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FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Spell Book.


General

What is Spell Book?

Spell Book is a FoundryVTT module that replaces the default spell management experience with an organized, rule-enforced interface. It handles spell preparation, multiclass spellcasting, wizard spellbook management, party coordination, and more.

What systems does Spell Book support?

Spell Book is built exclusively for the dnd5e system. It is not compatible with other game systems.

How do I open Spell Book?

There are several ways:

  • Click the Spell Book button on a character sheet
  • Use the Quick Access macro from the hotbar (select a token first)
  • Through token controls, if configured by your GM

Spell Preparation

Why can't I prepare more spells?

You've reached your preparation limit for that class. The footer shows your current count vs. maximum (e.g., "5 / 8 Prepared"). Your limit is calculated from your class level and spellcasting ability modifier. If the number seems wrong, check that your ability scores and class levels are set correctly on your character sheet.

What does a locked/disabled spell checkbox mean?

Locked spells are always prepared — they're granted by your class, subclass, or an item (e.g., domain spells for Clerics, oath spells for Paladins). They are excluded from the preparation system entirely: you cannot unprepare them, and they do not count against your preparation limit. In the interface, they appear as disabled checkboxes with a tooltip.

How does multiclass preparation work?

Each spellcasting class has its own tab and its own preparation limit. You prepare spells for each class independently. Spell slots are shared across classes using standard 5e multiclass slot calculations.

What do the spell tags mean?

Tag Meaning
Prepared Currently prepared, ready to cast
Granted Always prepared via class feature or item
At Will Castable without spell slots
Pact Uses Warlock pact magic slots
Ritual Can be cast as a ritual
Innate Innate spellcasting ability

Spell Lists

Where do spell lists come from?

Spell Book ships with built-in spell lists for all official D&D 5e classes. These are stored as journal pages in the module's compendium packs. GMs can also create custom lists. See Creating New Spell Lists for details.

How do I add homebrew spells to a list?

Use the Spell List Manager to add spells to existing lists, or create a new custom list. See Modifying Existing Spell Lists for step-by-step instructions.

Why is a spell missing from a class list?

The spell may not be in the module's bundled list, or it may come from a third-party compendium that needs to be added manually. Run the Spells Not In Lists macro to identify spells missing from all lists, then add them via the Spell List Manager.


Wizard Features

How do free spells work?

Wizards have a total free spell capacity calculated from their class level: startingSpells + max(0, wizardLevel - 1) x spellsPerLevel (defaults: 6 starting + 2 per level after 1st). Cantrips are always free regardless of capacity. The footer tracks how many free spells remain. Once free spells are used, learning additional spells costs gold.

Can Wizards learn spells from scrolls?

Yes. When a Wizard learns a spell that exists as a scroll item, the gold cost is applied based on the spell's level. The GM configures the gold cost formula in module settings.

What are the enforcement modes?

Spell Book supports three enforcement modes for spell preparation limits:

  • Unenforced — No restrictions, no notifications
  • Notify GM — Players can prepare freely, but GMs receive whispered notifications about over-limit preparations
  • Enforced — Strict limits with locked checkboxes preventing over-preparation

Set the default mode in world settings. Per-actor overrides are available via the wand menu.

What are Legacy and Modern rule sets?

Two rule sets control class-specific behavior:

  • Legacy (2014) — Traditional D&D 5e rules with no cantrip swapping
  • Modern (2024) — Updated rules allowing cantrip swapping on level-up or long rest (class-dependent)

Each class has its own defaults for spell swapping, cantrip swapping, and ritual casting. See Ruleset Types and What They Mean for the full class-specific defaults table.

Can loadouts be class-specific?

Yes. Loadouts can be saved and applied per class, allowing different preparation sets for each spellcasting class on a multiclass character.


Troubleshooting

My spells aren't showing up

  1. Check that your character has the correct spellcasting class(es) configured on their sheet
  2. Verify spell lists exist for your class — ask your GM to check the Spell List Manager
  3. If spells were recently added to a compendium, try reloading Foundry

Something broke after an update

  1. Reload Foundry (F5 or Settings > Return to Setup)
  2. Clear your browser cache
  3. If the issue persists, generate a Troubleshooter report and share it on Discord or GitHub Issues

How do I report a bug?

  1. Open the Troubleshooter and export a report
  2. Open a new issue on GitHub or post in the Discord support channel
  3. Attach the Troubleshooter report and describe the steps to reproduce the issue

Data and Storage

Where is Spell Book data stored?

Spell lists are stored as journal pages in Spell Book's compendium packs. Per-actor data (preparation state, wizard spellbook, notes) is stored as module flags on each actor document.

Can I back up my spell configurations?

Yes. Use the Loadout feature to save and restore named spell preparation configurations. Loadouts are stored per-actor and can be swapped instantly.

What happens if I uninstall Spell Book?

Module flags remain on actor documents but are inert — they won't affect gameplay. Custom spell lists in the module's compendium packs will be removed with the module. If you plan to reinstall later, your per-actor data will still be there.

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