D&D 5E Treantmonk's Guide to Wizards 5e

[Mistwell]

I never understood why this argument over fog has to happen. A hedge is an object, blocks vision, and can plausibly emit arrows without straining plausibility. In fact, one of my biggest reasons for house-ruling away advantage on ranged attacks for being unseen is because actual, non-illusionary bushes were implausibly useful to archers. Now I only grant advantage to unseen melee attackers.

Object lesson: this squirrel hedge is an object that blocks vision but not arrows.

How plausible is it that a shrubbery instantaneously appears? Fog always made sense because it's an actual spell and objects can cause it too. But...a summoned shrubbery? Seems like a wall of stone with a small gap to fire through is more summonable in a dungeon setting than a shrubbery.

 

[raleel]

A smoke bomb is an object.

it is, but the smoke is not.

Or you could simply create a bush. And shoot around it.

Seriously, it's a stationary point that grants partial cover. That's +2 ac against ranged attacks and the opportunity to use the hide skill. I know people hate the stealth rules but letting an illusionist trick people with a cantrip is hardly game breaking

agreed on all of this. I don't mind people doing it, but they do have to stay within the bounds. Also, they should expect that it will get dispelled at some point, and future illusions get harder to do against the same folks. Not normally an issue.

 

[raleel]

How plausible is it that a shrubbery instantaneously appears? Fog always made sense because it's an actual spell and objects can cause it too. But...a summoned shrubbery? Seems like a wall of stone with a small gap to fire through is more summonable in a dungeon setting than a shrubbery.

Plant growth might be a counter example here.

to be clear, I don't have a problem with rocks or bushes or whatever - even 2d cutouts of paper that look something like fog

 

[Leatherhead]

How plausible is it that a shrubbery instantaneously appears?

That sounds like a line of questioning that would require a Knowledge (Arcana) check to find out. Which itself is a single action drain, and inline with the mechanics of the spell.

 

[Treantmonklvl20]

I like a crate or barrel. Allows you to be inside it (visibility obscured from all 4 sides). As for the likelyhood of a crate or barrel occuring on its own, well, conjurer's can do that once per round I believe. If you have a gm who says casting through the illusion reveals it, simply have the barrel or crate open at the top, stand up straight, cast, kneel back down. You don't get advantage, but you keep hidden from sight.

Note that an enemy really intent on going after the wizard may very well be able to foil the illusion, but it certainly acts as a deterrent, making it more likely the enemy will attack the easier targets (the other PC's) which is tactically exactly what they want you to do.

I agree with the point that fog is an effect, not an object, and therefore not an option with minor image. If it was an option, it by far would be the best option. You can do a fog with silent image, if you are willing to use the spell slot.

 

[purplerook]

IMO, it is more about play balance, than what is 'reasonable' or not.

A spell that grants effective advantage/disadvantage on one round of attack is effectively non-moving Invisibility (2nd level). Getting partial cover (+2 AC) is getting close to Mage Armor (1st level) - although it will stack with Mage armor and or could be argued as +5 for 3/4 cover. Having your attackers to take an action to try and save vs. the Illusion is similar (one round disable) to Color Spray (1st level). These can be powerful effects for a Cantrip.

Minor Illusion does have several weaknesses - non-moving, disbelieved (not dispelled) on physical interaction (which might be hitting with a ranged attack), and can be saved against. So, you have a cantrip that can provide benefits similar to a 1st or 2nd level spell, but with some additional disadvantages. Minor Illusion does have a significant advantage in that the caster can see through the illusion which is what allows things like casting through Fog, Darkness and other barriers.

 

[HermanTheWize]

Treantmonk, can you give your opinion on the following 3 UA Wizards traditions.


Wizard:
Lore
Theurgy
War Magic

 

[CapnZapp]

Perhaps he holds off until (and if) they become official?

Sent from my C6603 using EN World mobile app

 

[HermanTheWize]

Perhaps he holds off until (and if) they become official?

Sent from my C6603 using EN World mobile app

It's up to him, not trying to make him do anything he doesn't want to. I just would like to know his surface thoughts.

I've read his Wizard guides since Pathfinder and almost all his thoughts line up with mine on how a Wizard is best played.(I especially love how the guides are written from the perspective of a Wizard as well)

When it comes to Wizards, his words are gold to me(so I can't help but to ask).

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[Arial Black]

When it comes to Wizards, his words are gold to me

Maybe sky blue....