D&D 5E (2014) 5e Magic

[TwoSix]

magic missile was always the best concentration breaker in 2nd edition. Fast and always htting.

I do however agree, that the rules are clear: all missiles hit simultaneously. So a single damage role.

The simultaneous phrasing in the spell clinches it for me. One Concentration roll.

It's already a pretty good Concentration breaker since it can't, ya know, miss.

 

[Mouseferatu]

Dang it, you guys have me wavering, now.

I still lean toward "multiple rolls," but I admit I'm leaning that way at a much shallower angle than I was.

I'd love to know what the design team's intent was on this one.

 

[pedro2112]

Mearls tweeted regarding Empowered Evocation :

@Plaguescarred : Does Empowered Evocation let you add your INT mod to every magic missiles?
@mikemearls : nope, just per target. Even though missiles are separate, it's technically one damage roll per target, not missile

Perhaps this is analogous? If so, then it would be only one concentration check on multiple missiles.

 

[Stalker0]

Mearls tweeted regarding Empowered Evocation :

@Plaguescarred : Does Empowered Evocation let you add your INT mod to every magic missiles?
@mikemearls : nope, just per target. Even though missiles are separate, it's technically one damage roll per target, not missile

Perhaps this is analogous? If so, then it would be only one concentration check on multiple missiles.

I was literally about to ask that question...thank you

 

[Phoenix8008]

I would go with a single check even though multiple missles MAY hit the target. If one missle hits, the damage is 1d4+1, if 2 missles hit, the damage roll is 2d4+2, etc. Not 2 different instances of 1d4+1 each.

 

[Pallidore]

Dang it, you guys have me wavering, now.

I still lean toward "multiple rolls," but I admit I'm leaning that way at a much shallower angle than I was.

I'd love to know what the design team's intent was on this one.

The wily Mearls design team has inserted enough ambiguity to bring back to D&D multiple "how many angels can dance on the head of a pin" discussions and pique interest and emotional/intellectual investment!

The heady early days of 1E and 2E (and even 3E) have returned!

And AM, I haven't replied to a post of yours since S&S SL days! (You have been active, I just haven't, until now. I also believe this post gives me the magic number to take me off the newbie-limitation list; thanks for providing the spark!)