Components And Range

Spellcasting

Spell components and range tell you whether a spell can be cast here, now, by this caster, at that target. Many arguments at the table are really component or range questions wearing a different costume.

Type What it means
VVerbal component. The caster must be able to speak clearly enough to perform the spell.
SSomatic component. The caster must be able to make the required gestures.
MMaterial component. The caster must supply the material or use an allowed focus when the rules permit it.
Components are functional restrictions. Silence, restraint, missing gear, occupied hands, and imprisonment all become rules-relevant once components matter.

Self means the caster is the point of origin or sole target.

Touch means the caster must physically reach the target.

Distance ranges such as 30 feet, 60 feet, 120 feet, or farther are explicit caps on legal targeting.

Sight and line constraints still apply. A spell with range is not automatically valid if the target is behind total cover or otherwise inaccessible to the effect.

Do I have a free hand?

Relevant for somatic and material handling, especially when a caster is holding weapons, shields, or carried objects.

Can the effect actually reach the target?

Check distance, cover, line of effect, and whether the spell needs direct targeting versus an area point.