Can See Invisibility See Wall of Force?
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The short answer, and the most crucial point of this article, is: Generally, no, the See Invisibility spell does not allow you to see a Wall of Force in D&D 5e. This is a point of contention and frequent confusion among players and even some Dungeon Masters (DMs), and it stems from the specific wording and mechanics of both spells. Let’s break down why this is the case and then explore related questions and scenarios.
The See Invisibility spell states that, “For the duration, you see invisible creatures and objects as if they were visible…” The key word here is “invisible.” The Wall of Force spell creates a wall that is described as a “creation of magical force.” It is not inherently invisible, but rather, it’s translucent and has no physical presence. This means it’s not a case of something that is “invisible” and being made visible by magic; it’s a magical construct that simply lacks the usual properties that would make it visible.
Think of it this way: a pane of glass isn’t invisible; it’s transparent, and See Invisibility doesn’t allow you to see through a normal pane of glass. The Wall of Force exists in a similar state. This clarification also explains why even though it’s not invisible by the traditional sense, it cannot be physically passed through. You don’t pass through a pane of glass unless you shatter it. You also cannot physically move through a Wall of Force.
Therefore, while the See Invisibility spell is invaluable for dealing with invisible foes or hidden objects, it doesn’t grant the ability to perceive the ethereal or intangible nature of a Wall of Force. This interpretation is based on a rules-as-written (RAW) approach.
Understanding the Nuances
This distinction can be difficult for some players to grasp, because logically, a wall that you cannot see would seem to fit the definition of “invisible”. However, game mechanics and wording are crucial in D&D. The Wall of Force is a creation of pure force, and thus it does not become visible by the spell intended to reveal invisibility. This is not a matter of what makes logical sense within the game world, but rather how the spells are designed to function within the game rules.
It is important to note that while See Invisibility fails, there are other methods of seeing a Wall of Force. Some abilities like Truesight can allow a creature to perceive it because Truesight overrides many of the usual limitations, including what a spell like See Invisibility can accomplish.
A Note on GM Interpretation
It’s worth mentioning that some DMs might choose to rule differently on this specific interaction. A DM might feel that, within their campaign world, a Wall of Force should be considered invisible enough for See Invisibility to work. This is perfectly valid, as the DM ultimately has the final say on how rules and spells interact. However, the RAW interpretation of the spells leads to the conclusion above: See Invisibility does not reveal a Wall of Force.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What spells can see a Wall of Force?
The most reliable way to perceive a Wall of Force is through Truesight. Abilities or magical effects that grant Truesight will reveal the wall. It’s also possible that abilities that allow for specific perception of force might also allow you to see the Wall of Force, but that will depend on how your DM interprets those particular abilities.
Can Blindsight see a Wall of Force?
Blindsight generally relies on perceiving the environment, rather than purely visual information. However, it is unlikely that it would work on a Wall of Force. Blindsight allows you to “see” based on other sensory factors (like echolocation or vibrations), but as a Wall of Force has no physical presence or creates sound, it most likely cannot be seen by Blindsight.
Does the Wall of Force block line of sight?
No, a Wall of Force does not block line of sight. This is critical for spells like Teleport and Blink, which require a clear line of sight to a target location. Since it’s translucent, you can see through it.
Can you teleport through a Wall of Force?
Yes, you can teleport through a Wall of Force. Teleportation does not involve physically moving through the space between the start and end points; it is an instantaneous displacement. Thus, the barrier does not stop a teleportation spell.
Can you walk or physically pass through a Wall of Force?
No, you cannot physically pass through a Wall of Force. It is an immovable barrier that is impassible to normal movement. This is why it is a particularly powerful defensive or area-control spell.
Does the Wall of Force block light?
No, the Wall of Force does not block light. Light will pass through the wall as it is translucent, meaning that light on one side of the wall is visible from the other side. This also means that sunlight also passes through it.
Does the Wall of Force interact with other spells?
Yes, it can interact with other spells. For example, you could attempt to Dispel Magic on a Wall of Force to remove it, or a Fireball could deal damage to creatures trapped within it. However, the Wall of Force itself is immune to most forms of damage.
Can an invisible creature hide behind a Wall of Force?
Yes, an invisible creature could easily hide behind a Wall of Force, as it provides total cover. Note however that this does not make them impossible to perceive – anyone with a way to see invisible creatures would still be able to see them, if they can see through the force.
Can you grapple someone through a Wall of Force?
No, you cannot grapple someone through a Wall of Force. Grappling requires physical contact and since the Wall of Force does not allow physical contact to pass through it, a grapple cannot be initiated or maintained across its barrier.
Does the Wall of Force count as a physical object for some spells?
Generally, a Wall of Force does not count as a physical object. It is a magical creation of pure force, not a tangible or material object. Therefore, spells that affect objects will not work on the wall of force.
How does a Wall of Force interact with area-of-effect spells?
Area-of-effect spells can affect creatures both inside and outside a Wall of Force. The wall itself is not affected by spells that would typically damage physical objects. This is important when trying to trap enemies within the wall and then damage them.
Does the Wall of Force prevent sound from passing through it?
While the spell description doesn’t explicitly state whether sound passes through, it would be reasonable to assume that it does not prevent sound, similar to how it does not block line of sight. The translucent nature of the wall implies that it is not a solid barrier to vibrations.
Can you use Dispel Magic on a Wall of Force?
Yes, a Dispel Magic* spell can be used on a *Wall of Force and is a good way to remove it. This means that a spell caster could be a good counter for a force-based spell.
Can you use a readied action through the Wall of Force?
Yes, if your readied action involves a spell or action that doesn’t require passing through a barrier, it would be possible. For example, you could ready an attack to strike an enemy as they step through the wall.
Is a Wall of Force a good defensive spell?
Yes, a Wall of Force is an excellent defensive and area control spell. It can divide enemies, protect allies, or even be used to block corridors. It is highly versatile and potent at higher levels of gameplay.
By understanding these specific interactions and nuanced differences, both players and DMs can better utilize these spells strategically and ensure a more consistent and engaging gameplay experience.