About this episode
On this remastered Upcasting Spells episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast), the hosts delve into the mechanics and strategic applications of casting spells at higher levels in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (DnD 5e) and Pathfinder 2nd Edition (PF2e). Understanding upcasting is essential for spellcasters aiming to maximize their effectiveness in various scenarios. Episode Highlights: Definition and Importance of Upcasting: The hosts explain that upcasting involves casting a spell using a higher-level spell slot than its base level, enhancing its effects. This mechanic allows spellcasters to adapt their magic to meet the demands of different combat and role-playing situations. Upcasting in DnD 5e: Damage Spells: Many damage-dealing spells, such as Inflict Wounds , gain additional damage dice when upcast, making them more potent against formidable foes. Healing Spells: Spells like Cure Wounds restore more hit points when cast with higher-level slots, providing crucial support during challenging encounters. Utility Spells: Certain spells, including Hold Person , can target more creatures when upcast, offering greater control over the battlefield. Upcasting in PF2e: Flexible Spellcasting: Unlike DnD 5e, PF2e allows spontaneous casters to cast spells at higher levels without prior preparation, offering adaptability in various situations. Signature Spells: Spontaneous casters can designate specific spells as signature spells, enabling them to cast these spells at any available spell level without needing to learn multiple versions. Scaling Effects: Many spells in PF2e, such as Heal , scale effectively with higher-level casting, maintaining their relevance throughout a character's progression. Strategic Considerations: Resource Management: The hosts discuss the importance of balancing the use of higher-level spell slots for upcasting against reserving them for high-level spells, emphasizing strategic resource allocation. Spell Selection: Choosing spells that scale well with upcasting can enhance a spellcaster's versatility and effectiveness in diverse scenarios. Materials Referenced: RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes: Dice Math – RPGBOT.Podcast S2E92 How to Defend Your Lair with Keith Ammann – RPGBOT.Masterclass S2E95 Kobold Press's Tome of Beasts 3 – RPGBOT.News S2E101 Kobold Press Tome of Heroes: the Wit and Wisdom of Brian Suskind – RPGBOT.News S2E53 Content from RPGBOT.net: Bardadin: The Portable Punching Bag – DnD 5e Practical Guide to Doom-Style DnD Combat – DnD 5e DnD 5e Resources: Player's Handbook (affiliate link) Big Bad Booklet by Hitpoint Press Other Resources: Lamentations of the Flame Princess (affiliate link) Roll20 Veins of the Earth If you love the show, consider joining us on Patreon , where backers at the $5 and above tiers get ad free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT.Podcast, can chat directly to members of the RPGBOT team and community on the RPGBOT.Discord, and can join us for live-streamed recordings. Support us on Amazon.com when you purchase products recommended in the show at the following link: https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale ( affiliate link ) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati