Understanding Cantrips in Eldritch Knight and Arcane Trickster
When delving into the world of Dungeons and Dragons (DD), one of the fundamental aspects of character development is understanding the spellcasting mechanics. For players choosing the Eldritch Knight or Arcane Trickster subclasses, a key part of this is understanding how cantrips are selected and used. This guide aims to clarify the specifics of cantrip selection and usage for these subclasses, helping both new and experienced players navigate these mechanics with ease.
Cantrips for Eldritch Knight
The Eldritch Knight subclass originates from the mountspear and martial prowess, blending elements of divine and arcane power. When it comes to cantrips, the Eldritch Knight has a specific route:
Initial Cantrip Selection
In the description of the Eldritch Knight subclass, the very first aspect mentioned is the cantrip selection. According to the rules, you learn two cantrips of your choice from the wizard spell list:
Initially, this means two cantrips from the extensive list available in the Player's Handbook. A notable feature of this selection is that at 10th level, you gain the ability to learn an additional wizard cantrip of your choice, expanding your options even further.Spells and Cantrips: One and the Same?
It's important to clarify that the cantrips chosen by an Eldritch Knight are not limited based on the school of magic that other spells from the wizard spell list might belong to. This means that you can choose any cantrip from the wizard list, regardless of its source or school. This flexibility is a testament to the versatility of the Eldritch Knight subclass, allowing players to build their character unique to their playstyle.
Cantrips for Arcane Trickster
The Arcane Trickster subclass comes from the background of being a skilled mage-for-hire, master of both magic and stealth. While the cantrip selection for this subclass might seem different at first glance, it follows a similar but distinct route:
Initial Cantrip Selection
The Arcane Trickster begins with a set of cantrips different from the Eldritch Knight:
You learn three cantrips: Mage Hand, and two other cantrips of your choice from the wizard spell list.The choice of Mage Hand as one of the cantrips is not just a nod to the class's bag of tricks but a functional choice that can be quite instrumental in playtesting a variety of scenarios. The other cantrips are chosen freely from the extensive list, similar to the Eldritch Knight's cantrip selection.
Developmental Growth
Just like the Eldritch Knight, the Arcane Trickster also benefits from an ability to learn additional cantrips as they progress. Specifically, at the 10th level, you add one more cantrip of your choice from the wizard list to your repertoire, further enhancing your spells and cantrips arsenal.
Comparison and Differences
While both subclasses offer a similar route to selecting cantrips (starting with a set, then expanding upon a later level), there are a few distinctions:
The initial cantrip selection for the Arcane Trickster includes one cantrip specific to the class (Mage Hand), while the Eldritch Knight starts with a more diverse selection from the wizard list. Both subclasses offer the same growth path beyond the initial selection, allowing for significant flexibility in character build.Conclusion
For players looking to dive into the Demilich Knight or Arcane Trickster subclasses, understanding your cantrip selection is crucial. Both subclasses offer a path to learning from the extensive wizard cantrip list, with the only difference being the initial cantrip selections. Whether you are an experienced player or new to DD, mastering these cantrip choices can be a powerful tool in shaping your character's arcane and martial prowess.