11
\$\begingroup\$

The Dark Arts Archlich Patron for Warlock says that:

Arcane Invisibility

At 1st level, when you expend a spell slot of 1st level or higher, you and all that you are wearing or carrying becomes invisible until the start of your next turn, or until you attack or cast a spell.

But Warlock Spellcasting says expending a spell slot like that happens any time you cast a level 1 or higher spell (PHB):

The Warlock table shows how many spell slots you have. The table also shows what the level of those slots is; all of your spell slots are the same level. To cast one of your warlock spells of 1st level or higher, you must expend a spell slot.

Does this mean that the Arcane Invisibility power triggers whenever the PC casts any spell of level 1 or higher, since that expends a level 1 or higher spell slot? (Any spell other than a cantrip).

In other words, if the PC casts a level 1 spell such as hex, does the PC become invisible?

For Clarity on Material:

Source

Improve this question
\$\endgroup\$
3
  • 2
    \$\begingroup\$ I have been trying to track down the source of this ability and have been unable to find it. As far as I can tell it is not from Unearthed Arcana, but I may be overlooking something obvious. Can you provide a link to the source you're getting this from? \$\endgroup\$
    – SevenSidedDie
    Feb 20, 2017 at 19:50
  • \$\begingroup\$ drive.google.com/file/d/0B-g9vLTX0eHKUWgxclhVU0c4dEE/view \$\endgroup\$
    – Rizzit
    Feb 21, 2017 at 13:39
  • \$\begingroup\$ Our DM has put this in our dropbox folder under unearthed arcana, it's really difficult to tell the difference, but it looks like its not official material. \$\endgroup\$
    – Rizzit
    Feb 21, 2017 at 13:50

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
17
\$\begingroup\$

Your interpretation is correct (mostly)

Indeed, casting a spell usually means expending a spell slot.

The distinction is made because there are ways to cast spells without expending a spell slot which would not trigger the Arcane Invisibility feature, for example (this is not a comprehensive list):

  • Casting a cantrip (0-level spell)
  • Casting a spell from a scroll, wand, or a ring of spell storing.
  • Casting a spell using a racial or class feature that does not expend a spell slot (for example, some results of a sorcerer's Wild Magic, the Tiefling's Hellish Rebuke or the Drow's Faerie FIre)

Furthermore, there are ways to expend spell slots without casting a spell, such as the paladin smite feature, which do trigger Arcane Invisibility.

Improve this answer
\$\endgroup\$
1
  • \$\begingroup\$ A very relevant example of spellcasting without expending a spell slot would be the Mystic Arcanum warlock class feature, as well as the few warlock Eldritch Invocations that allow you to freely cast certain spells without expending a slot. \$\endgroup\$
    – CTWind
    Feb 26, 2017 at 19:58
0
\$\begingroup\$

Short answer is yes, you alredy quoted pretty much everything that was needed to answer your question.

The arcane invisibility will trigger whenever you cast a spell that isn't a cantrip (level 0 spell).

Improve this answer
\$\endgroup\$
2
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ This answer is simply outright wrong. It will not trigger on casting a Mystic Arcanum (Warlock level 6-9) spell, as these do not use spell slots. The trigger is not a spell being cast, but rather a slot being used. Also, see invocations for casting a spell without use of a spell slot. \$\endgroup\$
    – Leliel
    Mar 4, 2018 at 6:50
  • \$\begingroup\$ Likewise, rituals (which the warlock can gain access to through the pact of the Tome and the right invocation) don't involve using a spell slot. \$\endgroup\$
    – Ben Barden
    Oct 25, 2018 at 21:30

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .