Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Akron02 Mar 24, 2015 1:29:28	I have a question concerning the dexterity save in the Catapult-spell that came with the Elemental Evil Player's Companion.   'Choose one object weighing 1 to 5 pounds within range that isn’t being worn or carried. The object flies in a straight line up to 90 feet in a direction you choose before falling to the ground, stopping early if it impacts against a solid surface. If the object would strike a creature, that creature must make a Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, the object strikes the target and stops moving. In either case, both the object and the creature or solid surface take 3d8 bludgeoning damage.'   The spell states that if a creature is the target, it has to make a Dexterity save. In case of failure, the object you launched strikes the target and stops moving. This is simple enough, target doesn't evade, object smacks him in the face. It's the next part that confuses me (and my DM)... 'In either case, both the object and the creature or solid surface take 3d8 bludgeoning damage'   So it doesn't matter if the creature makes the save or not. It takes 3d8 bludgeoning damage. Then what is the point of the Dexterity save? I'm wondering because me and my party members want to fling oil flasks at opponents and then set them on fire. But how do we rule if the cask breaks on the opponent? If the target doesn't make the save, it takes damage and is covered in oil. And if he doesn't make the save, he takes the damage but isn't covered in oil? Any help in this regard would be highly appreciated   EDIT: Added the spell description
#2 AaronOfBarbaria Mar 24, 2015 2:26:18	The spell is a little bit sloppily written, but the "in either case" phrase refers to the cases of if the case of when the object would strike a creature, and the case of when the object would not strike a creature.   The gist is that the object targeted by the spell, and any creature or solid surface that the object strikes before falling to the ground naturally, are looking at 3d8 bludgeoning damage with the caveat that a creature in the path of the object can make a Dexterity saving throw to avoid the collision entirely.
#3 Akron02 Mar 24, 2015 2:49:24	I knew I had to go checking for a different view on it. That clears things up nicely! Wording is indeed a litte sloppy.   Thanks!