Is Melf's acid arrow magical?

[Christian]

Geez. Deep breaths, people!

I did not intend to suggest that the Conjuration (Creation) tag should be read to imply that the spell creates normal acid. I was just saying that a reader could easily think that. (And quit being mean, kreynolds! )

The best way to be certain is to look at the Spell Resistance line of the spell description. Melf's Acid Arrow says 'Spell Resistance: Yes'. Spell resistance does not affect non-magical secondary effects; hence, the acid in Melf's Acid Arrow is magical. OK?

Crothian-the contents of a vial of acid burn for only one round. So the limited duration is not evidence of a magical nature. (Maybe it's evidence that D&D is unrealistic, if you needed any more. )

Certainly, there'd be no question if the spell was Evocation, but the Conjuration (Creation) descriptor does not prove one way or the other how the spell works. For whatever reason, some Conjuration (Creation) spells create real effects that are not subject to SR (eg. the Summon Monster spells), and others do not. Go figure. (I suspect it has less to do with game logic and more to do with game balance-"We need to make sure that specialist wizards who take Evocation as their prohibited school still have some useful offensive spells." "How about we stick some into the Conjuration school?" "Sounds good to me.")

 

[Crothian]

Vials of Acid burn for only one round? I missed that, excuse my why I laugh.

I don't expect the game to be realistic, but come on. They are allowed to get a few things right. This isn't Rocket Science...it's gamed design!!

 

[kreynolds]

...spell creates normal acid. I was just saying that a reader could easily think that. (And quit being mean, kreynolds! )

Ahh! Wierd...double post...or half post...or...something.

 

[kreynolds]

...spell creates normal acid. I was just saying that a reader could easily think that. (And quit being mean, kreynolds! )

I can also see how a reader might think that a spell, that is powered by magic, and has a description that in no way shape or form even comes close to suggesting or even construing that the acid is mundane, might get that impression. But that doesn't mean they aren't an idiot.

 

[Rashak Mani]

Another "is it real ?" spell is the Ice Storm... supossedly you could hit someone with Anti Magic Field with it by making the "real" ice appear above the character and let the physical part of the effect hit them...

This Acid is real thing is a valid question... many creatures have incredibly high Spell Resistance and using magically created substances that arent magical themselves allows you to bypass SR in a way ...

 

[hong]

This Acid is real thing is a valid question... many creatures have incredibly high Spell Resistance and using magically created substances that arent magical themselves allows you to bypass SR in a way ...

It's a valid question, but the spell description itself provides the answer. Melf's acid arrow creates a "magical arrow of acid" [PHB p.227], and thus can be suppressed by SR or an antimagic field.

 

[AGGEMAM]

It's a valid question, but the spell description itself provides the answer. Melf's acid arrow creates a "magical arrow of acid" [PHB p.227], and thus can be suppressed by SR or an antimagic field.

Yes, correct. But if I understand it correctly the magical part is the arrow (of acid) not the acid itself.

Now this would have the effect that AMF still works, ie the acid drops harmlessly to the ground when the magic binding it together is suppressed, while SR would have no effect.

Tell me if that makes sense or doesn't.

 

[hong]

Yes, correct. But if I understand it correctly the magical part is the arrow (of acid) not the acid itself.

Now this would have the effect that AMF still works, ie the acid drops harmlessly to the ground when the magic binding it together is suppressed, while SR would have no effect.

How tortured can you get?

Also, look again at the Melf's acid arrow spell description, and take particular note of the "Spell Resistance" line.

 

[AGGEMAM]

How tortured can you get?

Also, look again at the Melf's acid arrow spell description, and take particular note of the "Spell Resistance" line.

Dooh ... well, it only goes to show that sometimes you actually have to check the books before replying.

On the other hand I do think it is the right interpretation if there are any circumstances where this tiny difference makes a *dooh' difference.

 

[The Kender]

Not to make you feel worse, but I don't believe that Damage Reduction can effect a spell at all. So, why would it really matter if the Acid is magic or not? You are using a spell, so no Damage Reduction.

Damage Reduction --> Stops Greatsword from choping you in 2 pieces.
Spell Resistance --> Stops Fireball from french frying you