Can I cast Darkness on my imp familiar?

The name of the pictureThe name of the pictureThe name of the pictureClash Royale CLAN TAG#URR8PPP












8












$begingroup$


This is actually a three-part question:



  1. As a level 5 Tiefling Pact of the Chain Warlock, can I cast my Darkness spell on my Imp familiar?


  2. If yes, once cast, would my Darkness spell be ended if my imp traveled 65 ft away from me?


  3. If you can cast Darkness on the imp, could you maintain concentration on Darkness while using the Imp's senses?










share|improve this question











$endgroup$
















    8












    $begingroup$


    This is actually a three-part question:



    1. As a level 5 Tiefling Pact of the Chain Warlock, can I cast my Darkness spell on my Imp familiar?


    2. If yes, once cast, would my Darkness spell be ended if my imp traveled 65 ft away from me?


    3. If you can cast Darkness on the imp, could you maintain concentration on Darkness while using the Imp's senses?










    share|improve this question











    $endgroup$














      8












      8








      8





      $begingroup$


      This is actually a three-part question:



      1. As a level 5 Tiefling Pact of the Chain Warlock, can I cast my Darkness spell on my Imp familiar?


      2. If yes, once cast, would my Darkness spell be ended if my imp traveled 65 ft away from me?


      3. If you can cast Darkness on the imp, could you maintain concentration on Darkness while using the Imp's senses?










      share|improve this question











      $endgroup$




      This is actually a three-part question:



      1. As a level 5 Tiefling Pact of the Chain Warlock, can I cast my Darkness spell on my Imp familiar?


      2. If yes, once cast, would my Darkness spell be ended if my imp traveled 65 ft away from me?


      3. If you can cast Darkness on the imp, could you maintain concentration on Darkness while using the Imp's senses?







      dnd-5e spells warlock familiars






      share|improve this question















      share|improve this question













      share|improve this question




      share|improve this question








      edited Jan 30 at 18:16









      V2Blast

      23k374144




      23k374144










      asked Jan 30 at 14:40









      gareth the elfgareth the elf

      5971717




      5971717




















          3 Answers
          3






          active

          oldest

          votes


















          16












          $begingroup$

          1: No, but you can use an object to carry the darkness.



          The darkness spell targets a point in space or a point on an object that you are carrying or isn't being worn or carried, so an imp isn't a valid target.



          But you could cast it on a pebble, then give the pebble to your imp and let it carry that, and you'd get the same net effect. The darkness moves with the object you've cast it on, so your imp can carry the object around and be surrounded by a cloud of darkness.



          There is some disagreement about whether a darkness- or daylight-enchanted object can be moved by somebody other than the caster without messing up the spell, so you might want to check with your DM, but the general consensus (and my personal interpretation) is that the clause about the spell "moving with" the item it's cast on makes it clear that the intent of the spell was to create an item that somebody else can then carry around with them.



          2: No, range only matters during the initial casting.



          The rule here is found in the last line of the Range section of the Player's Handbook spellcasting rules (p.202-203):




          Once a spell is cast, its effects aren't limited by its range, unless the spell's description says otherwise.




          3: Yes, concentration only ends under specific circumstances.



          Again, in the Player's Handbook spellcasting rules (p.203), it tells you specifically what ends concentration:



          • Casting another spell that requires concentration (even if you choose not to concentrate on the new spell)

          • Taking damage (if you fail a save)

          • Being incapacitated or killed

          • DM-selected environmental effects (if you fail a save)

          And of course any other effect that specifically says it can cause casters to lose concentration.



          Sharing senses is an action, but it isn't a spell and doesn't say it requires concentration, so it doesn't cause any difficulties.






          share|improve this answer











          $endgroup$








          • 1




            $begingroup$
            Would be nice to reference the question about carrying items enchanted by darkness: rpg.stackexchange.com/questions/119611/…
            $endgroup$
            – Miles Bedinger
            Jan 30 at 15:05










          • $begingroup$
            @MilesBedinger Okay.
            $endgroup$
            – Darth Pseudonym
            Jan 30 at 15:21










          • $begingroup$
            You get my +1 even though I disagree with you for the mention of the ambiguity of the language (something I struggle with mentioning myself)
            $endgroup$
            – David Coffron
            Jan 30 at 15:25



















          2












          $begingroup$

          No.




          Darkness: Magical darkness spreads from a point you choose within range to fill a 15-foot-radius sphere for the duration... 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.




          An imp is a creature, not an object.






          share|improve this answer









          $endgroup$




















            2












            $begingroup$

            In short, no



            Darkness must target...




            a point you choose within range




            ... and a creature (your imp) is not a point.



            What about something the imp holds?



            note: this is only one ruling; your GM may rule that another creature can move the object, in which case you can give your imp the object you cast darkness on to carry (see the other answers on the linked question above)



            There is mention of targeting a point on an object, so you might suppose you can target an object the imp is holding...




            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. 




            ... but you have to be holding an object (or no one can hold it).



            Once someone else picks up the object, the point is no longer on an...




            object ... that isn't being worn or carried [by someone other than you]




            ... and the darkness ceases to emanate from the object.



            note: the darkness will still be there, it just won't be tied to the object anymore, so moving the object no longer moves the darkness



            Moving out of range



            If you were to target a point or object (or if a GM overruled so you could target a creature), then moving far enough to be out of the spell's range would not end the spell. From the Spellcasting rules:




            Once a spell is cast, its effects aren't limited by its range, unless the spell's description says otherwise.




            Concentration



            There is no reason perceiving through your familiar's senses would explicitly restrict concentration. Only a few things can end Concentration (apart from willingly ending it):




            • Casting another spell that requires Concentration...


            • Taking damage...


            • Being incapacitated or killed...




            Perhaps a GM might...




            decide that certain environmental phenomena, such as a wave crashing over you while you're on a storm-tossed ship, require you to succeed on a DC 10 Constitution saving throw to maintain concentration on a spell.




            And use the blinding of your own senses as an environmental phenomena, but that is GM-dependent.






            share|improve this answer











            $endgroup$












            • $begingroup$
              Not sure what's wrong with this - the logical progression seems sound. But I may also need more coffee.
              $endgroup$
              – NautArch
              Jan 30 at 15:09










            • $begingroup$
              Can you support the idea that moving an object that has darkness on it would make it an invalid target? The fact that it says casting it on an object makes it move with the object sounds like the intent is pretty clearly that a character other than the caster can move the object around and have the darkness follow them.
              $endgroup$
              – Darth Pseudonym
              Jan 30 at 15:12






            • 1




              $begingroup$
              @NautArch the contention is the same as this question. Notice my answer is different than the top one. I use the invalidated targets reasoning whereas the top answer treats the initial cast as the most vital aspect.
              $endgroup$
              – David Coffron
              Jan 30 at 15:14






            • 1




              $begingroup$
              @DarthPseudonym see the question (and my answer) I linked in my previous comment for my reasoning
              $endgroup$
              – David Coffron
              Jan 30 at 15:16







            • 4




              $begingroup$
              +1 - even though I personally disagree with the way you rule about other creatures being able to move the object, I think it is a valid reading of the rules and I like that you also explicitly refer to the alternate as being a viable reading. Given the unclarity of the issue with regards to targeting I think giving DM a scope of both options is the correct choice.
              $endgroup$
              – Rubiksmoose
              Jan 30 at 16:40










            Your Answer





            StackExchange.ifUsing("editor", function ()
            return StackExchange.using("mathjaxEditing", function ()
            StackExchange.MarkdownEditor.creationCallbacks.add(function (editor, postfix)
            StackExchange.mathjaxEditing.prepareWmdForMathJax(editor, postfix, [["\$", "\$"]]);
            );
            );
            , "mathjax-editing");

            StackExchange.ready(function()
            var channelOptions =
            tags: "".split(" "),
            id: "122"
            ;
            initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);

            StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function()
            // Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
            if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled)
            StackExchange.using("snippets", function()
            createEditor();
            );

            else
            createEditor();

            );

            function createEditor()
            StackExchange.prepareEditor(
            heartbeatType: 'answer',
            autoActivateHeartbeat: false,
            convertImagesToLinks: false,
            noModals: true,
            showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
            reputationToPostImages: null,
            bindNavPrevention: true,
            postfix: "",
            imageUploader:
            brandingHtml: "Powered by u003ca class="icon-imgur-white" href="https://imgur.com/"u003eu003c/au003e",
            contentPolicyHtml: "User contributions licensed under u003ca href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"u003ecc by-sa 3.0 with attribution requiredu003c/au003e u003ca href="https://stackoverflow.com/legal/content-policy"u003e(content policy)u003c/au003e",
            allowUrls: true
            ,
            noCode: true, onDemand: true,
            discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
            ,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
            );



            );













            draft saved

            draft discarded


















            StackExchange.ready(
            function ()
            StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2frpg.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f140188%2fcan-i-cast-darkness-on-my-imp-familiar%23new-answer', 'question_page');

            );

            Post as a guest















            Required, but never shown

























            3 Answers
            3






            active

            oldest

            votes








            3 Answers
            3






            active

            oldest

            votes









            active

            oldest

            votes






            active

            oldest

            votes









            16












            $begingroup$

            1: No, but you can use an object to carry the darkness.



            The darkness spell targets a point in space or a point on an object that you are carrying or isn't being worn or carried, so an imp isn't a valid target.



            But you could cast it on a pebble, then give the pebble to your imp and let it carry that, and you'd get the same net effect. The darkness moves with the object you've cast it on, so your imp can carry the object around and be surrounded by a cloud of darkness.



            There is some disagreement about whether a darkness- or daylight-enchanted object can be moved by somebody other than the caster without messing up the spell, so you might want to check with your DM, but the general consensus (and my personal interpretation) is that the clause about the spell "moving with" the item it's cast on makes it clear that the intent of the spell was to create an item that somebody else can then carry around with them.



            2: No, range only matters during the initial casting.



            The rule here is found in the last line of the Range section of the Player's Handbook spellcasting rules (p.202-203):




            Once a spell is cast, its effects aren't limited by its range, unless the spell's description says otherwise.




            3: Yes, concentration only ends under specific circumstances.



            Again, in the Player's Handbook spellcasting rules (p.203), it tells you specifically what ends concentration:



            • Casting another spell that requires concentration (even if you choose not to concentrate on the new spell)

            • Taking damage (if you fail a save)

            • Being incapacitated or killed

            • DM-selected environmental effects (if you fail a save)

            And of course any other effect that specifically says it can cause casters to lose concentration.



            Sharing senses is an action, but it isn't a spell and doesn't say it requires concentration, so it doesn't cause any difficulties.






            share|improve this answer











            $endgroup$








            • 1




              $begingroup$
              Would be nice to reference the question about carrying items enchanted by darkness: rpg.stackexchange.com/questions/119611/…
              $endgroup$
              – Miles Bedinger
              Jan 30 at 15:05










            • $begingroup$
              @MilesBedinger Okay.
              $endgroup$
              – Darth Pseudonym
              Jan 30 at 15:21










            • $begingroup$
              You get my +1 even though I disagree with you for the mention of the ambiguity of the language (something I struggle with mentioning myself)
              $endgroup$
              – David Coffron
              Jan 30 at 15:25
















            16












            $begingroup$

            1: No, but you can use an object to carry the darkness.



            The darkness spell targets a point in space or a point on an object that you are carrying or isn't being worn or carried, so an imp isn't a valid target.



            But you could cast it on a pebble, then give the pebble to your imp and let it carry that, and you'd get the same net effect. The darkness moves with the object you've cast it on, so your imp can carry the object around and be surrounded by a cloud of darkness.



            There is some disagreement about whether a darkness- or daylight-enchanted object can be moved by somebody other than the caster without messing up the spell, so you might want to check with your DM, but the general consensus (and my personal interpretation) is that the clause about the spell "moving with" the item it's cast on makes it clear that the intent of the spell was to create an item that somebody else can then carry around with them.



            2: No, range only matters during the initial casting.



            The rule here is found in the last line of the Range section of the Player's Handbook spellcasting rules (p.202-203):




            Once a spell is cast, its effects aren't limited by its range, unless the spell's description says otherwise.




            3: Yes, concentration only ends under specific circumstances.



            Again, in the Player's Handbook spellcasting rules (p.203), it tells you specifically what ends concentration:



            • Casting another spell that requires concentration (even if you choose not to concentrate on the new spell)

            • Taking damage (if you fail a save)

            • Being incapacitated or killed

            • DM-selected environmental effects (if you fail a save)

            And of course any other effect that specifically says it can cause casters to lose concentration.



            Sharing senses is an action, but it isn't a spell and doesn't say it requires concentration, so it doesn't cause any difficulties.






            share|improve this answer











            $endgroup$








            • 1




              $begingroup$
              Would be nice to reference the question about carrying items enchanted by darkness: rpg.stackexchange.com/questions/119611/…
              $endgroup$
              – Miles Bedinger
              Jan 30 at 15:05










            • $begingroup$
              @MilesBedinger Okay.
              $endgroup$
              – Darth Pseudonym
              Jan 30 at 15:21










            • $begingroup$
              You get my +1 even though I disagree with you for the mention of the ambiguity of the language (something I struggle with mentioning myself)
              $endgroup$
              – David Coffron
              Jan 30 at 15:25














            16












            16








            16





            $begingroup$

            1: No, but you can use an object to carry the darkness.



            The darkness spell targets a point in space or a point on an object that you are carrying or isn't being worn or carried, so an imp isn't a valid target.



            But you could cast it on a pebble, then give the pebble to your imp and let it carry that, and you'd get the same net effect. The darkness moves with the object you've cast it on, so your imp can carry the object around and be surrounded by a cloud of darkness.



            There is some disagreement about whether a darkness- or daylight-enchanted object can be moved by somebody other than the caster without messing up the spell, so you might want to check with your DM, but the general consensus (and my personal interpretation) is that the clause about the spell "moving with" the item it's cast on makes it clear that the intent of the spell was to create an item that somebody else can then carry around with them.



            2: No, range only matters during the initial casting.



            The rule here is found in the last line of the Range section of the Player's Handbook spellcasting rules (p.202-203):




            Once a spell is cast, its effects aren't limited by its range, unless the spell's description says otherwise.




            3: Yes, concentration only ends under specific circumstances.



            Again, in the Player's Handbook spellcasting rules (p.203), it tells you specifically what ends concentration:



            • Casting another spell that requires concentration (even if you choose not to concentrate on the new spell)

            • Taking damage (if you fail a save)

            • Being incapacitated or killed

            • DM-selected environmental effects (if you fail a save)

            And of course any other effect that specifically says it can cause casters to lose concentration.



            Sharing senses is an action, but it isn't a spell and doesn't say it requires concentration, so it doesn't cause any difficulties.






            share|improve this answer











            $endgroup$



            1: No, but you can use an object to carry the darkness.



            The darkness spell targets a point in space or a point on an object that you are carrying or isn't being worn or carried, so an imp isn't a valid target.



            But you could cast it on a pebble, then give the pebble to your imp and let it carry that, and you'd get the same net effect. The darkness moves with the object you've cast it on, so your imp can carry the object around and be surrounded by a cloud of darkness.



            There is some disagreement about whether a darkness- or daylight-enchanted object can be moved by somebody other than the caster without messing up the spell, so you might want to check with your DM, but the general consensus (and my personal interpretation) is that the clause about the spell "moving with" the item it's cast on makes it clear that the intent of the spell was to create an item that somebody else can then carry around with them.



            2: No, range only matters during the initial casting.



            The rule here is found in the last line of the Range section of the Player's Handbook spellcasting rules (p.202-203):




            Once a spell is cast, its effects aren't limited by its range, unless the spell's description says otherwise.




            3: Yes, concentration only ends under specific circumstances.



            Again, in the Player's Handbook spellcasting rules (p.203), it tells you specifically what ends concentration:



            • Casting another spell that requires concentration (even if you choose not to concentrate on the new spell)

            • Taking damage (if you fail a save)

            • Being incapacitated or killed

            • DM-selected environmental effects (if you fail a save)

            And of course any other effect that specifically says it can cause casters to lose concentration.



            Sharing senses is an action, but it isn't a spell and doesn't say it requires concentration, so it doesn't cause any difficulties.







            share|improve this answer














            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer








            edited Jan 30 at 17:25

























            answered Jan 30 at 15:02









            Darth PseudonymDarth Pseudonym

            13.8k33576




            13.8k33576







            • 1




              $begingroup$
              Would be nice to reference the question about carrying items enchanted by darkness: rpg.stackexchange.com/questions/119611/…
              $endgroup$
              – Miles Bedinger
              Jan 30 at 15:05










            • $begingroup$
              @MilesBedinger Okay.
              $endgroup$
              – Darth Pseudonym
              Jan 30 at 15:21










            • $begingroup$
              You get my +1 even though I disagree with you for the mention of the ambiguity of the language (something I struggle with mentioning myself)
              $endgroup$
              – David Coffron
              Jan 30 at 15:25













            • 1




              $begingroup$
              Would be nice to reference the question about carrying items enchanted by darkness: rpg.stackexchange.com/questions/119611/…
              $endgroup$
              – Miles Bedinger
              Jan 30 at 15:05










            • $begingroup$
              @MilesBedinger Okay.
              $endgroup$
              – Darth Pseudonym
              Jan 30 at 15:21










            • $begingroup$
              You get my +1 even though I disagree with you for the mention of the ambiguity of the language (something I struggle with mentioning myself)
              $endgroup$
              – David Coffron
              Jan 30 at 15:25








            1




            1




            $begingroup$
            Would be nice to reference the question about carrying items enchanted by darkness: rpg.stackexchange.com/questions/119611/…
            $endgroup$
            – Miles Bedinger
            Jan 30 at 15:05




            $begingroup$
            Would be nice to reference the question about carrying items enchanted by darkness: rpg.stackexchange.com/questions/119611/…
            $endgroup$
            – Miles Bedinger
            Jan 30 at 15:05












            $begingroup$
            @MilesBedinger Okay.
            $endgroup$
            – Darth Pseudonym
            Jan 30 at 15:21




            $begingroup$
            @MilesBedinger Okay.
            $endgroup$
            – Darth Pseudonym
            Jan 30 at 15:21












            $begingroup$
            You get my +1 even though I disagree with you for the mention of the ambiguity of the language (something I struggle with mentioning myself)
            $endgroup$
            – David Coffron
            Jan 30 at 15:25





            $begingroup$
            You get my +1 even though I disagree with you for the mention of the ambiguity of the language (something I struggle with mentioning myself)
            $endgroup$
            – David Coffron
            Jan 30 at 15:25














            2












            $begingroup$

            No.




            Darkness: Magical darkness spreads from a point you choose within range to fill a 15-foot-radius sphere for the duration... 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.




            An imp is a creature, not an object.






            share|improve this answer









            $endgroup$

















              2












              $begingroup$

              No.




              Darkness: Magical darkness spreads from a point you choose within range to fill a 15-foot-radius sphere for the duration... 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.




              An imp is a creature, not an object.






              share|improve this answer









              $endgroup$















                2












                2








                2





                $begingroup$

                No.




                Darkness: Magical darkness spreads from a point you choose within range to fill a 15-foot-radius sphere for the duration... 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.




                An imp is a creature, not an object.






                share|improve this answer









                $endgroup$



                No.




                Darkness: Magical darkness spreads from a point you choose within range to fill a 15-foot-radius sphere for the duration... 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.




                An imp is a creature, not an object.







                share|improve this answer












                share|improve this answer



                share|improve this answer










                answered Jan 30 at 14:51









                Miles BedingerMiles Bedinger

                3,304536




                3,304536





















                    2












                    $begingroup$

                    In short, no



                    Darkness must target...




                    a point you choose within range




                    ... and a creature (your imp) is not a point.



                    What about something the imp holds?



                    note: this is only one ruling; your GM may rule that another creature can move the object, in which case you can give your imp the object you cast darkness on to carry (see the other answers on the linked question above)



                    There is mention of targeting a point on an object, so you might suppose you can target an object the imp is holding...




                    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. 




                    ... but you have to be holding an object (or no one can hold it).



                    Once someone else picks up the object, the point is no longer on an...




                    object ... that isn't being worn or carried [by someone other than you]




                    ... and the darkness ceases to emanate from the object.



                    note: the darkness will still be there, it just won't be tied to the object anymore, so moving the object no longer moves the darkness



                    Moving out of range



                    If you were to target a point or object (or if a GM overruled so you could target a creature), then moving far enough to be out of the spell's range would not end the spell. From the Spellcasting rules:




                    Once a spell is cast, its effects aren't limited by its range, unless the spell's description says otherwise.




                    Concentration



                    There is no reason perceiving through your familiar's senses would explicitly restrict concentration. Only a few things can end Concentration (apart from willingly ending it):




                    • Casting another spell that requires Concentration...


                    • Taking damage...


                    • Being incapacitated or killed...




                    Perhaps a GM might...




                    decide that certain environmental phenomena, such as a wave crashing over you while you're on a storm-tossed ship, require you to succeed on a DC 10 Constitution saving throw to maintain concentration on a spell.




                    And use the blinding of your own senses as an environmental phenomena, but that is GM-dependent.






                    share|improve this answer











                    $endgroup$












                    • $begingroup$
                      Not sure what's wrong with this - the logical progression seems sound. But I may also need more coffee.
                      $endgroup$
                      – NautArch
                      Jan 30 at 15:09










                    • $begingroup$
                      Can you support the idea that moving an object that has darkness on it would make it an invalid target? The fact that it says casting it on an object makes it move with the object sounds like the intent is pretty clearly that a character other than the caster can move the object around and have the darkness follow them.
                      $endgroup$
                      – Darth Pseudonym
                      Jan 30 at 15:12






                    • 1




                      $begingroup$
                      @NautArch the contention is the same as this question. Notice my answer is different than the top one. I use the invalidated targets reasoning whereas the top answer treats the initial cast as the most vital aspect.
                      $endgroup$
                      – David Coffron
                      Jan 30 at 15:14






                    • 1




                      $begingroup$
                      @DarthPseudonym see the question (and my answer) I linked in my previous comment for my reasoning
                      $endgroup$
                      – David Coffron
                      Jan 30 at 15:16







                    • 4




                      $begingroup$
                      +1 - even though I personally disagree with the way you rule about other creatures being able to move the object, I think it is a valid reading of the rules and I like that you also explicitly refer to the alternate as being a viable reading. Given the unclarity of the issue with regards to targeting I think giving DM a scope of both options is the correct choice.
                      $endgroup$
                      – Rubiksmoose
                      Jan 30 at 16:40















                    2












                    $begingroup$

                    In short, no



                    Darkness must target...




                    a point you choose within range




                    ... and a creature (your imp) is not a point.



                    What about something the imp holds?



                    note: this is only one ruling; your GM may rule that another creature can move the object, in which case you can give your imp the object you cast darkness on to carry (see the other answers on the linked question above)



                    There is mention of targeting a point on an object, so you might suppose you can target an object the imp is holding...




                    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. 




                    ... but you have to be holding an object (or no one can hold it).



                    Once someone else picks up the object, the point is no longer on an...




                    object ... that isn't being worn or carried [by someone other than you]




                    ... and the darkness ceases to emanate from the object.



                    note: the darkness will still be there, it just won't be tied to the object anymore, so moving the object no longer moves the darkness



                    Moving out of range



                    If you were to target a point or object (or if a GM overruled so you could target a creature), then moving far enough to be out of the spell's range would not end the spell. From the Spellcasting rules:




                    Once a spell is cast, its effects aren't limited by its range, unless the spell's description says otherwise.




                    Concentration



                    There is no reason perceiving through your familiar's senses would explicitly restrict concentration. Only a few things can end Concentration (apart from willingly ending it):




                    • Casting another spell that requires Concentration...


                    • Taking damage...


                    • Being incapacitated or killed...




                    Perhaps a GM might...




                    decide that certain environmental phenomena, such as a wave crashing over you while you're on a storm-tossed ship, require you to succeed on a DC 10 Constitution saving throw to maintain concentration on a spell.




                    And use the blinding of your own senses as an environmental phenomena, but that is GM-dependent.






                    share|improve this answer











                    $endgroup$












                    • $begingroup$
                      Not sure what's wrong with this - the logical progression seems sound. But I may also need more coffee.
                      $endgroup$
                      – NautArch
                      Jan 30 at 15:09










                    • $begingroup$
                      Can you support the idea that moving an object that has darkness on it would make it an invalid target? The fact that it says casting it on an object makes it move with the object sounds like the intent is pretty clearly that a character other than the caster can move the object around and have the darkness follow them.
                      $endgroup$
                      – Darth Pseudonym
                      Jan 30 at 15:12






                    • 1




                      $begingroup$
                      @NautArch the contention is the same as this question. Notice my answer is different than the top one. I use the invalidated targets reasoning whereas the top answer treats the initial cast as the most vital aspect.
                      $endgroup$
                      – David Coffron
                      Jan 30 at 15:14






                    • 1




                      $begingroup$
                      @DarthPseudonym see the question (and my answer) I linked in my previous comment for my reasoning
                      $endgroup$
                      – David Coffron
                      Jan 30 at 15:16







                    • 4




                      $begingroup$
                      +1 - even though I personally disagree with the way you rule about other creatures being able to move the object, I think it is a valid reading of the rules and I like that you also explicitly refer to the alternate as being a viable reading. Given the unclarity of the issue with regards to targeting I think giving DM a scope of both options is the correct choice.
                      $endgroup$
                      – Rubiksmoose
                      Jan 30 at 16:40













                    2












                    2








                    2





                    $begingroup$

                    In short, no



                    Darkness must target...




                    a point you choose within range




                    ... and a creature (your imp) is not a point.



                    What about something the imp holds?



                    note: this is only one ruling; your GM may rule that another creature can move the object, in which case you can give your imp the object you cast darkness on to carry (see the other answers on the linked question above)



                    There is mention of targeting a point on an object, so you might suppose you can target an object the imp is holding...




                    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. 




                    ... but you have to be holding an object (or no one can hold it).



                    Once someone else picks up the object, the point is no longer on an...




                    object ... that isn't being worn or carried [by someone other than you]




                    ... and the darkness ceases to emanate from the object.



                    note: the darkness will still be there, it just won't be tied to the object anymore, so moving the object no longer moves the darkness



                    Moving out of range



                    If you were to target a point or object (or if a GM overruled so you could target a creature), then moving far enough to be out of the spell's range would not end the spell. From the Spellcasting rules:




                    Once a spell is cast, its effects aren't limited by its range, unless the spell's description says otherwise.




                    Concentration



                    There is no reason perceiving through your familiar's senses would explicitly restrict concentration. Only a few things can end Concentration (apart from willingly ending it):




                    • Casting another spell that requires Concentration...


                    • Taking damage...


                    • Being incapacitated or killed...




                    Perhaps a GM might...




                    decide that certain environmental phenomena, such as a wave crashing over you while you're on a storm-tossed ship, require you to succeed on a DC 10 Constitution saving throw to maintain concentration on a spell.




                    And use the blinding of your own senses as an environmental phenomena, but that is GM-dependent.






                    share|improve this answer











                    $endgroup$



                    In short, no



                    Darkness must target...




                    a point you choose within range




                    ... and a creature (your imp) is not a point.



                    What about something the imp holds?



                    note: this is only one ruling; your GM may rule that another creature can move the object, in which case you can give your imp the object you cast darkness on to carry (see the other answers on the linked question above)



                    There is mention of targeting a point on an object, so you might suppose you can target an object the imp is holding...




                    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. 




                    ... but you have to be holding an object (or no one can hold it).



                    Once someone else picks up the object, the point is no longer on an...




                    object ... that isn't being worn or carried [by someone other than you]




                    ... and the darkness ceases to emanate from the object.



                    note: the darkness will still be there, it just won't be tied to the object anymore, so moving the object no longer moves the darkness



                    Moving out of range



                    If you were to target a point or object (or if a GM overruled so you could target a creature), then moving far enough to be out of the spell's range would not end the spell. From the Spellcasting rules:




                    Once a spell is cast, its effects aren't limited by its range, unless the spell's description says otherwise.




                    Concentration



                    There is no reason perceiving through your familiar's senses would explicitly restrict concentration. Only a few things can end Concentration (apart from willingly ending it):




                    • Casting another spell that requires Concentration...


                    • Taking damage...


                    • Being incapacitated or killed...




                    Perhaps a GM might...




                    decide that certain environmental phenomena, such as a wave crashing over you while you're on a storm-tossed ship, require you to succeed on a DC 10 Constitution saving throw to maintain concentration on a spell.




                    And use the blinding of your own senses as an environmental phenomena, but that is GM-dependent.







                    share|improve this answer














                    share|improve this answer



                    share|improve this answer








                    edited Jan 30 at 20:00

























                    answered Jan 30 at 14:49









                    David CoffronDavid Coffron

                    36k3123249




                    36k3123249











                    • $begingroup$
                      Not sure what's wrong with this - the logical progression seems sound. But I may also need more coffee.
                      $endgroup$
                      – NautArch
                      Jan 30 at 15:09










                    • $begingroup$
                      Can you support the idea that moving an object that has darkness on it would make it an invalid target? The fact that it says casting it on an object makes it move with the object sounds like the intent is pretty clearly that a character other than the caster can move the object around and have the darkness follow them.
                      $endgroup$
                      – Darth Pseudonym
                      Jan 30 at 15:12






                    • 1




                      $begingroup$
                      @NautArch the contention is the same as this question. Notice my answer is different than the top one. I use the invalidated targets reasoning whereas the top answer treats the initial cast as the most vital aspect.
                      $endgroup$
                      – David Coffron
                      Jan 30 at 15:14






                    • 1




                      $begingroup$
                      @DarthPseudonym see the question (and my answer) I linked in my previous comment for my reasoning
                      $endgroup$
                      – David Coffron
                      Jan 30 at 15:16







                    • 4




                      $begingroup$
                      +1 - even though I personally disagree with the way you rule about other creatures being able to move the object, I think it is a valid reading of the rules and I like that you also explicitly refer to the alternate as being a viable reading. Given the unclarity of the issue with regards to targeting I think giving DM a scope of both options is the correct choice.
                      $endgroup$
                      – Rubiksmoose
                      Jan 30 at 16:40
















                    • $begingroup$
                      Not sure what's wrong with this - the logical progression seems sound. But I may also need more coffee.
                      $endgroup$
                      – NautArch
                      Jan 30 at 15:09










                    • $begingroup$
                      Can you support the idea that moving an object that has darkness on it would make it an invalid target? The fact that it says casting it on an object makes it move with the object sounds like the intent is pretty clearly that a character other than the caster can move the object around and have the darkness follow them.
                      $endgroup$
                      – Darth Pseudonym
                      Jan 30 at 15:12






                    • 1




                      $begingroup$
                      @NautArch the contention is the same as this question. Notice my answer is different than the top one. I use the invalidated targets reasoning whereas the top answer treats the initial cast as the most vital aspect.
                      $endgroup$
                      – David Coffron
                      Jan 30 at 15:14






                    • 1




                      $begingroup$
                      @DarthPseudonym see the question (and my answer) I linked in my previous comment for my reasoning
                      $endgroup$
                      – David Coffron
                      Jan 30 at 15:16







                    • 4




                      $begingroup$
                      +1 - even though I personally disagree with the way you rule about other creatures being able to move the object, I think it is a valid reading of the rules and I like that you also explicitly refer to the alternate as being a viable reading. Given the unclarity of the issue with regards to targeting I think giving DM a scope of both options is the correct choice.
                      $endgroup$
                      – Rubiksmoose
                      Jan 30 at 16:40















                    $begingroup$
                    Not sure what's wrong with this - the logical progression seems sound. But I may also need more coffee.
                    $endgroup$
                    – NautArch
                    Jan 30 at 15:09




                    $begingroup$
                    Not sure what's wrong with this - the logical progression seems sound. But I may also need more coffee.
                    $endgroup$
                    – NautArch
                    Jan 30 at 15:09












                    $begingroup$
                    Can you support the idea that moving an object that has darkness on it would make it an invalid target? The fact that it says casting it on an object makes it move with the object sounds like the intent is pretty clearly that a character other than the caster can move the object around and have the darkness follow them.
                    $endgroup$
                    – Darth Pseudonym
                    Jan 30 at 15:12




                    $begingroup$
                    Can you support the idea that moving an object that has darkness on it would make it an invalid target? The fact that it says casting it on an object makes it move with the object sounds like the intent is pretty clearly that a character other than the caster can move the object around and have the darkness follow them.
                    $endgroup$
                    – Darth Pseudonym
                    Jan 30 at 15:12




                    1




                    1




                    $begingroup$
                    @NautArch the contention is the same as this question. Notice my answer is different than the top one. I use the invalidated targets reasoning whereas the top answer treats the initial cast as the most vital aspect.
                    $endgroup$
                    – David Coffron
                    Jan 30 at 15:14




                    $begingroup$
                    @NautArch the contention is the same as this question. Notice my answer is different than the top one. I use the invalidated targets reasoning whereas the top answer treats the initial cast as the most vital aspect.
                    $endgroup$
                    – David Coffron
                    Jan 30 at 15:14




                    1




                    1




                    $begingroup$
                    @DarthPseudonym see the question (and my answer) I linked in my previous comment for my reasoning
                    $endgroup$
                    – David Coffron
                    Jan 30 at 15:16





                    $begingroup$
                    @DarthPseudonym see the question (and my answer) I linked in my previous comment for my reasoning
                    $endgroup$
                    – David Coffron
                    Jan 30 at 15:16





                    4




                    4




                    $begingroup$
                    +1 - even though I personally disagree with the way you rule about other creatures being able to move the object, I think it is a valid reading of the rules and I like that you also explicitly refer to the alternate as being a viable reading. Given the unclarity of the issue with regards to targeting I think giving DM a scope of both options is the correct choice.
                    $endgroup$
                    – Rubiksmoose
                    Jan 30 at 16:40




                    $begingroup$
                    +1 - even though I personally disagree with the way you rule about other creatures being able to move the object, I think it is a valid reading of the rules and I like that you also explicitly refer to the alternate as being a viable reading. Given the unclarity of the issue with regards to targeting I think giving DM a scope of both options is the correct choice.
                    $endgroup$
                    – Rubiksmoose
                    Jan 30 at 16:40

















                    draft saved

                    draft discarded
















































                    Thanks for contributing an answer to Role-playing Games Stack Exchange!


                    • Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!

                    But avoid


                    • Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.

                    • Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.

                    Use MathJax to format equations. MathJax reference.


                    To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.




                    draft saved


                    draft discarded














                    StackExchange.ready(
                    function ()
                    StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2frpg.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f140188%2fcan-i-cast-darkness-on-my-imp-familiar%23new-answer', 'question_page');

                    );

                    Post as a guest















                    Required, but never shown





















































                    Required, but never shown














                    Required, but never shown












                    Required, but never shown







                    Required, but never shown

































                    Required, but never shown














                    Required, but never shown












                    Required, but never shown







                    Required, but never shown






                    Popular posts from this blog

                    How to check contact read email or not when send email to Individual?

                    Displaying single band from multi-band raster using QGIS

                    How many registers does an x86_64 CPU actually have?