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Can Bigby's Hand attempt Strength and Dexterity saves?
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The spell description for Bigby's Hand (PHB, 218) states:
The hand is an object that has AC20 and hit points equal to your hit point maximum. If it drops to 0 hit points, the spell ends. It has a Strength of 26 (+8) and a Dexterity of 10 (+0). The hand doesn't fill its space.
The PHB states the following regarding objects on page 185:
Objects are immune to poison and psychic damage, but otherwise can be affected by physical and magical attacks much like creatures can...Objects always fail Strength and Dexterity saving throws, and they are immune to effects that require other saves.
The DMG states the following regarding objects on page 247:
Objects are immune to poison and psychic damage. (there is no mention of auto-failing Strength and Dexterity saves)
As written, Bigby's Hand appears to deviate from other types of objects as it has both a Strength and Dexterity score, which seems to suggest it can attempt and succeed at those associated saves, though this would contradict the PHB's statement regarding objects.
As an object, can Bigby's Hand attempt and succeed at Strength and Dexterity saving throws?
dnd-5e spells
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NautArch
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asked 3 hours ago
Pyrotechnical
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up vote
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The spell description for Bigby's Hand (PHB, 218) states:
The hand is an object that has AC20 and hit points equal to your hit point maximum. If it drops to 0 hit points, the spell ends. It has a Strength of 26 (+8) and a Dexterity of 10 (+0). The hand doesn't fill its space.
The PHB states the following regarding objects on page 185:
Objects are immune to poison and psychic damage, but otherwise can be affected by physical and magical attacks much like creatures can...Objects always fail Strength and Dexterity saving throws, and they are immune to effects that require other saves.
The DMG states the following regarding objects on page 247:
Objects are immune to poison and psychic damage. (there is no mention of auto-failing Strength and Dexterity saves)
As written, Bigby's Hand appears to deviate from other types of objects as it has both a Strength and Dexterity score, which seems to suggest it can attempt and succeed at those associated saves, though this would contradict the PHB's statement regarding objects.
As an object, can Bigby's Hand attempt and succeed at Strength and Dexterity saving throws?
dnd-5e spells
edited 1 hour ago
NautArch
47.7k6168322
asked 3 hours ago
Pyrotechnical
12.6k349121
@NautArch The litany of damage dealing evocation spells do not exempt objects from suffering damage, just indicates whether they catch fire or not. As Bigby's hand has defined hit points, it can be targeted and much more rapidly whittled down using those spells if it gets no save. That said, Faerie Fire, Fire Storm expressly indicate damaging objects, but I could see most DMs permitting the use of fireball against non-flammable objects within range (perhaps try to roast a bunch of a goblins and blow out the glass window behind them while escaping).
– Pyrotechnical
2 hours ago
Also, various traps may require a save for things passing through them.
– Pyrotechnical
2 hours ago
1
Reread firestorm, "The fire damages objects in the area and ignites flammable objects..."
– Pyrotechnical
1 hour ago
You are correct sir, mea culpa.
– NautArch
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
favorite
up vote
2
down vote
favorite
The spell description for Bigby's Hand (PHB, 218) states:
The hand is an object that has AC20 and hit points equal to your hit point maximum. If it drops to 0 hit points, the spell ends. It has a Strength of 26 (+8) and a Dexterity of 10 (+0). The hand doesn't fill its space.
The PHB states the following regarding objects on page 185:
Objects are immune to poison and psychic damage, but otherwise can be affected by physical and magical attacks much like creatures can...Objects always fail Strength and Dexterity saving throws, and they are immune to effects that require other saves.
The DMG states the following regarding objects on page 247:
Objects are immune to poison and psychic damage. (there is no mention of auto-failing Strength and Dexterity saves)
As written, Bigby's Hand appears to deviate from other types of objects as it has both a Strength and Dexterity score, which seems to suggest it can attempt and succeed at those associated saves, though this would contradict the PHB's statement regarding objects.
As an object, can Bigby's Hand attempt and succeed at Strength and Dexterity saving throws?
dnd-5e spells
edited 1 hour ago
NautArch
47.7k6168322
asked 3 hours ago
Pyrotechnical
12.6k349121
The spell description for Bigby's Hand (PHB, 218) states:
The hand is an object that has AC20 and hit points equal to your hit point maximum. If it drops to 0 hit points, the spell ends. It has a Strength of 26 (+8) and a Dexterity of 10 (+0). The hand doesn't fill its space.
The PHB states the following regarding objects on page 185:
Objects are immune to poison and psychic damage, but otherwise can be affected by physical and magical attacks much like creatures can...Objects always fail Strength and Dexterity saving throws, and they are immune to effects that require other saves.
The DMG states the following regarding objects on page 247:
Objects are immune to poison and psychic damage. (there is no mention of auto-failing Strength and Dexterity saves)
As written, Bigby's Hand appears to deviate from other types of objects as it has both a Strength and Dexterity score, which seems to suggest it can attempt and succeed at those associated saves, though this would contradict the PHB's statement regarding objects.
As an object, can Bigby's Hand attempt and succeed at Strength and Dexterity saving throws?
dnd-5e spells
dnd-5e spells
edited 1 hour ago
NautArch
47.7k6168322
asked 3 hours ago
Pyrotechnical
12.6k349121
edited 1 hour ago
NautArch
47.7k6168322
asked 3 hours ago
Pyrotechnical
12.6k349121
edited 1 hour ago
NautArch
47.7k6168322
edited 1 hour ago
NautArch
47.7k6168322
edited 1 hour ago
NautArch
47.7k6168322
47.7k6168322
asked 3 hours ago
Pyrotechnical
12.6k349121
asked 3 hours ago
Pyrotechnical
12.6k349121
asked 3 hours ago
Pyrotechnical
12.6k349121
12.6k349121
@NautArch The litany of damage dealing evocation spells do not exempt objects from suffering damage, just indicates whether they catch fire or not. As Bigby's hand has defined hit points, it can be targeted and much more rapidly whittled down using those spells if it gets no save. That said, Faerie Fire, Fire Storm expressly indicate damaging objects, but I could see most DMs permitting the use of fireball against non-flammable objects within range (perhaps try to roast a bunch of a goblins and blow out the glass window behind them while escaping).
– Pyrotechnical
2 hours ago
Also, various traps may require a save for things passing through them.
– Pyrotechnical
2 hours ago
1
Reread firestorm, "The fire damages objects in the area and ignites flammable objects..."
– Pyrotechnical
1 hour ago
You are correct sir, mea culpa.
– NautArch
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
@NautArch The litany of damage dealing evocation spells do not exempt objects from suffering damage, just indicates whether they catch fire or not. As Bigby's hand has defined hit points, it can be targeted and much more rapidly whittled down using those spells if it gets no save. That said, Faerie Fire, Fire Storm expressly indicate damaging objects, but I could see most DMs permitting the use of fireball against non-flammable objects within range (perhaps try to roast a bunch of a goblins and blow out the glass window behind them while escaping).
– Pyrotechnical
2 hours ago
Also, various traps may require a save for things passing through them.
– Pyrotechnical
2 hours ago
1
Reread firestorm, "The fire damages objects in the area and ignites flammable objects..."
– Pyrotechnical
1 hour ago
You are correct sir, mea culpa.
– NautArch
1 hour ago
@NautArch The litany of damage dealing evocation spells do not exempt objects from suffering damage, just indicates whether they catch fire or not. As Bigby's hand has defined hit points, it can be targeted and much more rapidly whittled down using those spells if it gets no save. That said, Faerie Fire, Fire Storm expressly indicate damaging objects, but I could see most DMs permitting the use of fireball against non-flammable objects within range (perhaps try to roast a bunch of a goblins and blow out the glass window behind them while escaping).
– Pyrotechnical
2 hours ago
@NautArch The litany of damage dealing evocation spells do not exempt objects from suffering damage, just indicates whether they catch fire or not. As Bigby's hand has defined hit points, it can be targeted and much more rapidly whittled down using those spells if it gets no save. That said, Faerie Fire, Fire Storm expressly indicate damaging objects, but I could see most DMs permitting the use of fireball against non-flammable objects within range (perhaps try to roast a bunch of a goblins and blow out the glass window behind them while escaping).
– Pyrotechnical
2 hours ago
Also, various traps may require a save for things passing through them.
– Pyrotechnical
2 hours ago
Also, various traps may require a save for things passing through them.
– Pyrotechnical
2 hours ago
1
1
Reread firestorm, "The fire damages objects in the area and ignites flammable objects..."
– Pyrotechnical
1 hour ago
Reread firestorm, "The fire damages objects in the area and ignites flammable objects..."
– Pyrotechnical
1 hour ago
You are correct sir, mea culpa.
– NautArch
1 hour ago
You are correct sir, mea culpa.
– NautArch
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
1 Answer
1
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votes
up vote
7
down vote
Bigby's Hand Always Fails STR and DEX Saving Throws
Objects always fail.
Assigning stats does not specify that an object can make saving throws. It is not a more specific statement that would then follow the specific beats general pattern.
Objects always fail Strength and Dexterity saving throws, and they are immune to effects that require other saves.
Narrating Saving Throw Mechanic
Bigby's Hand and other objects with stats could be narrated as not having the situational awareness nor independence of movement required to attempt to dodge, duck, dive, dip, or dodge.
Animate Objects as Counter Example
An example of a spell that creates objects with saving throws, is animate objects. It not only assigns stats, but also explicitly states the animated objects are creatures.
Each target animates and becomes a creature under your control until the spell ends or until reduced to 0 hit points.
... An animated object is a construct with AC, hit points, attacks, Strength, and Dexterity determined by its size.
edited 1 hour ago
NautArch
47.7k6168322
answered 3 hours ago
Grosscol
5,8351349
Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
– doppelspooker♦
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
7
down vote
Bigby's Hand Always Fails STR and DEX Saving Throws
Objects always fail.
Assigning stats does not specify that an object can make saving throws. It is not a more specific statement that would then follow the specific beats general pattern.
Objects always fail Strength and Dexterity saving throws, and they are immune to effects that require other saves.
Narrating Saving Throw Mechanic
Bigby's Hand and other objects with stats could be narrated as not having the situational awareness nor independence of movement required to attempt to dodge, duck, dive, dip, or dodge.
Animate Objects as Counter Example
An example of a spell that creates objects with saving throws, is animate objects. It not only assigns stats, but also explicitly states the animated objects are creatures.
Each target animates and becomes a creature under your control until the spell ends or until reduced to 0 hit points.
... An animated object is a construct with AC, hit points, attacks, Strength, and Dexterity determined by its size.
edited 1 hour ago
NautArch
47.7k6168322
answered 3 hours ago
Grosscol
5,8351349
Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
– doppelspooker♦
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
7
down vote
Bigby's Hand Always Fails STR and DEX Saving Throws
Objects always fail.
Assigning stats does not specify that an object can make saving throws. It is not a more specific statement that would then follow the specific beats general pattern.
Objects always fail Strength and Dexterity saving throws, and they are immune to effects that require other saves.
Narrating Saving Throw Mechanic
Bigby's Hand and other objects with stats could be narrated as not having the situational awareness nor independence of movement required to attempt to dodge, duck, dive, dip, or dodge.
Animate Objects as Counter Example
An example of a spell that creates objects with saving throws, is animate objects. It not only assigns stats, but also explicitly states the animated objects are creatures.
Each target animates and becomes a creature under your control until the spell ends or until reduced to 0 hit points.
... An animated object is a construct with AC, hit points, attacks, Strength, and Dexterity determined by its size.
edited 1 hour ago
NautArch
47.7k6168322
answered 3 hours ago
Grosscol
5,8351349
Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
– doppelspooker♦
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
7
down vote
up vote
7
down vote
Bigby's Hand Always Fails STR and DEX Saving Throws
Objects always fail.
Assigning stats does not specify that an object can make saving throws. It is not a more specific statement that would then follow the specific beats general pattern.
Objects always fail Strength and Dexterity saving throws, and they are immune to effects that require other saves.
Narrating Saving Throw Mechanic
Bigby's Hand and other objects with stats could be narrated as not having the situational awareness nor independence of movement required to attempt to dodge, duck, dive, dip, or dodge.
Animate Objects as Counter Example
An example of a spell that creates objects with saving throws, is animate objects. It not only assigns stats, but also explicitly states the animated objects are creatures.
Each target animates and becomes a creature under your control until the spell ends or until reduced to 0 hit points.
... An animated object is a construct with AC, hit points, attacks, Strength, and Dexterity determined by its size.
edited 1 hour ago
NautArch
47.7k6168322
answered 3 hours ago
Grosscol
5,8351349
Bigby's Hand Always Fails STR and DEX Saving Throws
Objects always fail.
Assigning stats does not specify that an object can make saving throws. It is not a more specific statement that would then follow the specific beats general pattern.
Objects always fail Strength and Dexterity saving throws, and they are immune to effects that require other saves.
Narrating Saving Throw Mechanic
Bigby's Hand and other objects with stats could be narrated as not having the situational awareness nor independence of movement required to attempt to dodge, duck, dive, dip, or dodge.
Animate Objects as Counter Example
An example of a spell that creates objects with saving throws, is animate objects. It not only assigns stats, but also explicitly states the animated objects are creatures.
Each target animates and becomes a creature under your control until the spell ends or until reduced to 0 hit points.
... An animated object is a construct with AC, hit points, attacks, Strength, and Dexterity determined by its size.
edited 1 hour ago
NautArch
47.7k6168322
answered 3 hours ago
Grosscol
5,8351349
edited 1 hour ago
NautArch
47.7k6168322
edited 1 hour ago
NautArch
47.7k6168322
edited 1 hour ago
NautArch
47.7k6168322
47.7k6168322
answered 3 hours ago
Grosscol
5,8351349
answered 3 hours ago
Grosscol
5,8351349
answered 3 hours ago
Grosscol
5,8351349
5,8351349
Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
– doppelspooker♦
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
– doppelspooker♦
1 hour ago
Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
– doppelspooker♦
1 hour ago
Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
– doppelspooker♦
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
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@NautArch The litany of damage dealing evocation spells do not exempt objects from suffering damage, just indicates whether they catch fire or not. As Bigby's hand has defined hit points, it can be targeted and much more rapidly whittled down using those spells if it gets no save. That said, Faerie Fire, Fire Storm expressly indicate damaging objects, but I could see most DMs permitting the use of fireball against non-flammable objects within range (perhaps try to roast a bunch of a goblins and blow out the glass window behind them while escaping).
– Pyrotechnical
2 hours ago
Also, various traps may require a save for things passing through them.
– Pyrotechnical
2 hours ago
1
Reread firestorm, "The fire damages objects in the area and ignites flammable objects..."
– Pyrotechnical
1 hour ago
You are correct sir, mea culpa.
– NautArch
1 hour ago