Shadowdark Shadowdark General Thread [+]

[Scribe]

Have what might be a silly question and need some advice. Last night our wizard was blinded during combat and was wondering if he could magic missile the foes anyway. We looked up several of the SD "attack" spells (acid arrow, magic missile, disintegrate) and they don't actually specify that you need to "see" the target although other types of spells specified that you did. We decided that it would be silly to have him magic missile a creature he couldn't see but I agreed to check on these boards to see what other people think in case that situation ever comes up again. The general spellcasting rules also didn't seem to cover a situation where a caster was targeting a creature they couldn't see unless I missed something in the heat of combat. Looking back I feel like I should have let him do it since so many spells do specify that you must see the target so it seems like the lack of that condition is unlikely to be an oversight. But again, I thought I'd see what more experienced SD GMs and players think.

Cannot see, generally I'm saying no.

 

[Bill Zebub]

Have what might be a silly question and need some advice. Last night our wizard was blinded during combat and was wondering if he could magic missile the foes anyway. We looked up several of the SD "attack" spells (acid arrow, magic missile, disintegrate) and they don't actually specify that you need to "see" the target although other types of spells specified that you did. We decided that it would be silly to have him magic missile a creature he couldn't see but I agreed to check on these boards to see what other people think in case that situation ever comes up again. The general spellcasting rules also didn't seem to cover a situation where a caster was targeting a creature they couldn't see unless I missed something in the heat of combat. Looking back I feel like I should have let him do it since so many spells do specify that you must see the target so it seems like the lack of that condition is unlikely to be an oversight. But again, I thought I'd see what more experienced SD GMs and players think.

The correct answer here is, of course, "I cast magic missile at the darkness."

 

[Fenris-77]

The correct answer here is, of course, "I cast magic missile at the darkness."

All of a sudden I have a strange craving for Mountain Dew.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

I would say yes, but I would -- for once, with magic missile -- have it be cast with disadvantage.

 

[Reynard]

Have what might be a silly question and need some advice. Last night our wizard was blinded during combat and was wondering if he could magic missile the foes anyway. We looked up several of the SD "attack" spells (acid arrow, magic missile, disintegrate) and they don't actually specify that you need to "see" the target although other types of spells specified that you did. We decided that it would be silly to have him magic missile a creature he couldn't see but I agreed to check on these boards to see what other people think in case that situation ever comes up again. The general spellcasting rules also didn't seem to cover a situation where a caster was targeting a creature they couldn't see unless I missed something in the heat of combat. Looking back I feel like I should have let him do it since so many spells do specify that you must see the target so it seems like the lack of that condition is unlikely to be an oversight. But again, I thought I'd see what more experienced SD GMs and players think.

As usual with OSR style play,I think the answer is "it depends." I would allow an attempt at Disadvantage if the target was being noisy and/or in an obvious location regardless of sight. But if it would be impossible for the player to tell where the target might be precisely, then no chance of success.

 

[Reynard]

Musing on convention game options: So I am wtill thinking about running "Power Lunch" the corporate portal fantasy thing, but I am also considering a convention West marches thing. I am thinking of bring a big, almost blank Hex map and let the players for every session explore however they want. I have done similar things for my multi-session events in the pst. in recent years, i sort of moved more toward story focused things, and would not mind getting back to an emergent game. For example, i had great success with Return to the Isle of Dread a few years ago as a pure sandbox game.

Is West marches Shadowdark a good choice for a 3 or 4 session convention "campaign"?

Just bumping this.

 

[Scribe]

Just bumping this.

Yes, I think it would work great. You creating your own map, or one of the Cursed Scrolls?

 

[Reynard]

Yes, I think it would work great. You creating your own map, or one of the Cursed Scrolls?

I am waffling. It kind of depends on how much time I have. But I also love random elements.

 

[darjr]

Blind Magic Missle?

I’d let them cast it but if there is any question about the target I’d roll randomly for those in the danger zone to see who actually got hit.

For a non-blind caster would you let them cast magic missile in complete dsrkness?

Note I think “no” is a fine answer too, if I was the player I’d just go along with it. But I’d still look for creative ways to cast the spell that doesn’t require sight.

Like designate a direction, straight up for a single flair effect, etc.

 

[overgeeked]

Have what might be a silly question and need some advice. Last night our wizard was blinded during combat and was wondering if he could magic missile the foes anyway. We looked up several of the SD "attack" spells (acid arrow, magic missile, disintegrate) and they don't actually specify that you need to "see" the target although other types of spells specified that you did. We decided that it would be silly to have him magic missile a creature he couldn't see but I agreed to check on these boards to see what other people think in case that situation ever comes up again. The general spellcasting rules also didn't seem to cover a situation where a caster was targeting a creature they couldn't see unless I missed something in the heat of combat. Looking back I feel like I should have let him do it since so many spells do specify that you must see the target so it seems like the lack of that condition is unlikely to be an oversight. But again, I thought I'd see what more experienced SD GMs and players think.

Not a Shadowdark referee or player, yet. But long-time OSR/NSR referee and player.

The legalistic answer is there’s nothing in the book about needing to see your target generally, nor is there anything in the spell specifically. So “go for it” is a perfectly fine answer.

The section on darkness suggests disadvantage for tasks requiring sight. So maybe negate the auto advantage with magic missile. Or replace it with disadvantage.

It’s open to interpretation. Like most things OSR/NSR.

So to put the question back on you, what kind of table do you want to run?

Decide based on that. Do you want to encourage legalistic arguments about the rules, go with that. Do you want a more easy going approach, go with that. Do you want to push verisimilitude, go with that. Etc.

It can be frustrating at times, but this is part of the point of the playstyle.

It’s your table. Make a call.

Just be aware what you decide will encourage certain choices and playstyles from your players.