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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Ovinomancer" data-source="post: 7175273" data-attributes="member: 16814">A followed by  A.  Both with some elucidation.If Bob the Barbarian is cursed, and gets cursed again, both curses exist on Bob, but only the most "potent" effect  is applied.  Since, as you note, it's impossible to compare individual curse effects without specific circumstances AND if you judge by specific circumstance you effectively obviate the rule, then non-circumstantial measures need to be taken into account.  This is spell slot level, DC, etc.  So, in the case of the second curse, since it is from a higher spell slot, it's the one that applies it's effect.  If they were the same spell slot, I replace the older spell with the newer.In your second example of overlapping sleet storms, I think you've highlighted an interesting discussion point -- with single target spells, the discussion has been on spells that have been successfully applied, because that's when the effect occurs but with area spells, like sleet storm, the spell affects everyone in the area and you're now checking to see if some effects can be avoided.  I think, in the area effect issue, it's perfectly justified to go with spell slot then DC.  I say this because if all the area effect overlaps have the same spell slot and same DC, no matter which you pick it's going to be that one DC, so it doesn't really matter which is selected to be applied -- just pick one and go.  Otherwise, the only ex ante (before the event) factors to distinguish the spells are slot and DC.  So, in this particular case, it would be the DC 15 Sleet Storm that is saved against.So, then, here's my general ruling philosophy:  make rulings based on ex ante (before the event) criteria whenever possible.  If you're ruling based on the specific outcome immediately before you, you have a higher chance of making a ruling that has unwanted knock-on consequences.  Because of this I try to excise as much of the current situation as possible and look to how to make a ruling with as few of the details of the specific circumstance as possible.  This isn't always possible, of course, some things are too intertwined with the specific situation to reasonably extract, but for the case in front of us of spells combining it's how I think.  So, I examine the rule, and then examine what guidelines I can create that are specific situation independent, and craft an initial idea of how I'll apply this rule.  I then try to break it by putting it into specific situations with an eye as to how I'd try and take advantage of the ruling.  If, as here, so far, I can find a situation that doesn't break the ruling, that's my ruling.  And, as here, it's a simple application that doesn't need to stop and consider the specific situation each time to see how I'm going to rule today.And, while some seem to think burning spells to offset a negative is something that shouldn't be allowed, I've yet to see a case where this solution isn't at best a wash (and more often a clunky workaround that has drawbacks), which means that, for me, as I'm interested in presenting choices with consequences as the core of my game, it's just not anything I'm worried about.  We aren't, for example, actually dispelling anything -- both effects are still there, only just one is applied -- so if the 'assist' spell is dispelled or concentration broken the original bad one is still there.Besides, I just love the idea of a session that goes like this:Bob the Barbarian:  This curse the Lich has put on my sucks!  I can't hit him with all this disadvantage!Larry the Laughing Mage:  Haha!  I have an idea, I'll use my 7th level spell slot to case and INT curse on Bob!  Since it's the same spell slot level as the Lich's curse, it'll supercede it and Bob can beat down the Lich.  And Bob wouldn't make a INT save anyway.Bob:  Darn right I won't!  Wait....DM:  Okay, Larry casts curse on Bob.  Bob, do you want to save?Bob:  No, this is a great idea!  I feel dumber already!DM:  Okay, the curse spell is cast and Bob is now under the effects of and INT curse.Larry:  So, what does the Lich do now, huh?  He's got the beat down machine on him at full capacity, and I know he doesn't have any more high level slots left to cast Maze, so it's just a few more rounds of unlife left for him!  HAHA!DM:  Well, the Lich's skeletal face seems to smile even wider as he casts a spell.Larry:  Ha!  Won't help him, what spell does he cast?DM:  Remove Curse targeting your curse.Larry:  Haha!  That's a 3rd level spell that... um, okay, Bob, you really need to make this save!Bob:  What save is it (picks up dice)?DM:  No, save.  Bob, the Lich dispels the INT curse on you, and the original curse is back in effect.  You have disadvantage on all attacks against the Lich.Larry the Disgruntled Mage:  That's a 7th level slot down the drain for not much.</blockquote>

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