Spells in Three Dimensions, Looking for some DM Rulings

[Lauberfen]

4E doesn't really support hitting head/feet- a medium size creature occupies a 5 foot cube, so is either all included in the effect or entirely outside.

 

[mach1.9pants]

4E doesn't really support hitting head/feet- a medium size creature occupies a 5 foot cube, so is either all included in the effect or entirely outside.

LOL, I just have an image of the DnD world populated by adventurers with really bad backs 'cos they have to stoop all the time to fit in the cube!

But the rules state that and the cube for bursts as well.

 

[~Coxy]

I've said in my game that bursts are cubes and blasts are 'squares' that are one 5' cube high. Depending on the spell, the caster may or may not be able to change the 'height' of the cube or square.

It's no more correct than any other interpretation, but I think it does make some sense.

 

[eamon]

That's not a real rule. It was a ruling thrown around by Customer Service back in June that some people latched onto.

And even back then, people were reading too much into it. IIRC, the CS dude was saying that they were "high enough" suggesting that you not keep track of it, not suggesting that in-game it's supposed to be infinite. And in many cases, that's a fine idea, but it's an unfortunate answer to a questioner who's obviously interested in what to do when you do need to keep track.

I'd also rule that all blasts and bursts are cubes. I don't see a reason to make either only 5 foot high, personally...

 

[Imban]

And even back then, people were reading too much into it. IIRC, the CS dude was saying that they were "high enough" suggesting that you not keep track of it, not suggesting that in-game it's supposed to be infinite. And in many cases, that's a fine idea, but it's an unfortunate answer to a questioner who's obviously interested in what to do when you do need to keep track.

A flying creature is considered in that space so they will be affected by spells. There is no aiming high, unless your DM wants to create rules for fighting in a 3D environment.

I dunno, it seems pretty clear that CS meant to say "there is no Z axis in 4e D&D" flat-out.

 

[Daniel D. Fox]

Just treat all powers that have a burst effect to work in concert with the Z axis. There really isn't any reason to not rule as such; it's a logical ruling that may be contradicted by CS or RAW, but works.

 

[eamon]

I dunno, it seems pretty clear that CS meant to say "there is no Z axis in 4e D&D" flat-out.

Sure, but there's a big difference between "no z-axis" so don't keep track of it, and no z-axis, but if you do use a z-axis then interpret all ranges as infinite. The first case is fine, but limited (which is almost certainly what the CS agent was suggesting), and the second is utterly nonsensical.

 

[RigaMortus2]

That also means that people who are flying would never be able to fly overtop of anyone else, as you can't occupy the same square. And people on the ground would be prevented from walking through a "square" where someone is flying, even if they were 1,000 above in the air. Since you can't occupy the same square.

 

[1of3]

I dunno, it seems pretty clear that CS meant to say "there is no Z axis in 4e D&D" flat-out.

Which is outright wrong considering the DMG has rules for aerial combat.