Flaming Sphere detail questions?

[Aelf]

This spell seems to have some ambiguous points. I wonder how other folks handle it?

As written, this "5-ft.-diameter sphere" only has a chance of damaging when "If it enters a space with a creature"

Nothing I can see makes a sphere allow partial cover (+4 AC) or prohibit movement though the space. I ask because it seems quite a bit bulkier than a goblin, which does provide partial over. Also, if a flaming sphere was in a 5 foot wide corridor, it would seem odd for an orc or bugbear to just cruise on through ... even when charging. (It is not an obstacle nor is it listed as difficult terrain)

Any suggestions would be appreciated. I think I have a grasp on the RAW, but would really like to hear perceptions and pragmatics from other gamers.

Aelf,
friendly neighborhood bard

 

[pokedigimaniac]

The way I see it, it can be used to block a door - it'll definitely block most visual range. In terms of cover, I suppose it would be counted as the +4 type of cover. As for others choosing to go through the space that the Flaming Sphere currently inhabits, I would say they could go through, but would have to make the Reflex save or take the damage from the Sphere.

 

[Primitive Screwhead]

Point 1: As a "noninstantaneous magic fires" the character passing through might catch on fire.

Point 2: depending on the height of the caster, a Flaming Sphere might be able to block LOS.

Thats about it by RAW, not a very handy spell unless you consider it a battlefield shaping spell... only at low levels and/or against animal INT....

Personally I would call it difficult terrain just to make it usable at later levels.

 

[blargney the second]

If you've got a grappler buddy who's got enough fire resistance to be immune to flaming sphere, then it becomes pretty fun to dump it right on top of him and his grapplee.

 

[AuraSeer]

Nothing I can see makes a sphere allow partial cover (+4 AC) or prohibit movement though the space.

It's not explicitly spelled out, but I've always thought it obvious that the sphere offers cover, just like any other object of its size. It's definitely a physical object, not just a floating flame; it has a defined surface, though it has a "spongy and yielding consistency. A 5' spherical sponge should always offer cover, just like a 5' spherical boulder or pillow or chunk of Jell-O.

Ditto for having creatures move through the space. It's a physical, solid (if spongy) sphere, which takes up the whole width of that 5' corridor; of course it won't be easy to move past. The advancing orc might shove the ball backward without problem, but he clearly needs to touch it to do so. He, or the object he uses to push the ball, will have to save or take damage.