if i can then should i? would this cause problems with the dm? like if the chest was a mimic that lost its advantage cause i am across the room? or would useing it in this way be seen as clever problem solving and be encouraged? also on the topic of mimics:can they talk? could i have a mimic take the place of a player/npc to try to trick the party?
A Arcane Trickster Rogue Archetype has access to a special form of mage hand that allows one to pick locks, open chests and even pickpocket with a slight of hand check. For unseen servant I am not familiar but it might be able too, now for your DM that is on them how they would want to take it. I personally would more than ok with a clever use of a spell and as for mimics thats a DM call. I hope this helps, and if I am wrong please correct me on anything.
Mage hand can only open items that are not locked, unless it is the arcane trickster version. Unseen servant can only do extremely basic things, and wouldn't be able to get past a lock either.
Mimics have a 5 INT, so up to the DM on whether a mage hand would trigger a mimic attack. They can only shapechange into objects, so no to the NPC question. The mimic stat block does not have languages listed, so no talking, but at the same time the additional information below the stat block states that some mimics can talk. Again, up to the DM.
Can’t Mage Hand turn a key in a lock to lock or unlock it under the “manipulate an object” part of its description? Obviously only if you have the key. I know that only Arcane Tricksters can pick locks, but Mage Hand just says that it’s limited to 10 pounds.
Unseen Servant is basically Mage Hand ramped up to a 1st level spell.
Mage hand could use a key, I would say. But I don't think unseen servant and mage hand are comparable. Mage hand is an effect that the caster directly controls. Unseen servant is a "mindless" entity. I would think that there is much more control of how something is done with mage hand.
Quote from ThatHandsomeO I personally would more than ok with a clever use of a spell and as for mimics thats a DM call. I hope this helps, and if I am wrong please correct me on anything.
Mage hand could use a key, I would say. But I don't think unseen servant and mage hand are comparable. Mage hand is an effect that the caster directly controls. Unseen servant is a "mindless" entity. I would think that there is much more control of how something is done with mage hand.
the unseen servant takes orders so you could tell it to "open that chest" and it would do it.
also most people in this thread are assuming the chest i am trying to open in this hypothetical situation is locked. all i was asking in the regards to the chest is if the spells mentiond could be used to open a chest (or maybe a door or push a button) but at least i got the knowledge that normal mage hand cant be used to pick locks (for some reason).
Normally Mage Hand cannot do the really finicky dextrous stuff: basically, anything that would require you to make an ability check. Since none is required to open a door, chest, etc then you can do this fine. You can also turn keys, move light objects around, help you dress, write basic script, and... Other things, if you were, *cough* so inclined...
The Arcane Trickster's Mage Hand is improved in that it can also do dexterously "roll a check" stuff like use Thieves' Tools to lockpick or Sleight of Hand to pickpocket. It is also invisible, so yay sneaky.
Unseent Servant again can basically do simple things that do not require ability checks like wash your dishes, clean the room, carry some things for you, give you a massage, scratch your back, take notes for you, give you a cuddle, walk down the hall in case of traps, and more.
These are incredibly useful spells that I really wish I could cast in real life.
I have read many post arguing whether the Unseen Servant can pick lock or attempt to open locks. While I know that they can not succeed at this task, what if you don't care if it succeeds. Most traps on locks simple state if you attempt to open lock, door or trap, that the trap springs. If they can be used to "scout" ahead to spring traps, what's to say they can't do this on a lock trap or magical trap when attempting to open the door?
So, is the main advantage of Unseen Servant over Mage Hand, that it can be used effectively as a minesweeper? Is it worth having both spells?
It depends on the character and the player. One is a Ritual, the other is a Cantrip. One is completely invisible, the other is not. There are some areas where they overlap, and other areas where they each particularly shine. Nobody usually needs both, but if you feel you have room in your toolbox for both they do each have their uses.
Although comparable and actually able to accomplish similar things, both spells are really different. Of course not considering the improved version of the Arcane Trickster’s Mage Hand, overall Unseen Servant by far superior.
I actually have both and I constantly use both in combat, but Unseen Servant is usually better because I can command him through a bonus action, and this is really good for my Wizard who doesn’t have so many uses for bonus action yet.
I’m usually taking potions and similars through my Unseen Servant bonus action and still being able to do something effective with my action. It’s like a “mini-Healing Word”.
Other day I dropped 3 flasks of oil over enemies squares using my action (with Mage Hand), my bonus action (through the Unseen Servant) and my Familiar action, granting a +5 damage against three enemies who were later targeted by the Burning Hands of my fellow Light Cleric.
Action economy is everything for this game.
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if i can then should i? would this cause problems with the dm? like if the chest was a mimic that lost its advantage cause i am across the room? or would useing it in this way be seen as clever problem solving and be encouraged? also on the topic of mimics:can they talk? could i have a mimic take the place of a player/npc to try to trick the party?
A Arcane Trickster Rogue Archetype has access to a special form of mage hand that allows one to pick locks, open chests and even pickpocket with a slight of hand check. For unseen servant I am not familiar but it might be able too, now for your DM that is on them how they would want to take it. I personally would more than ok with a clever use of a spell and as for mimics thats a DM call. I hope this helps, and if I am wrong please correct me on anything.
Mage hand can only open items that are not locked, unless it is the arcane trickster version. Unseen servant can only do extremely basic things, and wouldn't be able to get past a lock either.
Mimics have a 5 INT, so up to the DM on whether a mage hand would trigger a mimic attack. They can only shapechange into objects, so no to the NPC question. The mimic stat block does not have languages listed, so no talking, but at the same time the additional information below the stat block states that some mimics can talk. Again, up to the DM.
My DM let our rogue use mage hand, but they ended up being mimics anyways.
If the rogue was using mage hand then were they an arcane trickster? It was already mentioned they can do that.
Can’t Mage Hand turn a key in a lock to lock or unlock it under the “manipulate an object” part of its description? Obviously only if you have the key. I know that only Arcane Tricksters can pick locks, but Mage Hand just says that it’s limited to 10 pounds.
Unseen Servant is basically Mage Hand ramped up to a 1st level spell.
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Mage hand could use a key, I would say. But I don't think unseen servant and mage hand are comparable. Mage hand is an effect that the caster directly controls. Unseen servant is a "mindless" entity. I would think that there is much more control of how something is done with mage hand.
you would probably know more than me.
the unseen servant takes orders so you could tell it to "open that chest" and it would do it.
also most people in this thread are assuming the chest i am trying to open in this hypothetical situation is locked. all i was asking in the regards to the chest is if the spells mentiond could be used to open a chest (or maybe a door or push a button) but at least i got the knowledge that normal mage hand cant be used to pick locks (for some reason).
anyways thanks for the help everyone.
Normally Mage Hand cannot do the really finicky dextrous stuff: basically, anything that would require you to make an ability check. Since none is required to open a door, chest, etc then you can do this fine. You can also turn keys, move light objects around, help you dress, write basic script, and... Other things, if you were, *cough* so inclined...
The Arcane Trickster's Mage Hand is improved in that it can also do dexterously "roll a check" stuff like use Thieves' Tools to lockpick or Sleight of Hand to pickpocket. It is also invisible, so yay sneaky.
Unseent Servant again can basically do simple things that do not require ability checks like wash your dishes, clean the room, carry some things for you, give you a massage, scratch your back, take notes for you, give you a cuddle, walk down the hall in case of traps, and more.
These are incredibly useful spells that I really wish I could cast in real life.
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Magic Initiate (Wizard) with Mage Hand, Prestidigitation, and Unseen Servant would be incredible in real life!
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cyb3r,how did you get the title Initiate of the 3rd Circle?
I completed many trials. Adventured across great lands and fought many monsters.
...
I can dream.
No, I just have no life and make a lot of posts. The titles are mostly based on post count: when you make enough posts more get unlocked.
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ah.
I have read many post arguing whether the Unseen Servant can pick lock or attempt to open locks. While I know that they can not succeed at this task, what if you don't care if it succeeds. Most traps on locks simple state if you attempt to open lock, door or trap, that the trap springs. If they can be used to "scout" ahead to spring traps, what's to say they can't do this on a lock trap or magical trap when attempting to open the door?
So, is the main advantage of Unseen Servant over Mage Hand, that it can be used effectively as a minesweeper? Is it worth having both spells?
They both are capable of doing different things. Generally speaking you only really need one.
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It depends on the character and the player. One is a Ritual, the other is a Cantrip. One is completely invisible, the other is not. There are some areas where they overlap, and other areas where they each particularly shine. Nobody usually needs both, but if you feel you have room in your toolbox for both they do each have their uses.
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Although comparable and actually able to accomplish similar things, both spells are really different. Of course not considering the improved version of the Arcane Trickster’s Mage Hand, overall Unseen Servant by far superior.
I actually have both and I constantly use both in combat, but Unseen Servant is usually better because I can command him through a bonus action, and this is really good for my Wizard who doesn’t have so many uses for bonus action yet.
I’m usually taking potions and similars through my Unseen Servant bonus action and still being able to do something effective with my action. It’s like a “mini-Healing Word”.
Other day I dropped 3 flasks of oil over enemies squares using my action (with Mage Hand), my bonus action (through the Unseen Servant) and my Familiar action, granting a +5 damage against three enemies who were later targeted by the Burning Hands of my fellow Light Cleric.
Action economy is everything for this game.