Black Tentacles vs Spectral Hand

[Devilkiller]

The Black Tentacles spell is described as reaching for, targeting, and attacking a "creature" or "creatures". Spectral Hand doesn't seem to be a "creature" though, especially since its description states, "The hand cannot flank targets like a creature can."

Nevertheless, since BT is a magical effect the idea came up that it might be able to affect the incorporeal hand. I suppose there are two questions here:
#1 - Can Black Tentacles grapple incorporeal foes?
#2 - Would Black Tentacles attack a Spectral Hand even though it isn't technically a creature?

[TyrKnight]

1, Incorporeal creatures cannot make trip or grapple attacks, nor can they be tripped or grappled. That's simple to find in the incorporeal description, by the way.

2. Spectral hand is a spell effect. It can't be attacked. Just like flaming sphere can't be grappled. Just like black tentacles can't grapple some other caster's black tentacles.

[M O H N]

Hi Devilkiller,

Lets see,

#1 - Can Black Tentacles grapple incorporeal foes?

#2 - Would Black Tentacles attack a Spectral Hand even though it isn't technically a creature?

My Best Answer to both questions: No. Here is why...

A #1). The spell description of Black Tentacles gives no mention of being able to attack anything incorporeal, nor does Black Tentacles have the force descriptor (which would make further notation unnecessary). I would rule it cannot affect incorporeal creatures without the aid of another spell or a feat like Ectoplasmic Spell.

A #2). Black Tentacles specifically (and several times repeats) that it affects creatures, and never once mentions that the spell attacks other spells.
That said, a Black Tentacles would not attack a Spectral Hand or a Wall of Fire cast in the center of it. It could, however, attack creature conjured with Summon Monster, as the spell actually summons a physical creature.