Thanks, Chris. I hope it’s not too weird to share something like that because parasocial relationships are kind of a strange modern phenomenon. But your content is extremely helpful to me as a parent who connects with my teenager by DMing for him and his friends. Sometimes we just want a familiar voice to make it seem like things are going to be ok
Daniel Lingeman
2025-02-23 15:38:25 +0000 UTC
Hi Chris, interesting video. I’m a DM and the Druid in my campaign is using this spell. I think your interpretation of English here is over-generous. If a creature is already within 10’ , movement in this area does not trigger extra damage. This is the same way opportunity attacks work. It makes the spell too powerful, as after the initial casting, the Druid also has their action free to do whatever they like each round. Let’s compare to Call Lightning. Same level, same damage, more range, but smaller area, less resisted damage type, save for half damage. However, the Druid needs to use an action every turn to get more damage. Your interpretation completely unbalances these two spells. Please consider proper balance, or once again, you just create ‘must have’ build mechanics, which was one of the things you (rightly) criticised the 2014 rules for. It’s still a good spell, even with my less generous interpretation. But not so good that a player is foolish if they choose a different spell.
Philip Bellamy
2025-02-23 14:40:16 +0000 UTC
Get well soon Daniel!
Treantmonk's Temple
2025-02-23 14:31:24 +0000 UTC
I suspect that your reading of the spell is more generous than a lot of DMs. I think especially most people will say that if a creature starts it’s turn in the spells area but moves out it won’t take damage, even if it moves more than 5 feet to do so. I’ll probably run it that way. But I’m still excited to get it with my Druid she reaches level 5:)
Eve Avery
2025-02-22 23:01:20 +0000 UTC
yay, glad you're back (though i hope your vacation was good!)... i have not had any experience with this spell. have played a lot of one shots with 5.24 but soon we'll start a campaign with the new rules. curious if one of my players picks druid/ranger.
as for the movement, i would also interpret it like this: as long as it moves enemies have to make saves even if the pack ends up in the same space as it was before
Fatewing
2025-02-22 22:34:57 +0000 UTC
I don't like the interpretation of moving within triggering the save; but I think be affected twice per round is reasonable. An enemy should be able to exit the danger zone without consequence and not end its turn in the area.
Infinitejest
2025-02-22 22:28:34 +0000 UTC
Your double damage interpretation seems correct, but im sitting here trying to decide if it's bad for the game because it's too powerful....and what I need to descide is a Chris build that leans into it. ;)
Tessa Morecroft
2025-02-22 22:26:53 +0000 UTC
I'm glad you had a break and a vacation. But thanks to everything that is holy your back! I've had to listen to significantly inferior D&D content while you were gone.
Bryan Watson
2025-02-22 20:34:16 +0000 UTC
Welcome back, Chris! I’m home recovering from surgery and have been pining for something fun and interesting to take my mind off my present circumstance