Attacking An Empty Space

[chaotix42]

n/m, answered my own dumb question.

 

[doctorhook]

Force Orb specifies it can target an object in its target line.

Does the ground count as an "object"? This is an interesting (and complicated) question.

I want to say "no", and that the ground is terrain rather than an object. However, if I did consider it an object, for the purposes of ranged attacks such as Force Orb, I would consider the ground to be automatically prone, which affects the attack roll.

 

[On Puget Sound]

ground may be prone, but it is also:
blinded, deafened, helpless, immobilized, petrified (in some places), unconscious, and quite likely surprised.

 

[Hypersmurf]

Does the ground count as an "object"? This is an interesting (and complicated) question.

Another Force Orb point to consider:

Let's say we have an orc, surrounded by eight kobolds. We target the orc with Force Orb and hit; all eight kobolds are adjacent to the primary target, and become secondary targets.

Let's say we have a (Large) ogre, surrounded by twelve kobolds. We target the ogre with Force Orb and hit; all twelve kobolds are adjacent to the primary target, and become secondary targets.

Let's say we have a grand banquet table, surrounded by thirty kobolds seated and eating dinner. We target the table (a single object) with Force Orb and hit. All thirty kobolds are adjacent to the target, right?

Now we target the ground...

-Hyp.

 

[Runestar]

And everyone adjacent to the earth itself gets hit...

 

[PHGraves]

Though technically only enemies adjacent to the earth.

 

[James McMurray]

I would consider the square itself as the target, though if someone wanted to argue that the ground doesn't count as an object I'd be fine with it. If you're fighting someone who is unarmed and naked on with no pebbles, debris, etc. nearby (perhaps you're in a void?), then you won't be able to use this trick to increase your odds of hitting at the expense of lowering your damage.

 

[Propane]

Another Force Orb point to consider:

Let's say we have an orc, surrounded by eight kobolds. We target the orc with Force Orb and hit; all eight kobolds are adjacent to the primary target, and become secondary targets.

Let's say we have a (Large) ogre, surrounded by twelve kobolds. We target the ogre with Force Orb and hit; all twelve kobolds are adjacent to the primary target, and become secondary targets.

Let's say we have a grand banquet table, surrounded by thirty kobolds seated and eating dinner. We target the table (a single object) with Force Orb and hit. All thirty kobolds are adjacent to the target, right?

Now we target the ground...

-Hyp.

O.O

 

[chaotix42]

/thread

 

[James McMurray]

/thread

I'm probably showing my age here, but I gotta say "what?"