Spell Target descriptor

[zlorf]

Hi,

If a spell has the a target descriptor of "One living Creature" can that include the caster or does it have to have the "You" descriptor as well?

I only noticed this after reading "AIMING SPELLS under target" PHB 175

Its interesting when you start looking at the Target descriptor and how varied they are.

eg is
Freedom (p233)
Target: One creature
note: so that mean caster or another creature

Freedom of Movement (p233)
Target: You or creature touched
note: so this mean caster or another creature

Levitate (p248)
Target: You or one willing creature or one object
Note: so this mean caster or another creature

Find the Path (p230)
Target: You or creature touched
Note: so this mean caster or another creature

Air Walk (p196)
Target: Creature touched
Note: so this mean caster or another creature, wouldnt want to be left behind right?

Enlarge Person
Target: One humanoid creature
Note: so this mean caster or another creature

We play the target creature includes the caster, i dont expect it to be any different.
In saying that, if the RANGE isnt touch, then can a caster cast a spell that on themselves that has a range ie 25ft + 5ft/2 lvl. Maybe thats the main difference with the examples.

Make sense???

Cya
Zlorf

 

[jasin]

Yes, the caster can cast any of these on himself.

As legalistic as D&D can be, there's no need to get stuck on semantic differences between "one creature touched" and "you or another creature touched". A spell that the caster couldn't cast on himself would be pretty unusual and would definitely deserve specific mention of this.

 

[frankthedm]

You can always touch yourself.

 

[kreynolds]

Just be careful how you touch yourself. You could be arrested.