D&D 5E (2024) Circle Casting is gonna break a lot of games

[FitzTheRuke]

When analysing it, let's not make the mistake of assuming that it does more than it actually does (what it does will be enough!)

For example, for the extra 1000ft (Aside: it bothers me when the original range becomes a rounding error) but most spell still require that you are able to SEE your target!

And some (though not all) of the options require the secondary caster to spend an equivalent spell slot.

(Aside: I do find it interesting that it doesn't seem like secondary casters ever need to KNOW THE SPELL.) Not sure I like that at all.

 

[Ferrousbones]

I haven't watched the video, but either it or you makes a big error: Not just anyone that can cast can be a Secondary Caster. To quote:

"A secondary caster must have either the Spellcasting or Pact Magic feature to participate in a Circle spell."

Spellcasting as a result of species, background, feat, or magic item is not either of those features.

This means that yes, a 1 level dip into a spellcasting class works, but nothing else.

 

[AlViking]

The videos out there state that they have to spend a spell slot, but not one of the same level (unless explicitly called out in the spell's description).

I just quoted the text. The contributing caster must "...expend a spell slot of a level greater than or equal to the spell’s level".

You can't contribute to a fireball unless you have a 3rd level spell slot or higher to contribute.

 

[FitzTheRuke]

Yeah, Magic Initiate doesn't work, not because you don't get slots (only some of the options require slots) but because you don't have the Spellcasting (or Pact Magic) feature.

 

[FitzTheRuke]

You can't contribute to a fireball unless you have a 3rd level spell slot or higher to contribute.

That's only true of some of the options (actually, only Supplant that I can see at a quick glance). Other options require no slot, or any slot.

 

[AlViking]

I haven't watched the video, but either it or you makes a big error: Not just anyone that can cast can be a Secondary Caster. To quote:

"A secondary caster must have either the Spellcasting or Pact Magic feature to participate in a Circle spell."

Spellcasting as a result of species, background, feat, or magic item is not either of those features.

This means that yes, a 1 level dip into a spellcasting class works, but nothing else.

If you do a 1 level dip, you can still only contribute to a level 1 spell. It helps to read the actual text of the book and not rely on someone's interpretation.

 

[mellored]

Nope.

"Each secondary caster contributing to the spell must expend a spell slot of a level greater than or equal to the spell’s level (no action required). If the spell fails, these spell slots aren’t expended."

That's only for reducing component costs.
Half the effects just takes an action.
The rest take a slot (any level).

 

[AlViking]

That's only true of some of the options (actually, only Supplant that I can see at a quick glance). Other options require no slot, or any slot.

Aargh ... read that as applying to everything. So yeah ... not going to allow it.

 

[Ferrousbones]

I just quoted the text. The contributing caster must "...expend a spell slot of a level greater than or equal to the spell’s level".

You can't contribute to a fireball unless you have a 3rd level spell slot or higher to contribute.

That actually depends on the Circle benefit being attempted.

Augment, Distribute, and Safeguard don't require secondary casters expend a slot.

Expand and Prolong require expending a slot, but it doesn't list a minimum slot requirement.

Only Supplant requires each secondary caster to expend an equal or greater slot.

 

[Ferrousbones]

If you do a 1 level dip, you can still only contribute to a level 1 spell. It helps to read the actual text of the book and not rely on someone's interpretation.

For the Supplant option, yes. For the other options, no.

I agree with you about not allowing circle casting, btw.