Hey all.
I was going to post this in the simple Q&A, but I realized my questions were numerous and possibly complex. There's not much language to go on in the PHB or MM. When I say darkness below, I mean magical darkness.
- The Darkness spell states it negates level 2 and lower spells that cause magical light; is that a continuing feature of Darkness, or just at the time it was cast? Could a caster, for example, cast Faerie Fire within magical darkness using a level 1 slot without Faerie Fire being negated? Would it just be not visible within the darkness?
- Does darkness function as total cover for the creature that casts it? Does it only function as blindness to the creatures who can't see through it? I ask because the rules say things with cover can't be targeted except by something that ignores cover or AOE spells. I'm thinking no, but just wanted clarification.
- Do ranged attacks require line of sight? I.e., can you make a ranged attack in magical darkness where you can't see (but possibly can hear) your target? Do you just get disadvantage, as in being blinded?
- Same questions as 3, but also for spells requiring ranged attack rolls. Some spells specify "a target you can see within range" (like Sacred Flame) and some don't (like Guiding Bolt). Is it safe to assume that spells that don't specify "you can see" can be used in magical darkness, and if they're attack rolls, they're at disadvantage?
- Specifically regarding Guiding Bolt, it says "a creature of your choice within range." Would that include one in magical darkness without line of sight? It's described as a flash of light: would that be negated by Darkness?
- Does a creature using an at-will darkness ability have to maintain concentration?
Thanks!
1. Continuing feature.
2. The caster is not afforded any special treatment just for being the caster, so would have to have some unrelated method of seeing through darkness (such as devil's sight) in order to not be just as blind as anyone else in the area of the spell.
3. attacks don't normally require sight, since the rules say you have disadvantage when attacking a target you can't see, which proves it is possible.
4. If the spell says you have to see your target, then you have to see your target, otherwise you don't need to see it.
5. You can use guiding bolt to target a creature you can't see, and the spell does not create an "area of light" so darkness does not dispel it.
6. If that at-will ability is spellcasting, then yes they have to follow all the normal spellcasting rules such as concentration.
Melilla wrote:
Thank you both for the quick replies and helpful information! 