Force Orb Question

[LightPhoenix]

Just to be clear I was disagreeing with LightPhoenix saying you didn't have to hit with the primary, specifically - "I think it's very specifically worded so that it can be used to get the adjacent attacks without getting the primary in such a manner."

You've got to hit with the primary to get the secondaries. Some people let you aim at the ground to hit with the primary, some don't.

Yeah, I worded that poorly. What I meant was that it was worded as hitting an "object" so that you could hit the ground (and DC 15 sounds about right to me - about 50% at 1st level) and hit the secondary targets.

The reason I would allow it is, playing as a Wand Wizard with Force Orb, I think the power is pretty weak. Not only do you have to hit the primary target, but you also have to roll to hit each of the targets adjacent. It's also highly situational, based on the enemy grouping together. The only real upside to the power is that it only targets enemies, and not allies - perfect for hitting opponents in melee. If the secondary hit were automatic, I think it'd be more useful. However, since you do need to make those attack rolls, I don't feel it's overpowered to allow a Wizard to attack the ground.

 

[PHGraves]

Normally, I would come down on the side of "Don't be daft - you cannot target the ground with Force Orb."

After reading the nut-punch of an answer regarding two-bladed swords, however, all I can say is "Knock yourself out."

 

[Mengu]

Ground is not an object in my book. A statue, a keg of ale, a candelabra, a broom leaning against a closet, the shield of a deceased enemy, the spear hanging on a wall will all qulify as objects however, and I do try to put many such objects into an encounter area.

 

[Jhaelen]

Ground is not an object in my book.

I'm not convinced about it, either. This is a bit too much like 'I attack the darkness' for my taste.

Is the ground taking damage by the way? If so, how much damage until it's destroyed? I guess, after destroying the ground I'll have to target thin air...

 

[James McMurray]

One need not target the ground for it to be an effective tactic. An encounter with 0 objects near the enemies means you're fighting in a barren plain against naked foes and any allies in melee with them are also nude. How often does that happen?

 

[Ahglock]

One need not target the ground for it to be an effective tactic. An encounter with 0 objects near the enemies means you're fighting in a barren plain against naked foes and any allies in melee with them are also nude. How often does that happen?

It happens to me all the time.

 

[Dracorat]

(A) Is the ground taking damage by the way? (B) If so, how much damage until it's destroyed? (C) I guess, after destroying the ground I'll have to target thin air...

Parentheticals added by me.

A: Yes. But in most circumstances we don't care.

B: Depends on what it's constructed of, of course. You'll find a chart on page 65 of the DMG - which also tells me that the AC should have been 5 - I'll be sure to take note. Since we are talking about the contiguous area of a 5 foot by 5 foot space, that would be a medium sized object. If we assume stone, it has 40 HP.

C: Insubstantial and invisible. But you could maybe go for raindrops. AC 10, 1 HP

 

[DracoSuave]

C: Insubstantial and invisible.

Then you have to target the square you think the air is in, it'll have total concealment, and you'll only do half damage to it.

 

[Dracorat]

Sounds good.

I'm sure destroying it will suck.

(Ensuing vacuum and all that)

 

[DracoSuave]

Oh no doubt about that, it'll have side-effects the players might not account for.

Sucky ones at that.

Tho you might want to break out those addiction tables from Vile Darkness just so you can track the effects of their ongoing withdrawl pains from oxygen deprivation.