"When you cast the spell" is telling you when the effect activates. Let's compare it to a similar ability from another class, specifically the Channel Divinity power of the Tempest Cleric:
Channel Divinity: Destructive Wrath
Starting at 2nd level, you can use your Channel Divinity to wield the power of the storm with unchecked ferocity.
When you roll lightning or thunder damage, you can use your Channel Divinity to deal maximum damage, instead of rolling.
Here it's pretty clear that the ability activates when you roll for damage, not when you cast a spell. So if you cast Call Lightning, you only use Destructive Wrath when you fire a lightning bolt at someone and the damage maximization only functions for that bolt. If you want to maximize damage with the bolt you smite someone with the next round, you need to burn another use of Channel Divinity.
Overchannel says that you use it when you cast the spell and it maximizes the damage dealt by the spell. Which means all damage. Every round. Pretty clear cut.
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Find your own truth, choose your enemies carefully, and never deal with a dragon.
"Canon" is what's factual to D&D lore. "Cannon" is what you're going to be shot with if you keep getting the word wrong.
"When you cast the spell" is telling you when the effect activates. Let's compare it to a similar ability from another class, specifically the Channel Divinity power of the Tempest Cleric:
Channel Divinity: Destructive Wrath
Starting at 2nd level, you can use your Channel Divinity to wield the power of the storm with unchecked ferocity.
When you roll lightning or thunder damage, you can use your Channel Divinity to deal maximum damage, instead of rolling.
Here it's pretty clear that the ability activates when you roll for damage, not when you cast a spell. So if you cast Call Lightning, you only use Destructive Wrath when you fire a lightning bolt at someone and the damage maximization only functions for that bolt. If you want to maximize damage with the bolt you smite someone with the next round, you need to burn another use of Channel Divinity.
Overchannel says that you use it when you cast the spell and it maximizes the damage dealt by the spell. Which means all damage. Every round. Pretty clear cut.
RAI and RAW, I typically go with RAI in this case. That’s why I said it was disputable and why I don’t begrudge anyone going with RAW either.
It’s definitely not an official ruling! Only Sage Advice is official ruling, this is definitely just the game designer’s intention and also agreement that RAW, it lasts for the entire duration of the spell that is cast.
From what I understand about overchannel is it correct that if you use it a third time with a 5th level spell slot you take 2d12 necrotic damage plus 10d12?
From what I understand about overchannel is it correct that if you use it a third time with a 5th level spell slot you take 2d12 necrotic damage plus 10d12?
So I've got a question about Overchannel, since I recently started playing an Evo Wizard.
If I were to use this on a spell with a saving throw, like Negative Energy Flood or Fireball, and the enemy manages to make their saving throw, do I still do max damage? Or do I simply do max damage, then half it?
I feel like it's the latter, but I feel like I should ask for clarification.
As far as I know there is no official ruling on it. Personally I give them max damage for the duration, damage is rarely the best option so if someone wants to go evocation and lean into it I am find helping them out.
So I've got a question about Overchannel, since I recently started playing an Evo Wizard.
If I were to use this on a spell with a saving throw, like Negative Energy Flood or Fireball, and the enemy manages to make their saving throw, do I still do max damage? Or do I simply do max damage, then half it?
I feel like it's the latter, but I feel like I should ask for clarification.
I'm pretty sure its the later though that just may be my bias from previous editions and the metamagic for max damage.
The only foreseeable problem with this is multiclassing. What happens when someone takes a cleric or something like that where they get proficiency in heavy armor and shields. That becomes an absolute unit of a character. A REALLY cool one, but it is a bit overpowered.
When is it actually worth it to Overchannel a second time? The damage seems extremely punishingly and very high? 6d12 for a 3rd level fireball 8d6? Doesn't seem worth it unless there are so many enemies in it. That could be almost my entire HP pool.
When is it actually worth it to Overchannel a second time? The damage seems extremely punishingly and very high? 6d12 for a 3rd level fireball 8d6? Doesn't seem worth it unless there are so many enemies in it. That could be almost my entire HP pool.
Since 2014 we have had 3 people play evocation wizards, 0 times was it used twice in a day. So, they could have just as easily said once a day and the result would be the same for us and probably 90% of the campaigns. But you know what it is a flavorful option instead of just saying once a day, sure you will almost never use it but the time you do either you really needed it, or on the other side you were kind of coasting and just wanted to flex. I wish more once a day or short rest features had a push it option like this. Like let a fighter knock out more adrenaline rushes but he takes a level of exhaustion at the end of the fight if they do it.
If I used the Overchannel ability on a concentration spell that deals damage over more than one turn does it deal max damage on every turn or only the first turn?
Considering a 14 level Evocation Wizard/Eldritch or Echo Knight who can cast Shadow Blade with the max 32 psychic damage for 10 turns. Also 4x32 damage in one single turn(1 extra attack plus action surge).
So. I just started a campaign with a lev 15 evoker and yesterday asked the DM him ruling. He goes with only max damage on the initial turn. Ask your DM what his ruling is.
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"When you cast the spell" is telling you when the effect activates. Let's compare it to a similar ability from another class, specifically the Channel Divinity power of the Tempest Cleric:
Here it's pretty clear that the ability activates when you roll for damage, not when you cast a spell. So if you cast Call Lightning, you only use Destructive Wrath when you fire a lightning bolt at someone and the damage maximization only functions for that bolt. If you want to maximize damage with the bolt you smite someone with the next round, you need to burn another use of Channel Divinity.
Overchannel says that you use it when you cast the spell and it maximizes the damage dealt by the spell. Which means all damage. Every round. Pretty clear cut.
Find your own truth, choose your enemies carefully, and never deal with a dragon.
"Canon" is what's factual to D&D lore. "Cannon" is what you're going to be shot with if you keep getting the word wrong.
RAI and RAW, I typically go with RAI in this case. That’s why I said it was disputable and why I don’t begrudge anyone going with RAW either.
https://www.sageadvice.eu/2016/12/17/if-i-overchannel-bigbys-hand/
Good find. Thanks for the official clarification.
Love the user name and pic btw.
It’s definitely not an official ruling! Only Sage Advice is official ruling, this is definitely just the game designer’s intention and also agreement that RAW, it lasts for the entire duration of the spell that is cast.
And yes, Battletech is amazing. 🙂
A link to the Sage Advice website isn't an official ruling?
https://www.sageadvice.eu/2016/12/17/if-i-overchannel-bigbys-hand/
Literally on the page you linked:
So by definition, no, that's not official. Now, the Sage Advice PDF you can download from WOTC? That's official.
Ah
From what I understand about overchannel is it correct that if you use it a third time with a 5th level spell slot you take 2d12 necrotic damage plus 10d12?
From what I understand about overchannel is it correct that if you use it a third time with a 5th level spell slot you take 2d12 necrotic damage plus 10d12?
So I've got a question about Overchannel, since I recently started playing an Evo Wizard.
If I were to use this on a spell with a saving throw, like Negative Energy Flood or Fireball, and the enemy manages to make their saving throw, do I still do max damage? Or do I simply do max damage, then half it?
I feel like it's the latter, but I feel like I should ask for clarification.
Considering how weak evocation wizards are in general, I would probably let them go with this.
How does over channel interact with spells that deal initial damage and continuous damage like immolation and minute meteors?
As far as I know there is no official ruling on it. Personally I give them max damage for the duration, damage is rarely the best option so if someone wants to go evocation and lean into it I am find helping them out.
I'm pretty sure its the later though that just may be my bias from previous editions and the metamagic for max damage.
The only foreseeable problem with this is multiclassing. What happens when someone takes a cleric or something like that where they get proficiency in heavy armor and shields. That becomes an absolute unit of a character. A REALLY cool one, but it is a bit overpowered.
When is it actually worth it to Overchannel a second time? The damage seems extremely punishingly and very high? 6d12 for a 3rd level fireball 8d6? Doesn't seem worth it unless there are so many enemies in it. That could be almost my entire HP pool.
Desperate times call for desperate measures.
Since 2014 we have had 3 people play evocation wizards, 0 times was it used twice in a day. So, they could have just as easily said once a day and the result would be the same for us and probably 90% of the campaigns. But you know what it is a flavorful option instead of just saying once a day, sure you will almost never use it but the time you do either you really needed it, or on the other side you were kind of coasting and just wanted to flex. I wish more once a day or short rest features had a push it option like this. Like let a fighter knock out more adrenaline rushes but he takes a level of exhaustion at the end of the fight if they do it.
This is the designer's answer:
"(1) Jeremy Crawford on X: "Overchannel. By RAW, it works as long as the spell lasts. Not exactly the intent (works only on the first turn), but it's functional. #DnD https://t.co/5ibPHCypsJ" / X"
So. I just started a campaign with a lev 15 evoker and yesterday asked the DM him ruling. He goes with only max damage on the initial turn. Ask your DM what his ruling is.
Food, Scifi/fantasy, anime, DND 5E and OSR geek.