Spells that target creatures but not objects

[Yaarel]

Spells that target creature, should be able to target objects as well. When used on a creature such a spell works reliably as described, when used on an object, it requires DM adjudication.

Spells that can only target creatures without being able to target objects, seems to be a legacy of 4e that tried to balance the mechanics robustly. You can see the same pattern in play by looking at the Prestidigitation cantrip, that now severely reduces what it can do into a short list of specific effects. 4e tried to minimize DM adjudication for the sake of consistent and reliable rules, avoiding a game of ‘DM, may I?’

By contrast, 5e embraces the centrality of DM adjudication. So, the 5e DM should adjudicate what *does* happen when a creature-only spell targets an object.

I care strongly about balance. At the same time, I like spells that encourage players to think creatively, outside of the box. Also, I require spells to ‘make sense’ even in a magical setting. So things like Ray of Frost should affect objects as well. I find it strange that Finger of Death affects objects, but I can visualize the object becoming decrepit, fragile, neglected, and in disrepair − the same way I visualize the Shadowfell mirror world.

I feel 5e should encourage DMs to embrace adjudication and surprising uses of spells. The entire benefit of DM authority is the ability of the game to adjudicate outcomes based on narrative, as opposed to mechanical formulas.

 

[Yaarel]

Ray of frost? Last time I checked my mug didn't freeze to death even when I forgot and left in the car overnight in subzero temps. The temperature difference wasn't enough to harm it. Meanwhile take a blow torch to it would have melted it.

Heh, I have lost so many glass mugs (lost count, more than eight) by putting hot tea or coffee in a mug that previously had ice, and viceversa, putting an icy drink in a mug that previously was hot. I also saw with my own eyes (while up in Canada), the wind shield of a car crack because of unusually cold weather.

That said, I might say that cut wood or clothes are immune to cold damage. So, many cases invite the DMs personal experience to decide what makes more sense and what makes less sense.

 

[Oofta]

Heh, I have lost so many glass mugs (lost count, more than eight) by putting hot tea or coffee in a mug that previously had ice, and viceversa, putting an icy drink in a mug that previously was hot. I also saw with my own eyes (while up in Canada), the wind shield of a car crack because of unusually cold weather.

That said, I might say that cut wood or clothes are immune to cold damage. So, many cases invite the DMs personal experience to decide what makes more sense and what makes less sense.

True, anything brittle can be broken by temperature differential, but trying to spell that out in a spell gets way too finicky for D&D. That and maybe ray of frost works like a reverse microwave, except instead of exciting water molecules causing heat it does just the opposite. Without significant moisture, no real cold.

And how have you broken 8 mugs? Seriously? I've never seen anyone do that. I think it's curse, a curse I tells ya.

But if you want to rule that all spells can target all things feel free. I just don't see that it matters that much and the rules that they have make sense to me.

 

[Yaarel]

And how have you broken 8 mugs? Seriously? I've never seen anyone do that. I think it's curse, a curse I tells ya.

Heh, the mug fatalities accumulated over the years. When I hear that *khhhk* sound, it is so exasperating.

But if you want to rule that all spells can target all things feel free. I just don't see that it matters that much and the rules that they have make sense to me.

When using the spell as intended, then follow the instructions. When using a spell in an unconventional way, the DM needs to decide what happens, and some circumstances might require an improvisation skill check, such as an Arcana stunt.

 

[Oofta]

Heh, the mug fatalities accumulated over the years. When I hear that *khhhk* sound, it is so exasperating.





When using the spell as intended, then follow the instructions. When using a spell in an unconventional way, the DM needs to decide what happens, and some circumstances might require an improvisation skill check, such as an Arcana stunt.

I agree that under certain circumstances some spells could have effects not spelled out in the book. It's why we have DMs.

 

[Greenstone.Walker]

Is there any good reason not to let spells like Eldritch Blast or Ray of Frost target an object when other spells, like Fire Bolt, can?

It means no-one will ever roll open locks or disable traps or bend bars again.

Warlock: Stand back, I got this!

 

[MechaTarrasque]

The dark powers who openly give warlocks their powers and who have conned wizards into thinking they discovered magic (when they have really been spoon feeding them painful spells) feed on the pain caused directly by magic. They don't get any juice when you blast a door, so "no pay, no play", you can't zap a door with a lot of spells.

Don't believe the lies: the Weave is really a giant spider's web.