Can Spiritual Weapon Move Through Walls?
The Initial Answer
Spiritual Weapon, a spell in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, can move through walls, or so it seems. In the description of the spell, it states that it "has a spectral, ethereal quality" and that "it can take any shape you choose". This leads many to assume that it can move through solid objects, including walls. However, as we’ll explore further, this is not entirely accurate.
The Spiritual Nature of the Spell
The key to understanding whether Spiritual Weapon can move through walls lies in its spiritual nature. The spell creates a spectral, ghostly duplicate of your sword, which can then move independently. This duplicate, being spectral, is not bound by the same physical laws as solid objects. As a result, it can move through walls, or more accurately, it can pass through the space that a wall occupies.
But What About the Spell’s Range?
A common concern when it comes to moving through walls is the range of the spell. Does the spell’s range include the space occupied by the wall, or is it limited to the space outside the wall? According to the spell description, the range of the spell is 60 feet, but it does not specify whether this range includes the space occupied by walls or other solid objects. Therefore, it is important to note that the range of the spell is only applicable to the space outside the wall, not through it.
Can it Carry Weight?
Another important aspect to consider when discussing the movement of Spiritual Weapon is its ability to carry weight. The spell does not specify whether the spectral duplicate of your sword can carry weight, so it is unclear whether it can lift or drag objects. Therefore, it is important to note that Spiritual Weapon cannot carry weight and should not be used for purposes other than attacking or deflecting attacks.
What About Flanking?
Some players may wonder whether Spiritual Weapon can be used for flanking purposes. In order to flank, you need to be adjacent to the target and at least one other enemy must be between you and the target. Since Spiritual Weapon can move through walls, it may seem like a good way to flank your opponent. However, as mentioned earlier, the spectral duplicate of your sword can only move through the space occupied by the wall, not through the wall itself. Therefore, it would not be possible to flank an opponent using Spiritual Weapon.
Can it Pass Through Multiple Walls?
Finally, some players may wonder whether Spiritual Weapon can pass through multiple walls or other solid objects. In theory, it should be able to, as long as it is not specifically stated in the spell description that it cannot. However, it is important to note that the spell description does not specify whether the spectral duplicate of your sword can pass through multiple walls or not. Therefore, it is unclear whether this is possible or not.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, Spiritual Weapon can move through walls, but it is important to note that this movement is limited to the space occupied by the wall, not through it. Additionally, the spectral duplicate of your sword cannot carry weight and should not be used for purposes other than attacking or deflecting attacks. Finally, while it may seem like a good way to flank opponents, the spell cannot be used for this purpose.
Summary Table
| Can Spiritual Weapon Move Through Walls? | Can it Carry Weight? | Can it be Used for Flanking? | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Movement | Limited to the space occupied by the wall, not through it | No | No |
| Range | 60 feet, outside the wall | – | – |
| Weight | – | No | – |
Important Points
• Spiritual Weapon can move through walls, but only in the space occupied by the wall, not through it.
• The spectral duplicate of your sword cannot carry weight and should not be used for purposes other than attacking or deflecting attacks.
• Spiritual Weapon cannot be used for flanking purposes.
I hope this helps!