Water breathing

[Eristophenes]

During my last session we came across quite interesting thing... Can sorcerer (or wizard or whoever can cast spells) cast spells while under water and using water breathing spell?

I mean I can imagine that someone actualy breaths water, taking the oxygen that is mixed with water... But I cannot imagine someone with his lungs full of liquid casting a spell... Of course - if he use still spell feat - that would be ok for me...

What are your opinions?

Regards

 

[Death]

I would probably allow it. Somatic component is not such a problem - prehaps he should take longer time to cast. The main problem is verbal ... It is quite difficult to speak under water!

 

[Eristophenes]

Somatic component is no problem - you can use for example Freedom of Movement spell o some kind of magic item - the problem is Verbal component...

Regards

 

[Fallen_Lord]

I woudl allow it but require a token concentration check if the spell had verbal components, but it would be a realy low one

 

[dcollins]

The D&D designers published underwater combat rules, including for magic, on p. 5 of this WOTC web enhancement: http://www.wizards.com/dnd/article.asp?x=dnd/we/we20010713b

There are no listed penalties or limitations for casting spells underwater whatsoever.

 

[Eristophenes]

Thx dcollins - that's what I was looking for

Regards

 

[Voadam]

Broadsides has published rules for underwater casting and both verbal and somatic casting can not be done underwater by surface dwellers without still, silent or underwater casting feat (1 level cost only).

I forget if the wotc book of challenges has sidebar rules on it.

 

[northrundicandus]

I seem to recall the 1st edition DMG having a fairly decent section on underwater encounters/adventures/combats. I don't have it handy at the moment so I have no way to verify that.

Of course if you don't have access to said text it doesn't do you much good either...

 

[Eristophenes]

I forget if the wotc book of challenges has sidebar rules on it.

I'll check it in the evening - big thx...

 

[green slime]

1e and 2e had a spell called Airy Water. A 5th level spell that created a bubble around the caster.

This spell, if IRC, allowed spellcasters to cast underwater.

Otherwise I don't believe you could, unless you were an underwater race.

I wonder how touch spells are supposed to function underwater in this edition? Touching something with your hand is supposed to discharge the spell...

More mysteries of the DnD Universe.

How do you explain something suffering crushing pressure damage underwater, when they are breathing water, and thus have no air filled cavities to implode? (provided they equalize their ears on the way down... and anyway, I don't think anyone ever died from ear squeeze)