A 5-foot-diameter sphere of fire appears in an unoccupied space of your choice within range and lasts for the duration. Any creature that ends its turn within 5 feet of the sphere must make a Dexterity saving throw. The creature takes 2d6 fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
As a bonus action, you can move the sphere up to 30 feet. If you ram the sphere into a creature, that creature must make the saving throw against the sphere's damage, and the sphere stops moving this turn.
When you move the sphere, you can direct it over barriers up to 5 feet tall and jump it across pits up to 10 feet wide. The sphere ignites flammable objects not being worn or carried, and it sheds bright light in a 20-foot radius and dim light for an additional 20 feet.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, the damage increases by 1d6 for each slot level above 2nd.
It'd come up today if creatures can pass through it.
The diameter of a sphere is the widest part... looking at it from the POV of how much of a doorway it would 'block'. So would fit entirely into/through the doorway. But, the top of the doorway is open, as are the corners.
Edit. Imagine shoving one of those large yoga/gym balls into an actual doorway irl. It wouldn't be 'blocked' entirely.
Edit2. As for if it is solid? That's trickier to answer. I have always ruled yes because it was an actual summoned ball that happened to be on fire in past editions. 5e isn't as clear on that. But I'll post this for guidance, from 3.5:
The surface of the sphere has a spongy, yielding consistency and so does not cause damage except by its flame. It cannot push aside unwilling creatures or batter down large obstacles.
It is apparently so hard to program Aberrant Mind and Clockwork Soul spell-swapping into dndbeyond they had to remake the game without it rather than implement it.
It is apparently so hard to program Aberrant Mind and Clockwork Soul spell-swapping into dndbeyond they had to remake the game without it rather than implement it.
Ravnodaus raises some good points. The spell doesn't describe the sphere as being solid but treats it as of it were mechanically.
If you do treat it as solid then like Ravnodaus says it likely wouldn't fully block the obstruct the door frame. Most door frames are less than 5ft wide and more than 5ft tall. If your not sure how to handle this mechanically I would take a look at the squeezing rules here: https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/phb/combat#SqueezingintoaSmallerSpace
Note that the sphere will ignite unattended objects of they are flammable.
Thanks. Yeah - we ended up ruling, for tonight - that creatures COULD pass through it - but would do a DEX Save for avoiding since it is occupying the square (I guess, sort of like treating it like an Attack of Opportunity).
Thanks. Yeah - we ended up ruling, for tonight - that creatures COULD pass through it - but would do a DEX Save for avoiding since it is occupying the square (I guess, sort of like treating it like an Attack of Opportunity).
Just think of the sphere as being much smaller than having a radius of 5 ft.
Nothing says that when you move it that it can't remain in the same space as a creature.
So you can move past it without taking any damage.
Just think of the sphere as being much smaller than having a radius of 5 ft.
Nothing says that when you move it that it can't remain in the same space as a creature.
So you can move past it without taking any damage.
Actually moving the sphere into a space occupied by a creature is explicitly prohibited by the spell. Here is the relevant text: "If you ram the sphere into a creature, that creature must make the saving throw against the sphere's damage, and the sphere stops moving this turn."
Also the sphere can only be conjured in an unoccupied space. Interestingly Flaming Sphere is not described as occupying the space it is in, and lacks any text prohibiting a creature from moving into its space.
Just think of the sphere as being much smaller than having a radius of 5 ft.
Nothing says that when you move it that it can't remain in the same space as a creature.
So you can move past it without taking any damage.
Actually moving the sphere into a space occupied by a creature is explicitly prohibited by the spell. Here is the relevant text: "If you ram the sphere into a creature, that creature must make the saving throw against the sphere's damage, and the sphere stops moving this turn."
Also the sphere can only be conjured in an unoccupied space. Interestingly Flaming Sphere is not described as occupying the space it is in, and lacks any text prohibiting a creature from moving into its space.
It may not explicitly say creatures cannot pass through it but a DM is well, well within their rights to rule you cannot do so just like they can rule you cannot pass through any other square that is occupied by a large enough object or obstacle.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I'm probably laughing.
It is apparently so hard to program Aberrant Mind and Clockwork Soul spell-swapping into dndbeyond they had to remake the game without it rather than implement it.
A Flaming Sphere is essentially made of fire and doesn't have any impact on movement, it's not an obstacle that occupy a space or grant any cover, nor it is difficult terrain when moving in it.
My group had a similar discussion about Maximilian’s Earthen Grasp. It must appear in an unoccupied space and is described as a big earthen hand, but has no rules about moving through it or standing in its space.
Personally, as its described as a 5-foot diameter sphere of fire that seems to have weight since it needs to "jump" over things, I rule that it fills the space its in. I think stuff like this increases the verisimilitude and consistency of magic in the world. But if a player really made a fuss I'd be okay with sticking to just the RAW where you can stick your face into a ball of fire and not be hurt by it as long as you move away afterwards.
Maximilian's Earthen Grasp is a good point of comparison. I do see two differences that I think are important.
First is that the hand is described as being of Medium size. While size categories like this usually describe a creature I would treat the hand as I would any other Medium creature.
The other difference is that the hand is made out compacted soil and is definitely solid. While previous editions may have described Flaming Sphere as solid, in 5e it is described as being a sphere of pure fire.
Just think of the sphere as being much smaller than having a radius of 5 ft.
Nothing says that when you move it that it can't remain in the same space as a creature.
So you can move past it without taking any damage.
Actually moving the sphere into a space occupied by a creature is explicitly prohibited by the spell. Here is the relevant text: "If you ram the sphere into a creature, that creature must make the saving throw against the sphere's damage, and the sphere stops moving this turn."
Also the sphere can only be conjured in an unoccupied space. Interestingly Flaming Sphere is not described as occupying the space it is in, and lacks any text prohibiting a creature from moving into its space.
It may not explicitly say creatures cannot pass through it but a DM is well, well within their rights to rule you cannot do so just like they can rule you cannot pass through any other square that is occupied by a large enough object or obstacle.
I agree, as long as it’s understood that would be exclusively homebrew and covered in a session 0, just for reference sake. The only spells that take up space specifically refer to it in the spell description. There are movement denial spells out there, this is not one of them by design.
Of course the DM is well within their rights to decide anything at their table.
Just think of the sphere as being much smaller than having a radius of 5 ft.
Nothing says that when you move it that it can't remain in the same space as a creature.
So you can move past it without taking any damage.
Actually moving the sphere into a space occupied by a creature is explicitly prohibited by the spell. Here is the relevant text: "If you ram the sphere into a creature, that creature must make the saving throw against the sphere's damage, and the sphere stops moving this turn."
Also the sphere can only be conjured in an unoccupied space. Interestingly Flaming Sphere is not described as occupying the space it is in, and lacks any text prohibiting a creature from moving into its space.
It may not explicitly say creatures cannot pass through it but a DM is well, well within their rights to rule you cannot do so just like they can rule you cannot pass through any other square that is occupied by a large enough object or obstacle.
I agree, as long as it’s understood that would be exclusively homebrew and covered in a session 0, just for reference sake. The only spells that take up space specifically refer to it in the spell description. There are movement denial spells out there, this is not one of them by design.
Of course the DM is well within their rights to decide anything at their table.
Ruling something does or doesn't occupy a space isn't "homebrew" it is a basic requirement of a DM to make calls like this. Does a vase occupy a space? Does a rock? A bush? Can you pass through the space these objects are in? DMs should be able to decide these things, they can take into consideration its size, material, the situation itself, whatever else they want, but then arrive at a "ruling". That's one of the basic functions of their job at the table.
Homebrewing is when you go against, or change, a written rule. Like if Flaming Sphere said it didn't occupy the space and a DM said in his campaign that it did. That would be homebrewing.
FWIW this is a movement denial spell by design, though. Creating a sizeable and mobile area that enemies (and allies for that matter) cannot end their turn in unless they take damage is indeed a textbook example of a movement/area denial spell. It adds a consequence for ending your movement there.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I'm probably laughing.
It is apparently so hard to program Aberrant Mind and Clockwork Soul spell-swapping into dndbeyond they had to remake the game without it rather than implement it.
It'd call a Flaming Sphere more of an end movement discouragement than movement denial. Denial to me means it is outright denied or prevented, where in this case it is not, but has consequences if you stop moving in it and end your turn.
If you're discouraged from doing it because of the damage it would do, the spell denied it from you.
You can walk right through a wall of fire no problems. Does it "prevent" you from choosing this course of action? No. But it is also a movement denial spell because it applies a consequence for movement you might take. Lots of area/movement denial spells operate on this principle. Do the 'thing' take damage.
It is apparently so hard to program Aberrant Mind and Clockwork Soul spell-swapping into dndbeyond they had to remake the game without it rather than implement it.
Discouragement is not denial as its still allowing. When we say action or movement denial in D&D it's things like incapacitated or paralyzed condition that outright deny the possibility to use it.
A Flaming Sphere is essentially made of fire and doesn't have any impact on movement, it's not an obstacle that occupy a space or grant any cover, nor it is difficult terrain when moving in it.
I agree with this. It's a spell effect, and we need not even treat it as an object unless it suits us to do so.
Discouragement is not denial as its still allowing. When we say action or movement denial in D&D it's things like incapacitated or paralyzed condition that outright deny the possibility to use it.
If you are discouraged from doing Y for reason X. Reason X stopped you (denied you) from doing Y.
If you mean something else more power to you. But saying a wall spell isn't intended to be movement/area denial is, well, false.
Its the difference between accomplishing something by exercising soft vs hard power. example. A law prevents you from buying a house that is for sale, the law denies you the house. That is hard power. Or, a house is for sale and someone else with more disposable cash makes a better offer and buys it instead of you. That other person's bank account denied you the house. That is soft power.
Take-damage-for-doing-XYZ spells and abilities are soft-denial. But they are still denial. because their use and intention is to stop something, and the result is that do in fact stop things.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I'm probably laughing.
It is apparently so hard to program Aberrant Mind and Clockwork Soul spell-swapping into dndbeyond they had to remake the game without it rather than implement it.
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Can it be used to block a 5 foot doorway?
Flaming Sphere
It'd come up today if creatures can pass through it.
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Check out my comedy web series - Neverending Nights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Wr4-u9-zw0&list=PLbRG7dzFI-u3EJd0usasgDrrFO3mZ1lOZ
Need a character story/background written up? I do it for free (but also take donations!) - https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?591882-Need-a-character-background-written-up
The diameter of a sphere is the widest part... looking at it from the POV of how much of a doorway it would 'block'. So would fit entirely into/through the doorway. But, the top of the doorway is open, as are the corners.
Edit. Imagine shoving one of those large yoga/gym balls into an actual doorway irl. It wouldn't be 'blocked' entirely.
Edit2. As for if it is solid? That's trickier to answer. I have always ruled yes because it was an actual summoned ball that happened to be on fire in past editions. 5e isn't as clear on that. But I'll post this for guidance, from 3.5:
I'm probably laughing.
It is apparently so hard to program Aberrant Mind and Clockwork Soul spell-swapping into dndbeyond they had to remake the game without it rather than implement it.
It blocks in the sense that they can't get past without taking damage.
Spells that are solid usually have the phrase "occupies its space" in it. This does not, so I would expect it can be moved into and/or through.
You can touch a flaming sphere without taking damage.
The damage triggers only:
Those are the only ways to have it deal damage.
I'm probably laughing.
It is apparently so hard to program Aberrant Mind and Clockwork Soul spell-swapping into dndbeyond they had to remake the game without it rather than implement it.
Ravnodaus raises some good points. The spell doesn't describe the sphere as being solid but treats it as of it were mechanically.
If you do treat it as solid then like Ravnodaus says it likely wouldn't fully block the obstruct the door frame. Most door frames are less than 5ft wide and more than 5ft tall. If your not sure how to handle this mechanically I would take a look at the squeezing rules here: https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/phb/combat#SqueezingintoaSmallerSpace
Note that the sphere will ignite unattended objects of they are flammable.
Oops. You right.
I thought it had one of those "first time each turn" clauses.
Still a dece spell. Consistent damage and use for bonus action isn't nothing.
Thanks. Yeah - we ended up ruling, for tonight - that creatures COULD pass through it - but would do a DEX Save for avoiding since it is occupying the square (I guess, sort of like treating it like an Attack of Opportunity).
Check out my publication on DMs Guild: https://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?author=Tawmis%20Logue
Check out my comedy web series - Neverending Nights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Wr4-u9-zw0&list=PLbRG7dzFI-u3EJd0usasgDrrFO3mZ1lOZ
Need a character story/background written up? I do it for free (but also take donations!) - https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?591882-Need-a-character-background-written-up
Just think of the sphere as being much smaller than having a radius of 5 ft.
Nothing says that when you move it that it can't remain in the same space as a creature.
So you can move past it without taking any damage.
Actually moving the sphere into a space occupied by a creature is explicitly prohibited by the spell. Here is the relevant text: "If you ram the sphere into a creature, that creature must make the saving throw against the sphere's damage, and the sphere stops moving this turn."
Also the sphere can only be conjured in an unoccupied space. Interestingly Flaming Sphere is not described as occupying the space it is in, and lacks any text prohibiting a creature from moving into its space.
It may not explicitly say creatures cannot pass through it but a DM is well, well within their rights to rule you cannot do so just like they can rule you cannot pass through any other square that is occupied by a large enough object or obstacle.
I'm probably laughing.
It is apparently so hard to program Aberrant Mind and Clockwork Soul spell-swapping into dndbeyond they had to remake the game without it rather than implement it.
A Flaming Sphere is essentially made of fire and doesn't have any impact on movement, it's not an obstacle that occupy a space or grant any cover, nor it is difficult terrain when moving in it.
My group had a similar discussion about Maximilian’s Earthen Grasp. It must appear in an unoccupied space and is described as a big earthen hand, but has no rules about moving through it or standing in its space.
Personally, as its described as a 5-foot diameter sphere of fire that seems to have weight since it needs to "jump" over things, I rule that it fills the space its in. I think stuff like this increases the verisimilitude and consistency of magic in the world. But if a player really made a fuss I'd be okay with sticking to just the RAW where you can stick your face into a ball of fire and not be hurt by it as long as you move away afterwards.
My homebrew subclasses (full list here)
(Artificer) Swordmage | Glasswright | (Barbarian) Path of the Savage Embrace
(Bard) College of Dance | (Fighter) Warlord | Cannoneer
(Monk) Way of the Elements | (Ranger) Blade Dancer
(Rogue) DaggerMaster | Inquisitor | (Sorcerer) Riftwalker | Spellfist
(Warlock) The Swarm
Maximilian's Earthen Grasp is a good point of comparison. I do see two differences that I think are important.
First is that the hand is described as being of Medium size. While size categories like this usually describe a creature I would treat the hand as I would any other Medium creature.
The other difference is that the hand is made out compacted soil and is definitely solid. While previous editions may have described Flaming Sphere as solid, in 5e it is described as being a sphere of pure fire.
I agree, as long as it’s understood that would be exclusively homebrew and covered in a session 0, just for reference sake. The only spells that take up space specifically refer to it in the spell description. There are movement denial spells out there, this is not one of them by design.
Of course the DM is well within their rights to decide anything at their table.
Ruling something does or doesn't occupy a space isn't "homebrew" it is a basic requirement of a DM to make calls like this. Does a vase occupy a space? Does a rock? A bush? Can you pass through the space these objects are in? DMs should be able to decide these things, they can take into consideration its size, material, the situation itself, whatever else they want, but then arrive at a "ruling". That's one of the basic functions of their job at the table.
Homebrewing is when you go against, or change, a written rule. Like if Flaming Sphere said it didn't occupy the space and a DM said in his campaign that it did. That would be homebrewing.
FWIW this is a movement denial spell by design, though. Creating a sizeable and mobile area that enemies (and allies for that matter) cannot end their turn in unless they take damage is indeed a textbook example of a movement/area denial spell. It adds a consequence for ending your movement there.
I'm probably laughing.
It is apparently so hard to program Aberrant Mind and Clockwork Soul spell-swapping into dndbeyond they had to remake the game without it rather than implement it.
It'd call a Flaming Sphere more of an end movement discouragement than movement denial. Denial to me means it is outright denied or prevented, where in this case it is not, but has consequences if you stop moving in it and end your turn.
Discouragement is denial.
If you're discouraged from doing it because of the damage it would do, the spell denied it from you.
You can walk right through a wall of fire no problems. Does it "prevent" you from choosing this course of action? No. But it is also a movement denial spell because it applies a consequence for movement you might take. Lots of area/movement denial spells operate on this principle. Do the 'thing' take damage.
I'm probably laughing.
It is apparently so hard to program Aberrant Mind and Clockwork Soul spell-swapping into dndbeyond they had to remake the game without it rather than implement it.
Discouragement is not denial as its still allowing. When we say action or movement denial in D&D it's things like incapacitated or paralyzed condition that outright deny the possibility to use it.
I agree with this. It's a spell effect, and we need not even treat it as an object unless it suits us to do so.
"Not all those who wander are lost"
If you are discouraged from doing Y for reason X. Reason X stopped you (denied you) from doing Y.
If you mean something else more power to you. But saying a wall spell isn't intended to be movement/area denial is, well, false.
Its the difference between accomplishing something by exercising soft vs hard power. example. A law prevents you from buying a house that is for sale, the law denies you the house. That is hard power. Or, a house is for sale and someone else with more disposable cash makes a better offer and buys it instead of you. That other person's bank account denied you the house. That is soft power.
Take-damage-for-doing-XYZ spells and abilities are soft-denial. But they are still denial. because their use and intention is to stop something, and the result is that do in fact stop things.
I'm probably laughing.
It is apparently so hard to program Aberrant Mind and Clockwork Soul spell-swapping into dndbeyond they had to remake the game without it rather than implement it.