Question about Reach Spell

[Curgyr]

Hello!

I have a player looking to make a Bard and he's got some questions about Reach Spell. I think I know the answer, but we were wanting some clarification. It states that it increases the range of spells that have a range by 30 feet. He wants to know what effect that has on, say, Grim Tendrils, which does not explicitly have range but has an area.

I'd think the answer is "it does nothing" - and I'm almost entirely sure the answer isn't "60ft line" - but I also thought an argument could be made for starting the 30ft line anywhere within 30ft as opposed to originating from the caster. The rules for range and area states that an area spell with a range can center/begin its area from any space within range. The rules for increasing the range of Touch spells state you increase range from 0. Technically, "Touch" is a specified range - so the spell "has a range" to satisfy the requirement of Reach Spell - but I suppose an entertaining argument could be that spells like Grim Tendril are also "Range 0" spells that can become spells with an area (that isn't effected by Reach Spell) and a Range of 30ft.

Like I said, I'm pretty sure I know what the answer is. But... thoughts?

[Ediwir]

No, Reach does not help Grim Tendrils. For those kind of spells, you'd be looking at Widen Spell, which unfortunately is not a Bard option (an intended effect. Bards have very little spellcasting aids, while wizards and sorcerers have pretty much every option).

Reach Spell however is very useful for those touch spells that have multiple targets, such as Resist Energy.

Some spells, such as Fireball or Sound Burst, could benefit from both because they have both a range and an area.

[Curgyr]

Thanks! I'm sure my Bard will be saddened by the lack of Widen Spell but, frankly, he's happy enough trying to turn a goblin Bard into an eldritch horror so he won't be too hurt. ;)

[Ediwir]

I mean all you need is a quick Sorcerer dip to grab the feat ;) two feats for Widen Spell, a couple of cantrips from a list of his choice, and a couple skill trainings? Not too terrible.

But the Occult list benefits from Widen only up to a point, so think twice.