casting magic missile in melee

Post/Author/DateTimePost
#1

Adarmis

Nov 25, 2014 14:15:19

Hi,

 

Yesterday at the table, the elf wizard tried to cast magic missile while in contact with a redbrand ruffian (LMoP).

 

The spell is instantaneous but needs V,S components. I searched the rules but find nothing concerning casting in close combat. It says that it strikes automatically (no attack roll). As a DM, I requested a concentration check DC 10 (concentration with no dealt damage).

 

I should have left her cast the spell and let her deal with an opportunnity attack.

 

Just guesses since I didn't catch the right chapter in the rulebook.

Any idea ?

 

Thanks

 

#2

iserith

Nov 25, 2014 14:41:34

Adarmis wrote:
#3

Moruvai

Nov 25, 2014 15:05:28

You seem to be a bit like me when I was DMing 5e at first... you're hung up on older editions' interperetations of casting a spell while in melee. In 5e, a spellcaster can cast a spell while within 5' of an enemy with no problem - if they cast a spell that makes a ranged attack roll, they have disadvantage. Otherwise they're fine.

 

So if you're following the rules as written, the elf should have no problem at all firing off a magic missile while within 5' of an enemy.

 

Cheers!

#4

Illithidbix

Nov 25, 2014 17:45:36

Going by The Book (tm), then a caster suffers no problems with casting Magic Missile in melee combat.

 

As Moruvai said, you're hung up on older rules.

 

Ranged attacks suffer Disadvantage if an enemy is within 5'. This includes ranged spells that require an attack roll.

 

Taking damage is only a problem if you are currently concentrating on a spell.

 

The only thing that provokes Opportunity Attacks is moving out of an enemies' reach without taking the disengage action. Spellcasting/ranged attacks/drinking potions/standing up/kissing monkeys etc etc do not provoke Opportunity Attacks in 5E

 

- If you want to make it harder for spell casters to cast in melee like it was back in the day, then of course go for it, but be aware this is you house ruling.

(Reply to #4)

Adarmis

Illithidbix wrote:
#6

Nevvur

Nov 26, 2014 22:29:52

The wizard at my table normally uses it as a likely finisher when I describe an enemy combatant as being at death's door.  Cantrips might not cost a spell slot, but they can still miss! 

#7

El_Condoro

Nov 27, 2014 22:17:46

Nevvur wrote:
#8

CFK

Nov 27, 2014 23:19:33

El_Condoro wrote: