it too much, as far as the rules. There are about zero rules restricting what gods can or can’t do. You want them to rage and throw around fireballs and teleport — they can. If your players complain, you can point out that gods do follow the rules of mortals, it’s really one of the big perks.
Keep in mind that NPCs aren't held to the same limitations of Player Characters. NPC spellcasters don't need to be treated as members of the official classes... if an NPC spellcaster has spells from the Cleric spell list and the Warlock spell list you don't have to worry about whether or not that would be legal for a PC.
Similarly, you could say that an NPC barbarian who attains demigod-hood could reasonably gain the Always-On benefits of Rage without any of the downsides. Maybe that's just part of their newfound Godhood. Even if you didn't want to break those rules, you could give the NPC the ability to create the effects of spells without actually casting spells (this is also a good way to get around players who counterspell everything you throw at them).
Keep in mind that NPCs aren't held to the same limitations of Player Characters. NPC spellcasters don't need to be treated as members of the official classes... if an NPC spellcaster has spells from the Cleric spell list and the Warlock spell list you don't have to worry about whether or not that would be legal for a PC.
Similarly, you could say that an NPC barbarian who attains demigod-hood could reasonably gain the Always-On benefits of Rage without any of the downsides. Maybe that's just part of their newfound Godhood. Even if you didn't want to break those rules, you could give the NPC the ability to create the effects of spells without actually casting spells (this is also a good way to get around players who counterspell everything you throw at them).
To bolded: And since WotC is going that way with the new stat blocks for NPC casters it fits. They are giving NPC casters spell-like attacks that are not actually spells along with spells they can cast.
Hercules was a demi-god, and he couldn't cast spells. However, you may find that simply making your barbarian demigod ultra-tough and good at fighting may not be very satisfying.
How to design your barbarian demi-god:
Decide what you want the barbarian demi-god to be able to do
Design a stat block that fits with it
That's it! There aren't rules for demi-gods so it's all just up to you.
Personally, I would assume that the ascension to godhood would mean that the demi-god would have tons of resistances, immunities, and spell-like abilities even if they aren't actual spells from the PHB.
I agree. Don't be bound by the Player's Handbook. So for example let's say for the sake of argument that your Barbarian demi-god has the some power to make anyone (even bystanders) go into a rage: You would not have to find a corresponding spell in the rules, nor would you have to get your BBEG to 'cast' this with a spellbook and components. Just give it to your BBEG as an action / legendary action / bonus action.
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So I’m planning this campaign where a BBEG ascends to become a Demigod. My question is if a demigod has to be able to cast spells because the BBEG is a fighter barbarian.
Whether or not a demigod might normally be able to cast spells, you can always say that a barbarian, if attaining 15th level, will always enter Persistent Rage while conscious. In that case, even "If you are able to cast spells, you can’t cast them or concentrate on them while raging."
A demigod could still be envisioned to have powers but they wouldn't need to invlove spells.
It’s your campaign. They don’t have to cast spells of you don’t want them to.
And if you do want them to, they can. Once the NPC becomes some kind of god, I wouldn’t really worry about it too much, as far as the rules. There are about zero rules restricting what gods can or can’t do. You want them to rage and throw around fireballs and teleport — they can. If your players complain, you can point out that gods do follow the rules of mortals, it’s really one of the big perks.
Keep in mind that NPCs aren't held to the same limitations of Player Characters. NPC spellcasters don't need to be treated as members of the official classes... if an NPC spellcaster has spells from the Cleric spell list and the Warlock spell list you don't have to worry about whether or not that would be legal for a PC.
Similarly, you could say that an NPC barbarian who attains demigod-hood could reasonably gain the Always-On benefits of Rage without any of the downsides. Maybe that's just part of their newfound Godhood. Even if you didn't want to break those rules, you could give the NPC the ability to create the effects of spells without actually casting spells (this is also a good way to get around players who counterspell everything you throw at them).
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To bolded: And since WotC is going that way with the new stat blocks for NPC casters it fits. They are giving NPC casters spell-like attacks that are not actually spells along with spells they can cast.
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Hercules was a demi-god, and he couldn't cast spells. However, you may find that simply making your barbarian demigod ultra-tough and good at fighting may not be very satisfying.
How to design your barbarian demi-god:
That's it! There aren't rules for demi-gods so it's all just up to you.
Personally, I would assume that the ascension to godhood would mean that the demi-god would have tons of resistances, immunities, and spell-like abilities even if they aren't actual spells from the PHB.
I agree. Don't be bound by the Player's Handbook. So for example let's say for the sake of argument that your Barbarian demi-god has the some power to make anyone (even bystanders) go into a rage: You would not have to find a corresponding spell in the rules, nor would you have to get your BBEG to 'cast' this with a spellbook and components. Just give it to your BBEG as an action / legendary action / bonus action.