Chain Lightning [Archive] - Wizards Community

Chain Lightning [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
HotSorceress
07-18-06, 12:57 PM I have a question about the chain lightning spell. Being that it originates from the caster's fingers, does it simply arc over any allies in the caster's line of sight on its way to the first target, or does the caster have to have a straight line to the target?
Zherog
07-18-06, 01:05 PM Unlike lightning bolt, chain lightning strikes one object or creature initially, then arcs to other targets.

Given the above from the spell description, I'd say you don't strike an ally between you and your target - much like an ally between you and your target doesn't effect magic missle.
Vegepygmy
07-18-06, 04:07 PM I have a question about the chain lightning spell. Being that it originates from the caster's fingers, does it simply arc over any allies in the caster's line of sight on its way to the first target, or does the caster have to have a straight line to the target?1) The caster needs line of effect to the target. Line of effect is defined as a straight, unblocked path, so yes, the caster needs to have a straight line to the target (as he does for almost any spell).

2) Chain lightning is not an area spell, so it has no effect on non-targeted creatures. (You can imagine it as "arcing over" allies if you like.)
LordBOB777
07-19-06, 02:37 AM ok sorry if this question takes over the original question but since i dont feel like starting a new thread i will attempt to ask the question here.

Chain Lightning arcs from one target to the next.....if the target is Colossal, is there a chance that the Chain Lightning could arc from one part of its body to another part the next round?

Sorry if i jacked a thread

1st post ever !!
CantripN
07-19-06, 03:11 AM ok sorry if this question takes over the original question but since i dont feel like starting a new thread i will attempt to ask the question here.

Chain Lightning arcs from one target to the next.....if the target is Colossal, is there a chance that the Chain Lightning could arc from one part of its body to another part the next round?

Sorry if i jacked a thread

1st post ever !!

No. Same way it takes the same damage from a fireball, despite being larger. It's one creature, unless it has some body parts with external HP, like a Hydra.
hughman
07-19-06, 02:25 PM 1) The caster needs line of effect to the target. Line of effect is defined as a straight, unblocked path, so yes, the caster needs to have a straight line to the target (as he does for almost any spell).To expand on this, A person does not block line of effect.

Per the SRD (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/magicOverview/spellDescriptions.htm#aimingASpell)An otherwise solid barrier with a hole of at least 1 square foot through it does not block a spell’s line of effect. Such an opening means that the 5-foot length of wall containing the hole is no longer considered a barrier for purposes of a spell’s line of effect.
So the Chain Lightening can skip over your meat shield and get to the annoying 1/2 kobold 1/2 mindflayer you are killing.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
HotSorceress 07-18-06, 12:57 PM	I have a question about the chain lightning spell. Being that it originates from the caster's fingers, does it simply arc over any allies in the caster's line of sight on its way to the first target, or does the caster have to have a straight line to the target?
Zherog 07-18-06, 01:05 PM	Unlike lightning bolt, chain lightning strikes one object or creature initially, then arcs to other targets. Given the above from the spell description, I'd say you don't strike an ally between you and your target - much like an ally between you and your target doesn't effect magic missle.
Vegepygmy 07-18-06, 04:07 PM	I have a question about the chain lightning spell. Being that it originates from the caster's fingers, does it simply arc over any allies in the caster's line of sight on its way to the first target, or does the caster have to have a straight line to the target?1) The caster needs line of effect to the target. Line of effect is defined as a straight, unblocked path, so yes, the caster needs to have a straight line to the target (as he does for almost any spell). 2) Chain lightning is not an area spell, so it has no effect on non-targeted creatures. (You can imagine it as "arcing over" allies if you like.)
LordBOB777 07-19-06, 02:37 AM	ok sorry if this question takes over the original question but since i dont feel like starting a new thread i will attempt to ask the question here. Chain Lightning arcs from one target to the next.....if the target is Colossal, is there a chance that the Chain Lightning could arc from one part of its body to another part the next round? Sorry if i jacked a thread 1st post ever !!
CantripN 07-19-06, 03:11 AM	ok sorry if this question takes over the original question but since i dont feel like starting a new thread i will attempt to ask the question here. Chain Lightning arcs from one target to the next.....if the target is Colossal, is there a chance that the Chain Lightning could arc from one part of its body to another part the next round? Sorry if i jacked a thread 1st post ever !! No. Same way it takes the same damage from a fireball, despite being larger. It's one creature, unless it has some body parts with external HP, like a Hydra.
hughman 07-19-06, 02:25 PM	1) The caster needs line of effect to the target. Line of effect is defined as a straight, unblocked path, so yes, the caster needs to have a straight line to the target (as he does for almost any spell).To expand on this, A person does not block line of effect. Per the SRD (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/magicOverview/spellDescriptions.htm#aimingASpell)An otherwise solid barrier with a hole of at least 1 square foot through it does not block a spell’s line of effect. Such an opening means that the 5-foot length of wall containing the hole is no longer considered a barrier for purposes of a spell’s line of effect. So the Chain Lightening can skip over your meat shield and get to the annoying 1/2 kobold 1/2 mindflayer you are killing.