Can snapdragon fireworks be used to set things on fire? Or does it only ever harm creatures?
I have a player in Skull and Shackles who wants to use it to set enemy ships' sails ablaze.
I don't see why not, it deals fire damage. That said, I don't think it would be a very effective way of lighting things on fire. Anything with hardness isn't going to be harmed by it at all (half damage, so max of 2, then apply hardness).
I'm guessing sails don't have a hardness, so they would take at most 1-2 points of fire damage from the attack. Are there rules in Skull and Shackles for burning sails? I have never played it. I would assume you need to do X amount of fire damage before they start burning.
Certain energy attacks are more potent against certain materials. As GM I'm pretty lenient about that sort of thing.
Also, snapdragon fireworks says that CREATURES in the area take fire damage, with no mention of anything else being harmed.
Not so clear cut, which is why I asked. :P
Ahh, Yea, I see that. Still, I think the most objective way of looking at it would be "Could Fireworks set a sail on fire" for that, I would say yes, but normal object rules apply. Considering Snapdragon fireworks does less damage then alch. fire, I would apply the half damage to objects rule.
I'm sure I read somewhere that fire effects that only last 1 round don't normally set things on fire, but I can't find it now.
I'm sure I read somewhere that fire effects that only last 1 round don't normally set things on fire, but I can't find it now.
I was thinking that too actually. Magical fires tend to go boom and they're gone, though a few spells allow an alchemical power component. Flaming Sphere notably sets fire to everything it touches, and alchemist fire added it lets it set foes on fire.
Its in the catching on fire rules in environment. It says an Instantaneous effect will generally not set a character on fire.
I'm of the opinion dry, flammable, unattended objects are still at risk, I mean, come on, you're telling me a 10d6 fireball isn't going to ignite a thatch roof? But that's why I apply the damage to objects rule... Half damage (if appropriate, otherwise full), then Hardness.. if the object takes damage, then it may catch fire (If it does, i generally apply 1d6 damage, ignoring hardness, each round).
This is only when its really important to know if/when/how long something is burning. Otherwise I just wing it.
I'm of the opinion dry, flammable, unattended objects are still at risk, I mean, come on, you're telling me a 10d6 fireball isn't going to ignite a thatch roof?
Actually I'd tell you a wizard did it. I'm not against ruling it differently, if only because collateral damage is entertaining.
As I got it magical fire is usually an instantaneous effect appearing and disappearing swiftly and does not by default start fires. Basically I'd rule it as less effective than a torch for setting ablaze stuff but anything that is especially flammable might still catch fire, normal wood and most clothing probably not, exceptionally dry wood, oil, dry paper or exposed gunpowder, yes.
I'm of the opinion dry, flammable, unattended objects are still at risk, I mean, come on, you're telling me a 10d6 fireball isn't going to ignite a thatch roof?Actually I'd tell you a wizard did it. I'm not against ruling it differently, if only because collateral damage is entertaining.
I'd probably tell you that it's not on fire, because the thatch was vaporized with that much fire hitting it.
BTW, things of references.... Page 11 sidebar of S&S players guide. "Sails and Rigging take double damage from fire attacks."
Page 16 deals with fire itself which is (basically) Fort save. DC 10 + fire damage dealt each time a ship takes fire damage or the ship catches fire.
However, page 17 in Magic does NOT list Snapdragon Fireworks as an effect that can set a ship on fire, but I don't see a lot of 'non-core' spells on that list anyway, so that's a little inconclusive. Incidentally, things like fireball and other 'instant' fire spells are listed as "can set things on fire" here.
Back on track.... Strict RAW, Snapdragon specifies creatures in that square, not creatures and objects etc etc. That would mean no.
I think that's kinda stupid. I'd play it as YES he can target the rigging doing double damage to the rigging itself, but only fire attacks that deal fire damage (after hardness and so forth) to the ship itself (not just targeting the rigging) can set the boat alight. Given the D4 damage vs hardness and half damage.... not going to happen any time soon.
I think flaming sphere is a good way to start fires, snap dragon not so much. Any magical fire with instantaneous effect should not cause fires in most cases but those with duration could, a lingering fireball I'd rule does set things on fire but a normal fireball doesn't (except oil and other fire starter materials), specific exceptions should be mentioned in the spell.