In the 2019 adaptation of Snow White, the magic of the dwarfs plays a central role in the story. The dwarfs, known for their unique abilities and characteristics, bring an enchanting and whimsical element to the classic fairy tale. Each dwarf possesses a distinct magical ability, which adds depth and intrigue to the storyline. For instance, Grumpy has the power to manipulate emotions, Happy can make people laugh uncontrollably, and Sleepy has the ability to induce sleep. These magical powers not only showcase the individuality of each dwarf but also contribute to the overall magical ambiance of the film. The magic of the dwarfs is also intertwined with Snow White's journey.
We saw this play out in the first hypothetical scenario with bless, but getting to affect more targets with our spells is powerful. A third-level bless covers five times as many party members as a third-level haste does. An upcast command targeting three or four enemies can wreak havoc on an encounter, denying what might well be half of the enemies on the field their action for a round, while also repositioning them, and potentially triggering multiple opportunity attacks as well. Tasha’s mind whip upcasts impressively as well, providing a pseudo-incapacitation effect for multiple creatures. Fortune’s favor isn’t easy to access, but can provide close to the equivalent of 1 luck point to two targets for a third level slot for a duration of 1 hour, which could have its uses. Upcasting these low level, but powerful spells using those 2nd or 3rd level spell slots is an excellent way to get more bang for your buck.
Finally, there is one healing spell that is incredibly potent when upcast, but only with characters with a certain multiclass dip Life Domain Cleric 1. Given the rough additional hit points per CR estimates, dealing 15 or so additional damage from the upcasted damage dice per creature likely means you are keeping pace with enemy scaling, compared to the subpar additional damage on single-instance damage.
The magic of the dwarfs is also intertwined with Snow White's journey. As she seeks refuge from her wicked stepmother, Snow White stumbles upon the dwarfs' cottage in the enchanted forest. It is here that she becomes acquainted with their magic and the unique qualities that each dwarf possesses.
Upcasting Spells in DnD 5E
In 5th Edition, “upcasting” is an unofficial term that refers to the mechanic of casting a spell that is of lower level than the level of the spell slot being used to cast it. Primarily, this is done for the purpose of providing enhanced effects from the spell, as many spells in 5E have an “At Higher Levels” clause in their description that lists the benefits of using a higher level spell slot. Compared to D&D 3.5E or Pathfinder, where this sort of ability was reserved for Sorcerers and heighten metamagic, 5E allows any caster to upcast their spells, making it a far more universally applicable tactic.
In practice, upcasting is a relatively rare occurrence at most tables, but sometimes it can be just the right tactic for the situation. Some spells are particularly powerful when upcast, while others might seem worthwhile but are trap options. If you want to make the most out of your spellcasting abilities, you owe it to yourself and your party to make the best use out of upcasting that you can.
Higher Level Spells Are Not Always Superior
Our first point is not specifically about upcasting, but is a general idea that is good to learn, which is that higher level spells are not always superior to lower level spells.
Less optimization-minded players tend to have a certain amount of built-in faith that the game system created by Wizards of the Coast is well balanced, and thus have consciously or subconsciously internalized the maxim that higher level spells are always better than lower level ones. If they weren’t, why would they be higher level?
Often, this is indeed the case: cone of cold is superior to pulse wave which is superior to burning hands; Otiluke’s freezing sphere deals more damage than fireball, which does more damage than shatter. But for spell types that aren’t just increasing stacks of damage dice (and are thus less directly comparable), this isn’t always going to be the case. It might seem tempting and even appropriate to cast haste on the Fighter that’s whacking the barlgura on the front-line, but would an upcast 2nd level bless that covers the entire party be better?
So in short, bless is a significantly more potent offensive buff than haste. It’s no slouch in defense either, since it also grants the party a bonus to their saving throws. Bless is a good spell, but what this really shows is that haste is mediocre for its level. Five to seven damage per round? For a third level spell? Really?
And then there’s the consideration that if you drop your concentration, you’ve hung your fighter out to dry for an entire round—a crippling outcome that puts them in a very bad spot. Additionally, casting haste means you cannot cast another concentration spell without suffering this downside, a weakness that doesn’t plague other concentration spells.
The point of this exercise is not to reiterate an argument that we have made about the usefulness of haste, but rather to point out that haste is not an inherently superior spell to bless despite being two levels higher—and that haste vs. bless is far from the only example where in lower-level spells are as good or better compared to higher level ones, and thus we want to emphasize that you should not always default to a certain spell just because it’s higher level!
The magical powers of the dwarfs not only serve as a means of protection for Snow White but also contribute to her character development. As she spends time with the dwarfs, she learns to appreciate and embrace their magical abilities, ultimately harnessing her own inner strength. Furthermore, the dwarfs' magic adds an element of wonder and awe to the film. From their ability to conjure spells to their unique talents, the dwarfs showcase the enchanting and otherworldly nature of the story. Their magic creates a sense of escapism and transports viewers into a world where anything is possible. Overall, the magic of the dwarfs in the 2019 adaptation of Snow White adds depth, wonder, and enchantment to the story. Their unique abilities not only contribute to the overall plotline but also serve as a catalyst for Snow White's character development. The dwarfs' magic brings an element of fantasy and whimsy to the narrative, captivating viewers and immersing them in a world of enchantment and wonder..
Reviews for "A Tale as Old as Time: Snow White and the Dwarfs' Magical Resurgence"
Review 1:
Name: Amy
Rating: 2/5
Review: I was really disappointed with "The Magic of the Dwarfs and Snow White 2019". The storyline felt like a poor attempt at recreating the original Snow White tale, but it lacked the magic and charm that made the original so enchanting. The acting was mediocre at best, and the special effects were underwhelming. Overall, it just felt like a cheap knockoff of a classic fairy tale.
Review 2:
Name: John
Rating: 1/5
Review: "The Magic of the Dwarfs and Snow White 2019" was a complete letdown. The plot was nonsensical and poorly developed. It seemed as if the filmmakers were trying to cram too many elements into the story, resulting in a disjointed and confusing mess. The visual effects were cheesy and looked like they were straight out of a low-budget TV show. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this film.
Review 3:
Name: Sarah
Rating: 2/5
Review: I had high hopes for "The Magic of the Dwarfs and Snow White 2019", but unfortunately, it fell flat. The acting performances were lackluster, with no real depth or emotion. The pacing of the film was slow, and it felt like it dragged on forever. The overall execution of the story was just not up to par with other adaptations of Snow White. I would suggest skipping this one and sticking with the classics.
Review 4:
Name: Mike
Rating: 1/5
Review: "The Magic of the Dwarfs and Snow White 2019" was a major disappointment. The characters were poorly developed, and I found it hard to connect with any of them. The dialogue was cheesy and forced, and the attempts at humor fell flat. The film lacked any real substance and failed to capture the true essence of the Snow White tale. I would strongly advise against wasting your time on this film.