Spell Casting 101: Cantrips

   Cantrips and Orisons are the lowest level of spells, most which are commonly used as practice spells in which novices use in their initial studies. The spells produce minor effects compared to other spells, and are often considered trivial in nature. However, by the time an apprentice moves on into being a full fledged practitioner of the art they are often left by the wayside in favor of the standard selection of spells.

It was standard practice of most practitioners at one time to elevate the simple collection of spells into the 1st levels of magic. It was basic spell that would allow you to perform any cantrip/orison, in which it gathered the magical energy need to produce a number of effects. Some societies consider such methods a waste of spell energy, which further gave practice to leaving these beginner spell alone. These beginner spells would have been fated to practice spells if it was not for the advancement of a few magical nations and creatures.

One could argue that those with innate power can easily tap in any produce many minor effects. The Fey are one of the many well known innate magical creatures reputed for their magical abilities. Which of course leads one to contemplate their closest relatives the elves, dwarves, and gnomes. The ancient races have always been thought to have ties to the fey, and the civilization and cultures have always been impressive to behold. Many believe it is not because of the long life spans or cultural efficiency, but because of their abilities with magic. Most humans will agree to this fact, that indeed magic is the key to all this. It is all probably because of the Cantrip. On many worlds in which civilization has a high degree of arcane abilities, cantrips are common. Not only are they used by spellcasting classes, but are often taught to non-spellcaster as well to ease life. It is here that the versatility of cantrips are heralded by the masses, as well as inspired to have new uses as well. Great societies like Glantri of Mystara and those of Netheril and Halruaa of Faerun are some example of societies in which cantrips are common place.

 It well known that when Cantrips are practiced correctly, the energies need to cast them do not dissipate.
On most worlds, certain spellcasters keep this secret to themselves. One can learn to increase the number of cantrips one can tap into or learn to the secret to preserve the spell energy needed to cast again. Some worlds like Golarion, most spellcasters learn this trick right away.

At one point Cantrips were divided into several classifications: Haunting Sound, Legerdemain, Person-Effecting, Personal, and Useful/Reversed. The common layperson though would find such a classification useful, as many Useful/Reversed are utilized by a variety of individuals to make life easier. Haunting Sound and Legerdemain ones were often used for entertainment purposes. The last two categories simply stated who was being affected by said cantrip. However, in the grand scheme of things they still followed the universal classification of the schools of magic. Don't overlook cantrips, they can be very useful!

One use often neglected is that of spell components. Depending on a wizard's training and instruction, many do not employ this simple fact. Many will often times acquire spell components the mundane ways, often risking life and limb, In addition this also forget that cantrips can help in storage of said components as well. One example I could share is that of most cold spells, unless traveling in areas abundant with snow and favored by such weather... a simple component such as ice is beyond availability. There is a cantrip spell that can easily produce a cube(s) of ice, allowing casters in warm climes to cast this spell. It certainly helps when most spell require a crystal when ice is not available. In reverse terms, when fire is needed a simple cantrip can provide the spark need for most spells. Another example in regard to spell components is that of concerning colors. There meanings are often symbolic...but in all seriousness who can expect to maintain a collection of colors and shades for cloth, crystals, and powders! Again you can simply have that "Color" cantrip at the ready and have access to the color you need regardless of the base material.

Professions benefit from the usefulness as well. Cooks, Clothiers, Scribes, and Barbers are some professionals I know that can benefit as well. Lets take a scribe for instance...there is a Cantrip that can keep ones quill sharp or allow to use one finger as such. Also a scribe can also color inks, ensure that writing material a dry, or even stylize a press or font. One barber I knew for nobility used cantrips to pamper his patrons and gain their trust. The barber could use a cantrip to utilize his fingers as sheers or a brush, color and tease the hair, cleanse the individual personage and clothe, perfume them, provide soothing sounds, have cold and warm water as need, even provide a gentle temperature in the room. I was impressed as all this was done with the simplicity of cantrips. You can just imagine what now can be done in regard to drinks and cooking!

The last feature of Cantrips I will mention is that in regards to combat. Although most cantrips will never do any significant amount of damage whatsoever, they can be used in other ways. There is one cantrip known as "Bolt" which is especially useful. It allows one to launch crossbow bolts as if one had a crossbolt! There are even a variations which will allow use to improvise with sling bullets and arrows. Other overlooked cantrips are "Sharpen" and "Shine", you warrior companion will be your friend with these simple cantrips that will maintains the weapons and armor. "Mage Hand" as well can come in hand, especially when levers and items need to be pulled.