Can you target a magic missile at an object?

[STARP_JVP]

In the book it either says or implies you can't, but my question is, if not, why not? Based on the spell description, and in particular the description of the spell effect, isn't it only logical that you be able to target a magic missile spell at an inanimate object and cause damage to it like any other effect? It's just a bolt of force - force affects everything, alive or otherwise, right?

 

[Hypersmurf]

The spell targets a creature or creatures.

If you attempt to target something that is not a creature or creatures, the spell fails... just like casting Charm Person on a dog.

-Hyp.

 

[dcollins]

...isn't it only logical that you be able to target a magic missile spell at an inanimate object and cause damage to it like any other effect? It's just a bolt of force - force affects everything, alive or otherwise, right?

No, D&D (or any game really) does not work like that. Magic missile as specified only affects creatures.

It's the job of the DM in D&D to explain why this might be the case, if necessary. Perhaps this force-magic only seeks out and damages things with a life force in them. I bet you can come with an even better explanation, if you want.

 

[Hypersmurf]

Perhaps this force-magic only seeks out and damages things with a life force in them. I bet you can come with an even better explanation, if you want.

'Creatures' are anything with a Wisdom and a Charisma score. So, obviously, Magic Missiles have a Charisma-seeking ability.

If you can stand between the bard and the paladin, there's a good chance the Magic Missile will get dazzled and lose its lock on you.

-Hyp.

 

[dcollins]

Stand between a bard and a paladin? Ugh, I'm chaffing at the very thought.

 

[Hypersmurf]

Stand between a bard and a paladin? Ugh, I'm chaffing at the very thought.

Cheaper than a Brooch of Shielding! And Bards don't take up your amulet slot.

-Hyp.

 

[domino]

Targets a creature, huh? So it would be useless against an animated object then?

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

Targets a creature, huh? So it would be useless against an animated object then?

An animated object is a creature - a construct, to be specific.

An unanimated object is not a creature.

 

[Hypersmurf]

An animated object is a creature - a construct, to be specific.

An unanimated object is not a creature.

Ooh! Animate Objects is another Shillelagh example for the problems of the constant-polling model for targeted spells!

-Hyp.

 

[domino]

I beg to differ.

An animated object is a construct.

HOWEVER.

A construct is defined as an animated object OR An artifically created creature.

Thus, an animated object is an animated OBJECT and nowhere does it say that it's a creature.

Ooh! Animate Objects is another Shillelagh example for the problems of the constant-polling model for targeted spells!

-Hyp.

I disagree, for the same reasons as above. It's still an object. The target doesn't say animate or inanimate. So, theoretically, you can animate an already animated object to do your bidding, and steal it out from underneath the original caster.