What is the point of origin for a hydraulic push

[Mage Evolving]

What is the point of origin for a hydraulic push? Does it come from the caster or does it originate anywhere in the area of the spell?

[pobbes]

Mage Evolving wrote:

What is the point of origin for a hydraulic push? Does it come from the caster or does it originate anywhere in the area of the spell?

No, it originates from the caster and the target can be anywhere in range. They get bullrushed away from the caster.

[Mage Evolving]

That's what I always assumed but it doesn't say anything of the sort in the spell description just wanted to double check. Does that mean you can only bullrush them in a single direction?

[HaraldKlak]

While it seems more fitting that the water originates from you, nothing in the spell suggest that.
The fact that it is close range instead of a line, suggest that it can originate from anywhere within the range (in fact, it only affects the chosen creature or square, so that is the location of the water).
As written, the spell does not require that you have 'free passage' to the target (other than line of effect).

As such there isn't anything requiring you to bull rush the target in any specific direction.

[StreamOfTheSky]

I asked that question on ENWorld about a year ago, myself firmly believing it could come from anywhere within spell range and bull rush in any direction, but others disagreeing...

[Mikaze]

I can't help but suspect that most of those wanting to use hyrdraulic push coming from points other than themselves really wanted to have some Avatar-style water bending visuals going.

Also suspect that people that wanted "water-bender" style options were the ones most excited about hydraulic push. I'd allow it.

[pobbes]

Actually, Harald may be right. I was basing my opinion off the fact that hydraulic push is a lesser version of hydraulic torrent which is a line. It seems a benefit of the text is that it could be used to push the target in any direction. Nice catch.