Sending a Fireball through an arrow slit.

[kreynolds]

This is how I would handle the AC (Please someone tell me if I could be wrong.):

base 10 + diminutive(fly-size) AC mod + caster's Dex mod

A fly is fine, not diminutive (page 131 of the PH, Table 8-7). The bead's base AC would be 10 + 8 (size) = 18. The speed of the bead should definitely factor into the AC, but the speed is kinda variable. It's arguable that a 10th level fireball will cover more distance in a certain amount of time than a lower level fireball in the same amount of time. Obviously, a flat AC modifier for speed, no matter the caster level, would be easiest. It's a tough call because you don't want to make this too easy. At higher levels, pretty much any archer could knock a fireball bead out of the air, but by the same token, I don't see archer's constantly readying actions in the hopes that the enemy caster will launch a fireball. After all, it might not be worth the risk of counting on a fireball and instead getting popped with a lightning bolt.

 

[Stalker0]

A fly is fine, not diminutive (page 131 of the PH, Table 8-7). The bead's base AC would be 10 + 8 (size) = 18. The speed of the bead should definitely factor into the AC, but the speed is kinda variable. It's arguable that a 10th level fireball will cover more distance in a certain amount of time than a lower level fireball in the same amount of time. Obviously, a flat AC modifier for speed, no matter the caster level, would be easiest. It's a tough call because you don't want to make this too easy. At higher levels, pretty much any archer could knock a fireball bead out of the air, but by the same token, I don't see archer's constantly readying actions in the hopes that the enemy caster will launch a fireball. After all, it might not be worth the risk of counting on a fireball and instead getting popped with a lightning bolt.

I would say something like a +1 to AC/2 caster levels or somethign to that effect. However, I'd require the archer to have spellcraft to do this, if he doesn't know a spells being cast I'm not going to let him have the shot.

 

[Darklone]

Hmm. Let's see. A lvl10 fireball travels 800ft in approx 3 seconds. (Funny if we take enlarged fireballs or however the feat with larger range is called into the calculation)

An arrow travels 10 range increments, e.g. about 1000ft.

Not included several shots per round.

Hehehehe. Now I remember all the good proposals when I asked if it would be possible to throw a shield or something else at that bead...

What about a melee fighter next to the spellcaster who threatens him? How much for his readied action to hit the bead (if he wants to do this)?

 

[Asheron]

He can throw a Fireball through one of the slit and it is not so difficult. Just a ranged touch attack against AC 7 (tiny, immobile target).

Is it really this easy?? I'm asking because we had a similair situation last session...........

 

[Shin Okada]

Re: Re: Sending a Fireball through an arrow slit.

Is it really this easy?? I'm asking because we had a similair situation last session...........

Yes, according to the description of Fireball spell (PHB P.204),

If you attempt to send the bead through a narrow passage, such as through an arrow slit, you must "hit" the opening with a ranged touch attack, or else the bead strikes the barrier and detonate.

The an arrow slit is a tiny, immobile target. So the AC is 10 -5 (dex = 0) +2 (Tiny) = 7. I am assuming that an arrow slit is a Tiny target. But even if it is a Diminutive target, AC is still 9.

 

[Dougal DeKree]

DC

Well, i guess i would give the archer the cover he has because of the arrow-slit. Then have the mage makes his roll. If the attack of the mage misses due to the cover, the fireball explodes because it hit the wall and spreads outwards from there, not passing the wall. Or am i off the topic here?

 

[Asheron]

Re: Re: Re: Sending a Fireball through an arrow slit.

Yes, according to the description of Fireball spell (PHB P.204),

If you attempt to send the bead through a narrow passage, such as through an arrow slit, you must "hit" the opening with a ranged touch attack, or else the bead strikes the barrier and detonate.

The an arrow slit is a tiny, immobile target. So the AC is 10 -5 (dex = 0) +2 (Tiny) = 7. I am assuming that an arrow slit is a Tiny target. But even if it is a Diminutive target, AC is still 9.

that's usefull to know (my character is a sorcerer)

 

[Stalker0]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Sending a Fireball through an arrow slit.

that's usefull to know (my character is a sorcerer)

I give the arrow slit cover as well. I think it brings the AC up to appropriate level, and it makes sense, considering the bead doesn't just have to get to the arrow slit (touch it) it does have to get through it.

 

[kreynolds]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Sending a Fireball through an arrow slit.

I give the arrow slit cover as well.

Eh?

Do all doorframes in your games get a Cover bonus to AC whenever your players walk through them?

Just kidding. Seriously though, why give it cover. The AC 7 is for the opening itself. If you hit the opening, you go through. Why do you need to add cover?

 

[Stalker0]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Sending a Fireball through an arrow slit.

Eh?

Do all doorframes in your games get a Cover bonus to AC whenever your players walk through them?

Just kidding. Seriously though, why give it cover. The AC 7 is for the opening itself. If you hit the opening, you go through. Why do you need to add cover?

I think of it like this. I'm not trying to hit the arrow slit. That would be me wanting the fireball to explode in the hole, which may be what the player had intended.

However, if he wants the bead to get THROUGH the hole, then he's got to get past the wall, and that to me strikes as cover bonus.

If we think about it like a gnome and a tower shield situation. I want to hit the gnome behind the tower shield (I know, its ridiculous, just go wtih me on this one The gnome is behind the shield, so the shield provides cover. I roll high enough to get past the shield, but I also need to hit the gnome which involves his size modifier.

For the arrow slit, I want my bead to go through the arrow slit, I want to hit a point on the other side. So that would include the cover bonus from the wall.