Black Tentacles Question

[Presto2112]

This is a quote from (Evard's) Black Tentacles:

This spell conjures a field of rubbery black tentacles, each 10 feet long. These waving members seem to spring forth from the earth, floor, or whatever surface is underfoot—including water. They grasp and entwine around creatures that enter the area, holding them fast and crushing them with great strength.

It doesn't specifically say it, but for years I've interpreted this spell, simply from the phrase "each 10 feet long", that the tentacles have reach, being able to extend out past the radius of the spell. A fairly new player to our group contested this interpretation, and I had to concede his point, simply because the wording isn't there.

Does my interpretation appear sound, or was I giving the spell too much power?

 

[frankthedm]

was I giving the spell too much power?

Oh yeah.

 

[Jack Simth]

This is a quote from (Evard's) Black Tentacles:



It doesn't specifically say it, but for years I've interpreted this spell, simply from the phrase "each 10 feet long", that the tentacles have reach, being able to extend out past the radius of the spell. A fairly new player to our group contested this interpretation, and I had to concede his point, simply because the wording isn't there.

Does my interpretation appear sound, or was I giving the spell too much power?

You were giving the spell too much power, definitely. If it makes you feel better, just say that the tentacles can't "see" anyone not inside the spell's actual radius.

 

[Notmousse]

The tentacles can't see period, they just grasp at what comes to them (within the AoE).

 

[Kaisoku]

The 10 feet long reference was used in some recent gaming. It allowed grappling someone who was on a horse within the field. So there's practical reasoning for determining the length of tentacles.

 

[frankthedm]

also helpfull with low flying foes

And revisions of the template; both should be ready to print without scaling.

 

[Presto2112]

also helpfull with low flying foes

And revisions of the template; both should be ready to print without scaling.

Say, those should come in handy, since Black Tentacles will likely be coming into play a LOT with my group. Thanks, frank!

 

[frankthedm]

Do note, Black tentacles is one of the spells that make Classed NPCs weak for thier CR. A steady diet of big monsters helps keep the spell from dominating.

 

[Presto2112]

Do note, Black tentacles is one of the spells that make Classed NPCs weak for thier CR. A steady diet of big monsters helps keep the spell from dominating.

They also make legion devils (one of my favorite monsters from FC2) into big pussies.