Ray of Enfeeblement penalties aren't cumulative?

[Olorin]

Is it correct that the Strength penalties from Rays of Enfeeblement don't stack? If so where in the rules is this covered?

 

[Norfleet]

Is it correct that the Strength penalties from Rays of Enfeeblement don't stack? If so where in the rules is this covered?

This should be correct, yes. The D&D rules state that effects never stack with themselves. Ray of Enfeeblement creates a strength-penalizing effect with a duration, not damage. Since effects don't stack with themselves, multiple ray of enfeeblement effects are overlapping, not cumulative.

If ray of enfeeblement instead had no duration, but instead caused instantaneous strength DAMAGE that recovered normally, then the effects would stack, just like with fireballs. However, Ray of Enfeeblement creates a "penalty to strength" effect with a duration of 1min/lvl, and effects don't stack with themselves.

 

[Olorin]

Thanks for the reply... I just went and reread the section on Same Effect More than Once in Different Strengths (PH p172) and look at what they use as an example.

Thanks!

 

[Darklone]

The short description in the Spell list lists it as ability damage... probably an error.