[RPG] Can a PC cast cantrips without being in a spellcasting class

cantripsdnd-5eracial-traitsspellstiefling

I am a new player creating a rogue tiefling which gives me the thaumaturgy cantrip. From my understanding you can't cast spells or cantrips without being something like a wizard.

  1. Can I cast this cantrip?
  2. Is it the same for spells I learn with the race? (Hellish Rebuke and Darkness)

Best Answer

Yes: Class features are not the same as spell slots

This is a character racial ability, which is independent of any class features. You don't have to choose a spell casting class to use a racial ability. Cantrips are always available to use, but the game needs to relate it to an ability score due to how spells generally work mechanically.

Your Tiefling can be of any class. (Spell caster or not). Any number of racial features that embody spell-like abilities are available regardless of the class a PC has. Other races have similar features, shown here for comparison.

  1. Tiefling: Infernal⁠ Legacy

    You know the Thaumaturgy cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Hellish Rebuke spell as a 2nd-level spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a Long Rest. When you reach 5th level, you can cast the Darkness spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a Long Rest. Charisma is your Spellcasting ability for these Spells. (PHB, p. 43)

  2. Forest Gnome: Natural Illusionist⁠.

    You know the Minor Illusion cantrip. Intelligence is your Spellcasting ability for it. (PHB, p. 37)

  3. Drow: Drow Magic.

    You know the Dancing Lights cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Faerie Fire spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a Long Rest. When you reach 5th level, you can cast the Darkness spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a Long Rest. Charisma is your Spellcasting ability for these Spells.

  4. High Elf: Cantrip.

    You know one cantrip of your choice from the Wizard spell list. Intelligence is your Spellcasting ability for it. (PHB, p. 24)

    None of these racially granted abilities has any class restriction attached to it (gnomes, tieflings, high elves, and drow are more naturally magical than other races). The spells do not require a spell slot, but do require that a long rest be taken between uses (unless they are a cantrip, which is a level zero spell per Chapter 10 of the PHB).

    These racial features are similar to, but different than, benefits like the Dwarven Resilience (resistance to poison and advantage versus poison saving throws, PHB p. 20). They are available regardless of the PC class chosen.

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