What it says in the title – at 5th level up, do I require a second target to use green flame blade? Or can I use it solely to add 1d8 fire damage to my attack?
If there’s no valid second target within 5ft of the primary target, you can still cast the spell; the secondary effect just won’t happen.
If there is a valid target, you can’t choose not to invoke the secondary effect. Unless you have Spell Sniper and a reach weapon, you yourself will always be a valid target, so be careful about casting it in one-on-one fights.
Ahaha, I see. So, essentially the funniest possible option.
Wait, hang on. If I can't see myself, does that negate the leap? The secondary target must be 'a creature I can see'… can I close my eyes? Inquiring minds need to know
Ahaha, I see. So, essentially the funniest possible option.
Wait, hang on. If I can't see myself, does that negate the leap? The secondary target must be 'a creature I can see'… can I close my eyes? Inquiring minds need to know
Here's where things get fun with green flame blade. You don't have to be able to see your target in order to target them with the spell. In the example you give where you close your eyes, you will have disadvantage on your attack roll, but you could still potentially cast the spell on a target and hit the target with an attack. From that point on, you do need to be able to see the secondary target. So if your eyes are closed, the spell has no valid secondary targets to jump to.
If there is a valid target, you can’t choose not to invoke the secondary effect. Unless you have Spell Sniper and a reach weapon, you yourself will always be a valid target, so be careful about casting it in one-on-one fights.
Strictly speaking you wouldn't be able to choose yourself if you're blinded or invisible (unless you also happen to be able to see through invisibility.)
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What it says in the title – at 5th level up, do I require a second target to use green flame blade? Or can I use it solely to add 1d8 fire damage to my attack?
If there’s no valid second target within 5ft of the primary target, you can still cast the spell; the secondary effect just won’t happen.
If there is a valid target, you can’t choose not to invoke the secondary effect. Unless you have Spell Sniper and a reach weapon, you yourself will always be a valid target, so be careful about casting it in one-on-one fights.
Ahaha, I see. So, essentially the funniest possible option.
Wait, hang on. If I can't see myself, does that negate the leap? The secondary target must be 'a creature I can see'… can I close my eyes? Inquiring minds need to know
Here's where things get fun with green flame blade. You don't have to be able to see your target in order to target them with the spell. In the example you give where you close your eyes, you will have disadvantage on your attack roll, but you could still potentially cast the spell on a target and hit the target with an attack. From that point on, you do need to be able to see the secondary target. So if your eyes are closed, the spell has no valid secondary targets to jump to.
"Not all those who wander are lost"
It's 'a different creature of your choice,' so in most cases, you choose to exclude yourself, even if that means no secondary effect.
Birgit | Shifter | Sorcerer | Dragonlords
Shayone | Hobgoblin | Sorcerer | Netherdeep
Yeah, my husband says he found Word of God to that effect. Less funny, but makes me feel better about my already silly build :P
Maybe your character just has really bad peripheral vision, and doesn't realize they're seeing themself until it's too late.
Birgit | Shifter | Sorcerer | Dragonlords
Shayone | Hobgoblin | Sorcerer | Netherdeep
It's not intended to require a second target, but the wording on the spell doesn't make that clear.
Strictly speaking you wouldn't be able to choose yourself if you're blinded or invisible (unless you also happen to be able to see through invisibility.)