Can I originate a cone shaped burst from anywhere within range? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Can I originate a cone shaped burst from anywhere within range? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Lilt
05-01-06, 07:33 AM This is a question that was inspired by a psionic power (Psionic Blast) but as the same targeting rules apply to both powers and spells I thought it would be relevant here. Say a spell has a range of 30ft, and an area of "30-ft. cone-shaped burst". I previously assumed that this worked like cone of cold, where the origin of the cone had to be on you, but when reading over it again I realised that it may not be as restrictive.

Now lets say that I'm standing behind a coupple of fighters, and wanting to stay safe, yet still stun a few enemies. Am I right in thinking that I can originate the cone from anywhere within 30ft, but nobody beyond the spell's range (35ft or more away) would be affected? IE: Can I start the blast forwards of my current position, like just infront of the meatshields? In a different situation, when I'm surrounded by enemies, could I start the blast a bit away from me, facing me, and use mind blank (or trusting my extremely high will save) to save me?
Oliver D'Argent
05-01-06, 07:47 AM From the Player's Handbook, page 175:

A cone-shaped spell shoots away from you in a quarter-circle in the direction you designate. It starts from any corner of your square and widens out as it goes.

Sounds like the answer is "No" to me.
Seeker95
05-01-06, 07:56 AM Cones always start at you. The same ruling applies to psionic powers that are "as the spell".
ClementWillowbreaker
05-01-06, 09:00 AM An Arcane Archer can use Imbue Arrow to make cones and bursts originate from wherever his arrow lands (creating a normal-sized effect from there). The range heading is a simpler way to telling us the size of the cone, since we already know where it starts.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Lilt 05-01-06, 07:33 AM	This is a question that was inspired by a psionic power (Psionic Blast) but as the same targeting rules apply to both powers and spells I thought it would be relevant here. Say a spell has a range of 30ft, and an area of "30-ft. cone-shaped burst". I previously assumed that this worked like cone of cold, where the origin of the cone had to be on you, but when reading over it again I realised that it may not be as restrictive. Now lets say that I'm standing behind a coupple of fighters, and wanting to stay safe, yet still stun a few enemies. Am I right in thinking that I can originate the cone from anywhere within 30ft, but nobody beyond the spell's range (35ft or more away) would be affected? IE: Can I start the blast forwards of my current position, like just infront of the meatshields? In a different situation, when I'm surrounded by enemies, could I start the blast a bit away from me, facing me, and use mind blank (or trusting my extremely high will save) to save me?
Oliver D'Argent 05-01-06, 07:47 AM	From the Player's Handbook, page 175: A cone-shaped spell shoots away from you in a quarter-circle in the direction you designate. It starts from any corner of your square and widens out as it goes. Sounds like the answer is "No" to me.
Seeker95 05-01-06, 07:56 AM	Cones always start at you. The same ruling applies to psionic powers that are "as the spell".
ClementWillowbreaker 05-01-06, 09:00 AM	An Arcane Archer can use Imbue Arrow to make cones and bursts originate from wherever his arrow lands (creating a normal-sized effect from there). The range heading is a simpler way to telling us the size of the cone, since we already know where it starts.