Level
2nd
Casting Time
1 Action
Range/Area
60 ft
(15 ft )
Components
V, M *
Duration
Concentration
10 Minutes
School
Evocation
Attack/Save
None
Damage/Effect
Control
For the duration, magical Darkness spreads from a point within range and fills a 15-foot-radius Sphere. Darkvision can’t see through it, and nonmagical light can’t illuminate it.
Alternatively, you cast the spell on an object that isn’t being worn or carried, causing the Darkness to fill a 15-foot Emanation originating from that object. Covering that object with something opaque, such as a bowl or helm, blocks the Darkness.
If any of this spell’s area overlaps with an area of Bright Light or Dim Light created by a spell of level 2 or lower, that other spell is dispelled.
* - (bat fur and a piece of coal)
I’m attacking the Darkness…
Whit the new "Emanation" rule, you can choose that the Emanation's origin isn't included in the area of effect.
Let's suppose I cast Darkness on myself (on my body, not on the equipment): I won't be included in the area of effect, OK. This means I'm not affected by the spell?
In this way, will I see through Darkness? Or the Darkness begins just 1 millimeter before my eyes and since I'm surroundend, I won't be able to see anyway?
So I can't cast it on an object that I myself carry anymore?
This was text from legacy Darkness: "If the point you choose is on an object you are holding or one that isn't being worn or carried, the darkness emanates from the object and moves with it."
So I'll have to drop it as a free action, cast darkness on it and pick it up as a move action?
Darkness can't be cast on a creature, so this situation won't be an issue. Were it to happen however, the darkness is entirely opaque and would prevent vision whether or not you're included in the emanation.
You wouldn't be able to cast Darkness on your character.
CreatureAny being in the game, including a player’s character, is a creature. See also “Creature Type.”
Object:
An object is a nonliving, distinct thing. Composite things, like buildings, comprise more than one object. See also “Breaking Objects.”
You cannot cast "Darkness 2024" on an object being worn or carried. With Legacy (D&D 5e), you were able to. If you drop the item, cast "Darkness 2024", and pick it back up. You might be able to keep it active. It would be up to the discretion of the DM. As RAW vs RAI would come into play. I would allow it as a DM because RAW doesn't say "Once the item is held, the spell dissolves". Only states you can't cast it on an object being worn or carried.
I think possibly the reason to state it can't be cast on a worn or carried object is so you can't cast it on an enemies wielded weapon or shield or hat etc and ruin their day without dropping the thing or putting it away.
As a DM I would still allow it to be cast on an object the player is carrying since a player can easily get around the rules by dropping and picking it up anyway.
@Jiaozi96 Darkness doesn't create an emanation and doesn't follow you as you move. It creates a sphere around a singular point. If you're in that sphere then you are affected.
It does create an emanation, if you're talking about the 2024 version. And in the definition of "Emanation" it says that when the object moves the effect moves with it, so you can still cast Darkness on an object, pick it up and move it around and "carry the dark" with you. I was concerned about that because the 2024 version removed the language about the darkness moving with the object that was in the previous version and I wondered why they did that. Then I realized its because the definition of Emanation specifically allows this.