D&D 5E Minor Illusion question

[Warmaster Horus]

Darkness isn't a Cantrip, though. It's a 2nd level spell. And Devil's Sight requires at least two levels in Warlock. That's a lot different than a Cantrip that can be done at-will, and is easily picked up via a single class level, a feat or even being the proper race.

And creating a box around a torch is in no way as powerful an effect as Darkness. It's interesting how keenly physics and reality are focused on illusions as compared to other D&D magic types. In the end, it's magic.

 

[Katmandoo122]

The main issue I have with the illusory box not blocking light is that if that is the case, illusions would merely require a perception check to defeat, because not having a shadow isn't something that requires interaction to notice.
That badly weakens the school of illusion which in my experience has always needed all the help it can get.

Why wouldn't your illusion include a shadow? Yes, it all has to fit in the box but within that constraint, if you made a little statue, I would assume you would make the shadow, too. So you'd have to investigate and maybe then you notice the shadow doesn't move when the light source does (Investigation) and then it fails.

As to the OP, it's a long stretch to say this cantrip could block light. Since it cannot create any sensory effect (or light), I don't see how it can block light. If Thaumaturgy can only cause a candle to flicker, I would not allow Minor Illusion to block its light.

 

[abirdcall]

I see illusions as more advanced and magical versions of optical illusions.

An object can be presented to us in such a way as to appear to be something it is not, like a cube. Once we see it from a certain angle the illusion is shattered and we see it as what it really is.

This is what happens to illusions in D&D when characters see through them, they become transparent.

 

[I'm A Banana]

CG's explanation that the image blocks light and the room is dark and suddenly, one person can now see the light and see the lit room (because it is magic) is all kinds of wonky (plus it gives a cantrip nearly the power of a darkness spell).

I disagree - it gives the cantrip nearly the power of prestidigitation, which can snuff out candles, torches, and small campfires. Generously, you could apply this illusion to a magical light, too, which would be giving it the power equivalent of...well...a box.

Plunging a room into darkness is not equal to the darkness spell, and I like to encourage creative spell use, so I'm inclined personally to let the illusion appear to snuff out a light (and those who disbelieve the illusion can see normally).

 

[KarinsDad]

I disagree - it gives the cantrip nearly the power of prestidigitation, which can snuff out candles, torches, and small campfires. Generously, you could apply this illusion to a magical light, too, which would be giving it the power equivalent of...well...a box.

Except that prestidigitation does not snuff out the same candles for some creatures and not for others. The Minor Illusion discussion goes beyond just that.

 

[Chocolategravy]

As to the OP, it's a long stretch to say this cantrip could block light. Since it cannot create any sensory effect (or light), I don't see how it can block light. If Thaumaturgy can only cause a candle to flicker, I would not allow Minor Illusion to block its light.

A wall that doesn't block light and doesn't create light is called a window. Actually it isn't, a window still refracts light and blocks some light. A wall that doesn't block or create light is called invisible. A spell that creates invisible images isn't much of a spell. I can cast that myself and I've never studied magic.

 

[I'm A Banana]

Except that prestidigitation does not snuff out the same candles for some creatures and not for others. The Minor Illusion discussion goes beyond just that.

Yeah, so it's weaker than prestidigitation in that respect, since it's not going to actually make the room very dark for everyone.

 

[Kalshane]

Yeah, so it's weaker than prestidigitation in that respect, since it's not going to actually make the room very dark for everyone.

Actually, it's more powerful, because the caster and his allies know it's an illusion and thus can see, while their enemies think the room is dark until they somehow interact with the illusion they can't see because they think the room is dark. You've basically created an at-will Darkness/Devil Sight combo for the entire party.

 

[Chocolategravy]

Actually, it's more powerful, because the caster and his allies know it's an illusion and thus can see, while their enemies think the room is dark until they somehow interact with the illusion they can't see because they think the room is dark. You've basically created an at-will Darkness/Devil Sight combo for the entire party.

The enemies wouldn't just think the room is dark for them, it would be dark for them. The spell isn't mental.

You're also assuming of course all light sources are stationary in a 5x5x5 area. If the enemies didn't bring their own light source, they probably didn't need one to begin with.

 

[I'm A Banana]

Actually, it's more powerful, because the caster and his allies know it's an illusion and thus can see, while their enemies think the room is dark until they somehow interact with the illusion they can't see because they think the room is dark. You've basically created an at-will Darkness/Devil Sight combo for the entire party.

Pretty sure this is raw theorycraft at work - like the infinite skeleton army, I'm not convinced that it'll ever be an issue in actual play.