Casting While Swimming Question?

[Aluvial]

Is it possible to cast a spell underwater? I would think that verbal spells are very difficult, but then again possible.

Has anyone devised rules for this, official or not?

I would think that you could cast Verbal and Somatic spells underwater, but it would be a Concentration check of 15 + the spell level to do it.

If you were on the surface of the water (treading water, head above the surface) it would be a Concentration check of 5 + the spell level (with a successful swim check, DC 5).


What do you guys think? Are there official versions of this?

Aluvial

 

[Gilwen]

For any spells that require Verbal I wouldn't allow unless they where able to otherwise speak freely or could somehow cast it without the V component.
Since casting some spells requires (arcane casters at least) to have precise movements they also would have an arcane spell failure check, unless of course they could move freely for some reason.
I would probably do somethign like this and if they are wearing armor the ASF stacks with the below penalties.

Highest ASF for each category applies:
Shallow to Medium Water = Light Armor ASF penalty
Deep = Medium ASF
V. Deep = Heavy ASF
Extremely Deep = Heavy plus 10%

For on the surface I would keep the concentation check and tack on ASF light armor.

If he has been down a long time and needs to come up for air I would say a concentration check would be in order before casting the spell. Say DC 15 plus the number of rounds he has been needing to come up for air.

my 2 cp's,

Bryan

 

[Aluvial]

For any spells that require Verbal I wouldn't allow unless they where able to otherwise speak freely or could somehow cast it without the V component.

Since casting some spells requires (arcane casters at least) to have precise movements they also would have an arcane spell failure check, unless of course they could move freely for some reason.

Highest ASF for each category applies:
Shallow to Medium Water = Light Armor ASF penalty
Deep = Medium ASF
V. Deep = Heavy ASF
Extremely Deep = Heavy plus 10%

For on the surface I would keep the concentation check and tack on ASF light armor.

Bryan

Arcane Spell Failure. Exactly. Just another game mechanic I seem to always forget. However, I would say if in water it would be +medium armor, whatever that is.

Aluvial

 

[dcollins]

Is it possible to cast a spell underwater? I would think that verbal spells are very difficult, but then again possible.

Rules for underwater combat were printed in a WOTC Web Enhancement (among other places), p. 5, here: http://www.wizards.com/dnd/article.asp?x=dnd/we/we20010713b

No restrictions of any sort are given to casting spells underwater. (However, the effects of some spells, such as fire spells, are restricted.)