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Since many spells in Dungeons & Dragons can be quite versatile, collaborating with other spellcasters opens up new possibilities for powerful and creative effects. This practice, known as Circle Magic, lets multiple casters combine their efforts to cast spells that go beyond what one person can do alone. The more spellcasters involved, the longer or stronger the spell outcomes become.
What Is Circle Casting?
Circle casting happens when several spellcasters work together to cast the same spell, resulting in a boosted or more effective version of that spell. Any number of spellcasters can participate, and increasing the number of contributors can extend the spell’s duration or make it more potent.
Which Spells Can Use Circle Magic?
A spell qualifies for Circle Magic if it does at least one of the following:
- Costs an action to cast
- Takes at least one minute to cast or longer
- Uses a spell slot
If a spell meets any of these conditions, it can be enhanced by Circle Magic, allowing for a broad range of spells to be improved through teamwork.
How To Cast a Circle Spell
To cast a Circle spell, the lead caster starts by initiating the spell, which involves identifying the target, providing necessary components, marking the spell slot used, and maintaining concentration as with any spell.
Secondary casters must then use their turn’s Magic action to join the spell, provided they are within 30 feet of the primary caster. They need to join before their next turn begins. Note that secondary spellcasters must have the ability to cast spells through Pact Magic, specific feats, or other spellcasting abilities.
Once every participant has used the Magic action to join, the spell’s effects activate. For spells that take one minute or more to cast, all participating casters must keep using their Magic action each turn until the spell is complete. Maintaining concentration during casting is essential; if anyone drops concentration, the spell fails. When a Circle spell fails, no spells slots or components are lost, and the process must be started over.
All Circle Casting Effects
Depending on the specific Circle spell cast, you can enhance or modify spells in various ways, but only one Circle spell can be used at a time. Some spells have special instructions or require unique components, especially those with increased power.
Common Circle Spell Effects Include:
- Augment: Extends the spell’s range by 1,000 feet per secondary caster, up to a mile.
- Distribute: Ensures that all casters maintain concentration; if any drop it, the spell ends.
- Expand: Increases the spell’s area of effect by 10 feet for each contributor, with each secondary caster expending a spell slot.
- Prolong: Extends a spell’s duration based on the number of secondary casters—up to 24 hours with enough participants.
- Safeguard: Creates a safe zone within the spell’s area, with the size based on the spellcasting modifier and the number of other casters.
- Supplant: Lowers the material component cost of a spell by half the GP value for each additional caster, with each secondary caster expending a spell slot.
Each of these effects allows casters to amplify their spells in strategic ways, making teamwork a powerful tool in the game.
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