I’m curious #DnD Twitter: can a magic user do magic without casting a specific spell? As in, achieve a certain effect while burning a spell slot, but not something in their spell set? It depends on the group and GM, imo! If players enjoy the boundaries of the rules as a structure, then adhering to a point has its merits. That being said, if following a thread of inspired creativity only improves EVERYONE’S enjoyment, then why not follow it! (1/2)

— Matthew Mercer (@matthewmercer) September 29, 2021

For me personally, if a player wanted to do this occasionally, I think a small skill test/challenge could be fun (with degrees of success), and could lead to them developing a new spell entirely! Balance-wise, repeated use might bristle other players… but worth a chat! (2/2)

— Matthew Mercer (@matthewmercer) September 29, 2021

I think as an occasional thing it's fine. Burn a slot, make an Arcana roll. If you succeed, you do the thing! If you fail, it gets…complicated.

— Rob Wieland Walking In A Winter Wonderland (@robowieland) September 29, 2021

I love the idea of burning arcane potential to do something unstructured, like a burst of raw power! Paladins can expend slots to smite, what could a sorcerer do?

Though I think if it can mimic other spells, then it might invoke ire from other casters, depending on the group.

— Justice Ramin Arman (@justicearman) September 29, 2021