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Message: <blockquote data-quote="lkwpeter" data-source="post: 7023815" data-attributes="member: 6804713">I believe, that's actually the same point as discussing the meaning of "reasonable" in the suggestion spell. The illusion of PF must be backed up by evidence. If a player is able to create such an illusion, there is absolutely no reason to ask for an investigation check. The whole question about that has to be considered from the target's point of view - not from the DM's one! In my view, this is absolutely intended. A sign for this is the "rationalize" part of the spell description that emphasizes that even situational unlogical circumstances will be forgiven, if the initial thought of the effect was plausible.Furthermore, there are other powerful spells. E.g. think of Hold Person that applies the paralyzed condition on a failed WIS save giving advantage to attacks + auto crit within 5 feet range. And the condition stays as long as the target doesn't make a successful check. Sure, Phantasmal Force is powerful, but it's not overpowered, if used correctly (applying the restrictions mentioned above). And it is only single target + has an inital saving throw.No worries, I understand what you mean. English is not my mother language. How do you like the following wording?Status effects in fights:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">The most important point is that it is not possible to physically control a creature against its will. This especially refers to objects that intend to bind the target directly. E.g. if you create chains to bind a creature, these might even move a bit with the target. But the moment, the target moves away from the object's range, its arms/legs would simply go through the illusion. The creature would rationalize it in some way (as the spell description says), but it would be free though.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Instead, you could try to affect the creature's motivation to do or omit to do something: E.g. you could create a cage of fire. The creature might feel the heat an decide not to touch it. Or you could create something that forces the target to go prone at its own will (e.g. a poisonous fog at a specific height, so that the could duck).</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Also keep in mind that phantasms created to appear as a creature can attack, but they will not be able to cause status effects. This is because these creatures neither can take special actions nor feats. Moreover, the type of damage they deal is psychical in origin, not physical! The spell description explicitly names types of elemental damage. It would elaborate on them, if thy would be able to trigger status effects.</li> </ul>I you want to consider, whether or not an illusionary effect is viable or not, apply the following rule of thumb:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">"Is the object supposed to directly physically affect the target against its will?" If yes, the effect is not possible.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">"Is the object supposed to only affect the creature's motivation to do or omit to do something?" If yes, than it is absolutely viable and works as the spell is intended to work.</li> </ul></blockquote>

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