I'm trying to figure out how big the flames must be for the Pyrotechnics spell to be usable... I have some ideas but I'm concerned they might get snuffed out because some DM and I wouldn't agree on what constitutes an "area". Technically, a fire always covers an area, no matter how small. So it's just a matter of interpretation.
I'm trying to figure out how big the flames must be for the Pyrotechnics spell to be usable... I have some ideas but I'm concerned they might get snuffed out because some DM and I wouldn't agree on what constitutes an "area". Technically, a fire always covers an area, no matter how small. So it's just a matter of interpretation.
RAW, there is no minimum, only a maximum. As a DM, I think it would be silly to impose any other restrictions on it.
Out of curiosity, what were you thinking of doing with it that would potentially run into issues?
A lantern possesses a flame in it. A non-magical flame. I'm thinking of using Pyrotechnics on it as a way to create an equivalent of Fog Cloud, that wouldn't require concentration.
Sounds busted said like that but this comes with a lot of restrictions: - I can't be holding anything else unless I have War Caster, since I need to hold the lantern in one hand and also perform the somatic component with the other. - The flame must be lit before the combat starts, or I need to use my free Utilize action to lit it first. - Once it's done, the flame is out and I would need to Utilize the tinder box to light it again. - I also need to perform a Utilize action to draw any weapon or shield and start fighting. - Contrary to Fog Cloud, this can only be done at self range unless I throw the lantern first.
But it is strong, and I think it would be very fun to build around... if the DM allows it.
A lantern possesses a flame in it. A non-magical flame. I'm thinking of using Pyrotechnics on it as a way to create an equivalent of Fog Cloud, that wouldn't require concentration.
Sounds busted said like that but this comes with a lot of restrictions: - I can't be holding anything else unless I have War Caster, since I need to hold the lantern in one hand and also perform the somatic component with the other. - The flame must be lit before the combat starts, or I need to use my free Utilize action to lit it first. - Once it's done, the flame is out and I would need to Utilize the tinder box to light it again. - I also need to perform a Utilize action to draw any weapon or shield and start fighting. - Contrary to Fog Cloud, this can only be done at self range unless I throw the lantern first.
But it is strong, and I think it would be very fun to build around... if the DM allows it.
It certainly sounds like a valid use of the spell to me. Note that once you've cast the spell, there's no real benefit to continue holding onto the lantern, so you can just drop it on the ground and then draw your weapon.
Just in my personal opinion, I'm not sure it's worth using a higher-level spell slot to do something not much better than Fog Cloud, though. Keep in mind that you still can't see through it yourself.
I'm trying to figure out how big the flames must be for the Pyrotechnics spell to be usable...
I have some ideas but I'm concerned they might get snuffed out because some DM and I wouldn't agree on what constitutes an "area".
Technically, a fire always covers an area, no matter how small. So it's just a matter of interpretation.
RAW, there is no minimum, only a maximum. As a DM, I think it would be silly to impose any other restrictions on it.
Out of curiosity, what were you thinking of doing with it that would potentially run into issues?
pronouns: he/she/they
A lantern possesses a flame in it. A non-magical flame. I'm thinking of using Pyrotechnics on it as a way to create an equivalent of Fog Cloud, that wouldn't require concentration.
Sounds busted said like that but this comes with a lot of restrictions:
- I can't be holding anything else unless I have War Caster, since I need to hold the lantern in one hand and also perform the somatic component with the other.
- The flame must be lit before the combat starts, or I need to use my free Utilize action to lit it first.
- Once it's done, the flame is out and I would need to Utilize the tinder box to light it again.
- I also need to perform a Utilize action to draw any weapon or shield and start fighting.
- Contrary to Fog Cloud, this can only be done at self range unless I throw the lantern first.
But it is strong, and I think it would be very fun to build around... if the DM allows it.
It certainly sounds like a valid use of the spell to me. Note that once you've cast the spell, there's no real benefit to continue holding onto the lantern, so you can just drop it on the ground and then draw your weapon.
Just in my personal opinion, I'm not sure it's worth using a higher-level spell slot to do something not much better than Fog Cloud, though. Keep in mind that you still can't see through it yourself.
pronouns: he/she/they
I'm glad you see it that way :)