cantrips

A cantrip is a minor magical spell in many fantasy role-playing games, particularly those in the Dungeons & Dragons franchise. Unlike more powerful spells, cantrips are often described as simple, often innate, magical abilities that can be cast repeatedly without expending significant resources. This means a spellcaster can typically use a cantrip as many times as they wish during an encounter or a day of adventuring.

The nature and power of cantrips vary depending on the game system. In Dungeons & Dragons, they are considered "zero-level" spells, meaning they don't consume spell slots, which are the primary resource for casting most other spells. This makes them a foundational tool for spellcasting characters, providing them with consistent options for offense, utility, or defense.

Common examples of cantrips include simple offensive spells like a bolt of energy, minor illusions, the ability to create light, or a minor healing touch. They are often learned by spellcasting classes such as wizards, sorcerers, clerics, and druids. While not as potent as higher-level spells, cantrips are essential for a character's everyday magical capabilities and can be strategically employed to conserve more powerful resources for critical moments. Their abundance and ease of use make them a staple of any spellcaster's repertoire.