Can You Cast Mage Hand Through Glass?
In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, casting spells can be a crucial aspect of overcoming obstacles and defeating enemies. However, sometimes the most common question that arises is whether certain obstacles can impede the effectiveness of your spells. In this article, we’ll be discussing one such obstacle: glass. Specifically, we’ll explore whether you can cast the Mage Hand spell through glass.
Can Mage Hand Be Cast Through Glass?
According to Jeremy Crawford, a veteran game designer at Wizards of the Coast, the answer is no. In a podcast, Crawford stated that spells cannot be cast through transparent obstacles, which includes glass. This means that, unless you find another way to manipulate the object on the other side of the glass, casting Mage Hand will not work.
What About Non-Transparent Obstacles?
But what about other types of obstacles, like stone walls or wooden planks? The answer lies in the rules of Mage Hand itself. The spell description states that the hand can move through solid objects, as long as it’s an action and not a reaction. This means that Mage Hand can potentially pass through non-transparent obstacles like stone or wood, allowing you to manipulate objects on the other side.
Exceptions to the Rule
However, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind. If the object on the other side of the obstacle is being wielded or manipulated by another creature, then Mage Hand won’t work. Additionally, if the object is larger than 10 pounds, Mage Hand can’t manipulate it. But for smaller objects, like keys or lockpicks, Mage Hand can still come in handy.
Alternative Methods
If you can’t cast Mage Hand through glass, there are a few alternative methods to consider:
- Find another way to access the object: If you can’t cast Mage Hand through glass, consider finding another way to reach the object, such as by using a grappling hook or by opening a nearby window.
- Use another spell or ability: If you have another spell or ability that can bypass the obstacle, such as Dispel Magic or Unlock, you might be able to achieve your goal without using Mage Hand.
- Improvise and think creatively: As a DM, I always love when players think creatively and come up with unique solutions to obstacles. Perhaps you could use Mage Hand to retrieve an object, but only after you’ve broken the glass using a more mundane method?
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mage Hand cannot be cast through glass, unless the object on the other side is small enough and not being wielded or manipulated by another creature. While this might be a setback, there are alternative methods to consider, and a little creativity and problem-solving can go a long way.