"Line of Effect?"

[Morrus]

This should be a fairly quick one. Anyone know offhand what the definition of "line of effect" is, as opposed to "line of sight"?

The reason for the question is that I need to know what can go through/past a wall of force, and what can't. Thanks!

 

[Henrix]

Line of Effect: A line of effect is a straight, unblocked path that indicates what a spell can affect. A line of effect is canceled by a solid barrier. It’s like line of sight for ranged weapons, except that it’s not blocked by fog, darkness, and other factors that limit normal sight.

You must have a clear line of effect to any target that you cast a spell on or to any space in which you wish to create an effect. You must have a clear line of effect to the point of origin of any spell you cast. A burst, cone, cylinder, or emanation spell affects only an area, creatures, or objects to which it has line of effect from its origin (a spherical burst’s center point, a cone-shaped burst’s starting point, a cylinder’s circle, or an emanation’s point of origin).

An otherwise solid barrier with a hole of at least 1 square foot through it does not block a spell’s line of effect. Such an opening means that the 5-foot length of wall containing the hole is no longer considered a barrier for purposes of a spell’s line of effect.

And line of effect cannot be traced through a Wall of Force.

 

[Len]

Under Line of Effect it says this:

A line of effect is canceled by a solid barrier. It’s like line of sight for ranged weapons, except that it’s not blocked by fog, darkness, and other factors that limit normal sight.

And Wall of Force says this:

Breath weapons and spells cannot pass through the wall in either direction, although dimension door, teleport, and similar effects can bypass the barrier. ... Gaze attacks can operate through a wall of force.

So basically you can't cast spells or shoot through it, but you can see through it.

 

[Morrus]

Sounds good. Thanks!

 

[gnomebarbarian]

line of effect spells like a ray: You dont have to be able to see it to cast the spell (hitting it might be hard to do though) but there can't be something in the way or it will/can get blocked. (I.E. another player/critter gives partial cover to those behind them)

light of sight spells: you have to see it to cast the spell at it. (if they are invisible or in darkness etc, or have total concelment other then with a tower shield etc.)

however some effect spells such as summon monster is special you have to see the location that the monster is to be conjured into to summon it there. however you can also define the location by means other then sight (example: I have it appear 10 feet in the darkness straight ahead of me.) possibilites to define location might include listen checks, scent etc. to try to get the spell effect placed where you want it.

effect spells with spreads: dont have to do anything but be able to to hit the area where the effect will spread from. (in other words you need line of effect to the burst orgin.) once it spreads though it can hit/effect things you cant see or have cover or concelmant for being around the corner or such as long as they are in rang of the burst.

see page 175 in the PH under aiming a spell Effect definitons.