Dodging magic missiles

Telk · Post by **Telk** » Mon Jan 03, 2005 1:49 am

I know that some spells are dodgeable but I don't think that magic missile is, if it isn't then I think that it should be applied, as I see it IC that each magic missile is a well...magic missile

And therefore would be able to dodge, I think that it should only be applicable to up to two of the missiles as the caster is sending all these missiles at you at once and it would be quite impossible IC to dodge 6 missiles coming at you at the same time.

Natasha · Post by **Natasha** » Mon Jan 03, 2005 2:37 am

Magic Missile, although a low level Wizard spell, is an old reliable spell, for two reasons:

One, the damage, although minimal, is direct and has no association to anything aside from magic. Therefore things immune to certain energies are rarely immune to magic missiles.

Two, if the caster can see the target, the caster cannot miss. Magic Missile, according to its descriptions, is Undodgable, according to both ADnD and 3E.

I believe the spell Shield is supposed to make anyone under its influence immune to magic missiles, though.

Natasha

Nysan · Post by **Nysan** » Mon Jan 03, 2005 3:52 am

Low leveled, easy to learn, easy to cast, and reliable. One constant since the 1st edition is the ablility of 'magic missile' to hit the target. Other spells can negate the damage or protect from it, but it will hit the target.

N.R.

Lathander · Post by **Lathander** » Mon Jan 03, 2005 5:03 am

Think of it as a guided missile.

Telk · Post by **Telk** » Tue Jan 04, 2005 12:01 am

Um, so it basically tracks the target down no matter what?

Gwain · Post by **Gwain** » Tue Jan 04, 2005 12:34 am

Magic makes the impossible possible whether by making wizards live for centuries, by making boots into a delicous quiche or making a weapon with the potential to track and stalk an enemy, that's most likely why when propprely cast Magic Missile will not fail.

Natasha · Post by **Natasha** » Tue Jan 04, 2005 6:04 pm

Um, so it basically tracks the target down no matter what?

Short answer, Telk: Yes.

Natasha

Telk · Post by **Telk** » Tue Jan 04, 2005 7:20 pm

Does this apply for all ranged spell attacks like flame arrow, or is magic missile unique in this aspect?

Ellian · Post by **Ellian** » Tue Jan 04, 2005 11:07 pm

It is unique in the context of this game. All other aggressive spells cause damage through the element or substance they are composed of - fire, ice, electricity, acid, negative energy. Magic missile uses simple raw magic.

-El-

Telk · Post by **Telk** » Wed Jan 05, 2005 3:54 am

Well, I was wondering if the other spells were dodgeable. If they are then could this be added to the game?

Llanthyr · Post by **Llanthyr** » Wed Jan 05, 2005 3:57 am

In 3rd ed, spells with reflex saves are dodgeable. Others might have will saves or fortitude saves that negates the spell effects.

Athon · Post by **Athon** » Wed Jan 05, 2005 5:23 am

Most offensive spells in the game (including those on priests) only hit a certain amount of the time, based upon the saving throw and other factors. This is what you consider 'dodging' a spell. These spells are already coded to be dodgeable.

Tandria · Post by **Tandria** » Wed Jan 05, 2005 5:36 am

You will notice that generally, magic missiles do not fail. On occasion they will fizzle, but this is generally after at least one missile gets through. In the instance of, for example, burning hands, you will get the failure echo of "Your attempt nears BLASPHEMY!!" (or something to that extent). This, in a sense, is like dodging.

Cyric · Post by **Cyric** » Wed Jan 05, 2005 6:38 am

As far as I know, the only time MM fails is if you fail a Concentration check.

Argentia · Post by **Argentia** » Wed Jan 05, 2005 7:03 am

I've gotten in the past
You watch with pride as your magic missile hits big bad monster!
You watch with pride as your magic missile hits big bad monster!
You magic missile has no effect on big bad monster.

I think MM has to beat a creature's resistance, then? That's what I always figured that echo to be.

Cyric · Post by **Cyric** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 9:58 am

Does it say "no effect"? Or does it say "Your spell fizzels as...-yadda-yadda".

Fizzel = Concentration check lost.

Resists = I'd have to ask the coders what's goin down.

Argentia · Post by **Argentia** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 5:18 pm

I'm pretty sure it says "has no effect." When I lose my concentration, it says fair and simple, "You lost your concentration." I'll test this out next time I get online though.

Zilvryn · Post by **Zilvryn** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 6:29 pm

yeh, its "no effect" I think..

Lerytha · Post by **Lerytha** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 6:49 pm

No effect rings a bell for me.

I always assumed t'was the natural resistance of the creature kicking in.

Kirkus · Post by **Kirkus** » Fri Jan 07, 2005 6:04 am

Has no affect can be explained simply as a poor shot. Its like rolling a 1 for the dammage in d&d. Most things arn't going to feel that. Thus 'Has no affect'. Its like poking someone in the eye vs. flicking them in the ear. One hurts and the other dosn't but they both still hit.