Sculpt Spells (school of evocation feature)

Post/Author/DateTimePost
#1

Acrilos

Sep 28, 2014 1:00:21

Reading this feature, I was asking myself a question.

 

The text is :

"When you cast an evocation spell that affects other creatures that you can see, you can choose a number of them equal to 1 + the spell's level. The chosen creatures automatically succeed on their saving throws against the spell, and they take no damage if they would normally take half damage on a successful one."

 

The wording is a bit awkward for me (English not being my main language, I may not see it how it is supposed to be interpreted). When I read such a sentence, I understand that if I choose to use this feature I HAVE TO to choose the specified number of creatures and no less. For example, if my character casts a fireball, the number of creature benefiting from this feature would be 1 +3 = 4. Since the text doesn't include "up to" I am inclined to interpret the text as I am forced to choose 4 creatures that will succeed on their saving throw. So If only two of my allies are in the area of effect, I am forced to also choose 2 enemies as well.

 

Am I wrong?

 

#2

AaronOfBarbaria

Sep 28, 2014 1:17:40

English is a very tricky language, even for native speakers (such as the authors of the rules).

 

Treat the text as if it said "you can choose a number of them equal to 1 + the spell's level," because the point of the feature is to be a benefit, not detriment in some situations, and that is the only interpretation that makes the feature always a benefit.

#3

Grazel

Sep 28, 2014 5:32:44

It's a vagueness inherit in English that can create rules issues. It implies "up to" when it says you can choose to. The up to is left off for brevity but is meant as the option to use the feature at all is a choice of the caster. Very rarely is any choice in the rules an all or nothing, and when it is they normally make it clear.

#4

Coredump00

Sep 28, 2014 6:40:45

Yeah, technically, the way it is written it is binary.  You either don't use it, or you choose 4 creatures.  But as mentioned, the understood meaning is 'up to' 4.

 

 

#5

Acrilos

Sep 29, 2014 3:38:03

Thanks for your answers, it's clearer now !