Can you target an area effect spell in midair? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Can you target an area effect spell in midair? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
prutser
11-25-04, 02:57 PM Can you target an area effect spell in midair?

A spread, like Fireball? Why not?
A cilinder, like Ice Strom or Flame Strike? I think not.

What do you think?
green_yawgmoth
11-25-04, 03:06 PM I don't see why not in either case.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/yawgmoth/kittyjig.gif
prutser
11-25-04, 03:18 PM Of course it's magic, and everything is possible. But there's also the laws of fysics to consider (sometimes) and the visual effects. A cilinder of fire coming from above, suddenly stopping at 10 feet from the ground would give a strange visual effect. So that's why I was wondering.
green_yawgmoth
11-25-04, 04:06 PM But that's the thing: It's magic. Physics don't really apply to a big (shape) of magic energy. ;)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/yawgmoth/kittyjig.gif
Heron_Marked_Blade
11-25-04, 04:17 PM Yes, you can target a spread or burst in midair, in which case it will be a globe shape. If you are in midair, your cone will spread out vertically as well as horizontally. These spells aren't just 2D.
Seeker95
11-25-04, 08:43 PM Unless the spell description says otherwise (like entangle), you can.
Edymnion
11-25-04, 09:18 PM Well, technically, even when you're on the ground casting the spell, you're still targeting the center in mid-air. I don't know about you, but when I have a character cast an area effect spell, I'm centering it chest high, not on the floor.

So yeah, think three dimensionally. There's a reason the area effects are described as spheres and cones instead of circles and triangles.
ConfusedUs
11-25-04, 11:59 PM Cylinders in particular are wonderful when used this way.

Since a cylinder, like flamestrike, is described as spreading downwards from the point of origin, it's possible to aim over an obstacle that blocks line of effect and still strike people behind it.

BBEG: HA! You cannot harm me, for my Wall of Force blocks all spells, foolish worm!
Cleric: Oh really?
BBEG: Yes really! Now fear my hordes of minions as I sit and laugh at your demise while explaining my plans in a pointless monologue as I enjoy your painful deaths!
Cleric: *yawn* EAT FIRE DIRTBAG! *Casts flamestrike*

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
prutser 11-25-04, 02:57 PM	Can you target an area effect spell in midair? A spread, like Fireball? Why not? A cilinder, like Ice Strom or Flame Strike? I think not. What do you think?
green_yawgmoth 11-25-04, 03:06 PM	I don't see why not in either case. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/yawgmoth/kittyjig.gif
prutser 11-25-04, 03:18 PM	Of course it's magic, and everything is possible. But there's also the laws of fysics to consider (sometimes) and the visual effects. A cilinder of fire coming from above, suddenly stopping at 10 feet from the ground would give a strange visual effect. So that's why I was wondering.
green_yawgmoth 11-25-04, 04:06 PM	But that's the thing: It's magic. Physics don't really apply to a big (shape) of magic energy. ;) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/yawgmoth/kittyjig.gif
Heron_Marked_Blade 11-25-04, 04:17 PM	Yes, you can target a spread or burst in midair, in which case it will be a globe shape. If you are in midair, your cone will spread out vertically as well as horizontally. These spells aren't just 2D.
Seeker95 11-25-04, 08:43 PM	Unless the spell description says otherwise (like entangle), you can.
Edymnion 11-25-04, 09:18 PM	Well, technically, even when you're on the ground casting the spell, you're still targeting the center in mid-air. I don't know about you, but when I have a character cast an area effect spell, I'm centering it chest high, not on the floor. So yeah, think three dimensionally. There's a reason the area effects are described as spheres and cones instead of circles and triangles.
ConfusedUs 11-25-04, 11:59 PM	Cylinders in particular are wonderful when used this way. Since a cylinder, like flamestrike, is described as spreading downwards from the point of origin, it's possible to aim over an obstacle that blocks line of effect and still strike people behind it. BBEG: HA! You cannot harm me, for my Wall of Force blocks all spells, foolish worm! Cleric: Oh really? BBEG: Yes really! Now fear my hordes of minions as I sit and laugh at your demise while explaining my plans in a pointless monologue as I enjoy your painful deaths! Cleric: yawn EAT FIRE DIRTBAG! Casts flamestrike