The Plant Growth spell allows the caster to create a "thick and overgrown" area in a single action (text below). It doesn't call this terrain "Difficult" but does spell out the difficulty of traveling through the area. Cast in a forest, normal forest plants get thick and overgrown. Cast in a swamp, the slimy reaching vines, etc become overgrown. Etc.
This spell channels vitality into plants within a specific area. There are two possible uses for the spell, granting either immediate or long-term benefits.
If you cast this spell using 1 action, choose a point within range. All normal plants in a 100-foot radius centered on that point become thick and overgrown. A creature moving through the area must spend 4 feet of movement for every 1 foot it moves.
Favored Terrain from Natural Explorer says difficult terrain doesn't slow your group's travels. As Plant Growth is making the natural plants become thick, one could argue that the ranger's ability to overcome this difficult terrain remains and overcomes the overgrowth of the Plant Growth spell.
But, is there an official ruling here? Does Plant Growth make the area "Difficult Terrain" in such a way that even a Ranger that favors this terrain is still slowed?
Plant Growth does not create a difficult terrain area. It does make an area more difficult to walk on, but it is not defined as difficult terrain. Therefore, Natural Explorer won't benefit the party in a Plant Growth area.
The Plant Growth spell allows the caster to create a "thick and overgrown" area in a single action (text below). It doesn't call this terrain "Difficult" but does spell out the difficulty of traveling through the area. Cast in a forest, normal forest plants get thick and overgrown. Cast in a swamp, the slimy reaching vines, etc become overgrown. Etc.
This spell channels vitality into plants within a specific area. There are two possible uses for the spell, granting either immediate or long-term benefits.
If you cast this spell using 1 action, choose a point within range. All normal plants in a 100-foot radius centered on that point become thick and overgrown. A creature moving through the area must spend 4 feet of movement for every 1 foot it moves.
Favored Terrain from Natural Explorer says difficult terrain doesn't slow your group's travels. As Plant Growth is making the natural plants become thick, one could argue that the ranger's ability to overcome this difficult terrain remains and overcomes the overgrowth of the Plant Growth spell.
But, is there an official ruling here? Does Plant Growth make the area "Difficult Terrain" in such a way that even a Ranger that favors this terrain is still slowed?
Plant Growth does not create a difficult terrain area. It does make an area more difficult to walk on, but it is not defined as difficult terrain. Therefore, Natural Explorer won't benefit the party in a Plant Growth area.
Thanks! That's what I thought/hoped.