Changes

Regardless of how many spells a caster knows or prepares, he or she can cast only a limited number of spells before [[SRD5:Resting|resting]]. Manipulating the fabric of magic and channeling its energy into even a simple spell is physically and mentally taxing, and higher-­level level spells are even more so. Thus, each spellcasting class’s description (except that of the [[SRD5:Warlock|warlock]]) includes a table showing how many spell slots of each spell level a character can use at each character level. For example, the 3rd-­level wizard Umara has four 1st-­level spell slots and two 2nd-level slots.

When a character casts a spell, he or she expends a slot of that spell’s level or higher, effectively “filling” a slot with the spell. You can think of a spell slot as a groove of a certain size — small for a 1st-­level slot, larger for a spell of higher level. A 1st-­‐‑level ­level spell fits into a slot of any size, but a 9th-­‐‑level ­level spell fits only in a 9th-­‐‑level ­level slot. So when Umara casts ''magic missile'', a 1st-­‐‑level ­level spell, she spends one of her four 1st-­‐‑level ­level slots and has three remaining.

Finishing a [[SRD5:Long Rest|long rest ]] restores any expended spell slots.

Some characters and monsters have special abilities that let them cast spells without using spell slots. For example, a [[SRD5:Monk|monk ]] who follows the ''Way of the Four Elements'', a warlock who chooses certain [[SRD5:Eldritch Invocation|eldritch invocationsinvocation]]s, and a [[SRD5:Pit Fiend|pit fiend ]] from the Nine Hells can all cast spells in such a way.

When a spellcaster casts a spell using a slot that is of a higher level than the spell, the spell assumes the higher level for that casting. For instance, if Umara casts ''magic missile '' using one of her 2nd-­‐‑level ­level slots, that magic missile is 2nd level. Effectively, the spell expands to fill the slot it is put into.

Some spells, such as ''magic missile '' and ''[[SRD5:Cure Wounds|cure woundswound]]s'', have more powerful effects when cast at a higher level, as detailed in a spell’s description.

|Because of the mental focus and precise gestures required for spellcasting, you must be [[SRD5:Armor Proficiency|proficient ]] with the [[SRD5:Armor|armor ]] you are wearing to cast a spell. You are otherwise too distracted and physically hampered by your armor for spellcasting.