Entangle and Flaming Sphere

[doktorstick]

Tonight we encountered a druid that threw entangles at us. She cast flaming sphere and then an entangle on the next round. The flaming sphere was in the area of effect.

We decided to play it such that all physical objects can be affected by entangle (or web for that matter). The checks are made as per the caster that cast them (reflex, strength or escape artist, etc.).

Does this seem reasonable?

/ds

 

[Pax]

A flaming sphere has no dexterity, and no base reflex save. Therefor, if a save were called for ... it owuld roll with no bonus whatsoever.

However, in an Entangle spell ... um ... you DO realise how quickly grass burns, if thrust into a fire, right? Entangle would't restrict a Flaming Sphere, it'd only ensure a BIG fire got started ...

 

[Sir Hawkeye]

Conceivably, vines, tree roots and branches, and bushes would be sturdy enough to slow it down.

It all depends on the area entangled.

 

[DarkJester]

I don't belive entangle would slow it the slightest. I would think that if it was actually something solid you could hold on to, it would to some damage other than fire (as a fire elemental does).

 

[doktorstick]

The spell entangle doesn't mention it being combustible whereas its equivalent wizard spell web does.

Allowing fire to burn it adds a whole new element that isn't covered by the spell. Does it catch fire and wipe out the entire 40-ft. radius spread in X rounds? Just the 5-ft. square and extinguishes? Does it mean that a magma golem couldn't be grabbed? A fire elemental? A salamandar? What about creatures made of acid? Acid tends to eat/destroy biological items. Would equivalent acidic creatures not be entangle-able either?

I think going down that route leads madness. There are too many special circumstances.

/ds

 

[Sir Hawkeye]

I don't belive entangle would slow it the slightest. I would think that if it was actually something solid you could hold on to, it would to some damage other than fire (as a fire elemental does).

PHB 206: "The surface of the sphere has a spongy, yielding consistency and so does not cause damage except by its flame"

 

[maddman75]

Flaming sphere would not be bothered by entangle at all. Whether the entangle burned would depend on what is entangling the victims.

 

[Shallown]

Roots/ grass ect would burn as normal the spell has no affect on this aspect.

A flaming spere has no serious substance so would escape an entangle. It can't be used to bowl or knock others over as the spell description above states. I would rule it could be stopped by a solid barrier since it has substance just not enough to be grabbed. think jellied sponge.

On second thought don't think that its just nasty

 

[maddman75]

Of course, the druid bad guy could always coat the area in oil first as a set up ahead of time....

Or some flammable tree sap. Sounds more druidish. First, the sap on all the branches give them a penalty to their entangle saves, then it burns hot for several rounds when the flaming sphere ignites it.

God, I love setting characters on fire. Gives me warm fuzzies.