Where have all the cantrips gone?

[Huw]

I've been looking through PHB II and Complete Mage, appreciating the thought which has gone into many of the new spells. However something's bothering me - why aren't there any new cantrips?

There must be some minor effects which can benefit from immediate and swift actions, or from the channeling paradigm. Does anyone else feel the need for a variety of 0 level spells, or are the current stock enough?

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

I think there's a need for more. I believe Necromancer Games' Eldritch Wizardry book includes more. If nothing else, Gygax's original cantrips list needs updating. I did that with Flamefinger on the House Rules forum a few weeks ago.

 

[jmucchiello]

Prestidigitation, mending, open/close and mage hand really cover a lot of ground. Especially since Prestidigitation last 1 hour!

I suppose Monster Summoning Zero would be amusing for summoning a Celestial Bee* or Fiendish Mosquito. (Lasts 1 round, of course.)

What would you say is missing?


* in loving memory of the ancient cantrip "Bee"

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

There were also classic cantrips that summoned mice and spiders, as I recall. Monster Summoning 0 would be a great fun way to update those.

 

[Schmoe]

Interesting. Now that you mention it, I could see a lot of possibility for things like:

Instant Item
Casting Time: 1 immediate action
Components: V

You immediately summon an item to your hand. The item must be stored somewhere on your person for this spell to be effective. The spell does not reach into dimensional spaces, so items stored in a Bag of Holding, for example, are not reachable by this spell.

 

[Olaf the Stout]

The Spell Compendium didn't offer a lot in the way of 0-level spells either. There were only 9 0-level Wizard/Sorcerer spells and just 1 0-level Cleric spell. And this was out of over 1000 spells! I guess they're considered not as cool as their bigger brothers.

Olaf the Stout

 

[Goddess FallenAngel]

I could be wrong, but wasn't WOTC doing a policy of "No more new cantrips except in campaign settings" policy? (Probably not spelled out that clearly, though.)

That said, I would like to see a Monster Summoning 0... I'd use it.

 

[blargney the second]

Cushion Fall
Conjuration (Creation)
Sor/Wiz 0
Components: V
Casting Time: one immediate action
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Targets: Space under one Medium or smaller freefalling object or creature
Duration: Until landing or 1 round

You instantly create a massive cushion that absorbs some of the impact of hitting the ground at high speed. Treat the fall as 10' shorter. The cushion explodes in a cloud of feathers that disappear immediately. If there is no impact for some reason, then the cushion simply disappears one round after the spell is cast.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

If you really want cantrips, convince WotC to release a rogue base class or PrCls that gets a slew of cantrips...definitely nothing higher than 3rd level.

 

[kaomera]

There were also classic cantrips that summoned mice and spiders, as I recall. Monster Summoning 0 would be a great fun way to update those.

"I summon a Fine Fiendish Monstrous Spider so that it grants the Rogue flanking against the Ogre!"

Actually, I don't even have room to complain if they do publish a Monster Summoning 0, after the Quasit with Warlock levels and an alternate form of a Fine Monstrous Fly...