Area of Effect (Esp. Fireball)

[Radiating Gnome]

In the PHB the area of effect for a fireball is described as a 20' radius spread -- not a sphere. How tall is the area of effect of a fireball, then? Is it shape like a short cylinder? Or a Sphere?

And, much more important, can you point me to the right source to answer this question?

-rg

 

[kreynolds]

In the PHB the area of effect for a fireball is described as a 20' radius spread -- not a sphere.

Right.

How tall is the area of effect of a fireball, then?

A spread as as high as it is wide. Remember, a spread effect spreads in all directions. So technically, it's a sphere.

And, much more important, can you point me to the right source to answer this question?

The Sage

 

[0-hr]

The word "radius" does not implicitly mean 2-dimensional, so maybe it's the word "spread" that is confusing? They use "spread" here to differentiate it from a "burst". In short, a spread effect flows around corners while a burst does not. Both, however, are 3 dimensional unless noted otherwise.

 

[dcollins]

In the PHB the area of effect for a fireball is described as a 20' radius spread -- not a sphere. How tall is the area of effect of a fireball, then? Is it shape like a short cylinder? Or a Sphere?

And, much more important, can you point me to the right source to answer this question?

The fact is, the D&D rules are written with an eye towards play on a 2D map. There is no language anywhere in the Core Rules which explicitly clarifies 3D-related issues like the one you've asked (other than some rules for flying movement, DMG p. 69).

A lot of arguments have been spawned from questions like this (spread height, can shield be directed above, can certain walls be angled or horizontal). It's a reasonable assumption that most folks make that a spread goes as far up as the rest of its radius.

 

[Radiating Gnome]

The 3D reading (a 20' radius sphere) was by reading of the spell, but another player in our group argued that there was an errata or Sage Advice that stated that the area was only 10' high, so more of a cylinder shape than a sphere.

You're all lovely people for agreeing with me . . .

But I'm still hoping for a reference. Anyone have a source and page number handy? I can't win a debate with this guy without a source . . .

-rg

 

[kreynolds]

But I'm still hoping for a reference.

Then email the Sage. The address is above.

 

[dcollins]

But I'm still hoping for a reference. Anyone have a source and page number handy? I can't win a debate with this guy without a source . . .

And I repeat: There is no language anywhere in the Core Rules which explicitly clarifies 3D-related issues like the one you've asked.

 

[Tewligan]

I would assume that it's a sphere, being a fire_BALL_.

 

[0-hr]

From the American Heritage Dictionary

radius: A line segment that joins the center of a sphere with any point on its surface.

Have your buddy show you that quote from the Sage saying that a fireball only goes 10ft up. If he can't, then the argument is over.

 

[Happiest_Sadist]

A spread is generally the same as a sphere. However a spread can turn corners and whatnot. With a 20' sphere someone is affected if a streight line can be drawn from them to the center of the effect that is less than 20 ft.

However with a 20' spread, the line dosn't have to be straight.

See pg 204 and 149 in the phb.