_Ozy_ |
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Kinda lame. Also incorrect from the RAW.
A better solution would be to place either pillars or stalactites around the room, so their view would be limited. That way they get some information, but you can still hide a little bit from them.
Also, if the wall is thick, the hole they well be able to create will be small, so the field of view won't be very good either.
Let's say they are 5th level, that's 15 cubic feet. So, for a 5' thick wall, they can do a 1' x 1' hole, which would give them ~12 degrees of view.
BretI |
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Agreed, let them use their abilities unless there is a very strong reason that the people who built the area are security conscious.
Leave the tricks such as lead plating, tapestries on the walls, special materials, etc for places that people spent a lot of time and money protecting.
jbadams |
Agreed with the above, this is an intended use of the spell, and if the players are inclined to cast a 3rd of 4th level spell for this I'd let them.
If you're worried about a particular surprise being spoiled simply use a non-stone wall, or a covering such as a tapestry to make the task more difficult.
You could also consider consequences such as an enemy attacking through the hole, the enemy being aware and preparing for the PCs arrival, or similar.
Ravingdork |
Just keep track of the volume limitations. They might not be able to do this to especially thick walls. If the hole is small and the tunnel long, and light conditions poor, it might not help them much. Worse, the formation of the hole might tip off the enemies on the other end (who can potentially look back or take offensive action).
Also recall that the line fo effect rules in the Core Rulebook's Magic chapter says the following:
An otherwise solid barrier with a hole of at least 1 square foot through it does not block a spell's line of effect. Such an opening means that the 5-foot length of wall containing the hole is no longer considered a barrier for purposes of a spell's line of effect.
This means that certain attack forms through the hole might not even be possible if it isn't large and obvious.
Magically drilling holes could cause other problems as well. What happens if they accidentally open up a deadly gas pocket, into an underground river, or lava flow? The narrow opening could create a pressurized geyser that quickly floods their tunnel (and also makes a lot of noise, alerting surrounding enemies).
DM Livgin |
As others have said: they are using resources creativity and it is not overpowered for the spell slot they are expending. Let them be heros and get their win.
Now if the Builders really wanted to protect that room, they would have laired the walls in wood and lead in addition to stone. And their are certain locations where this is justified, but apply this with discretion having every room magic proofed breaks immersion and will feel cheap.