Can You Misty Step Into a Globe of Invulnerability? A Deep Dive
No, you cannot Misty Step into a Globe of Invulnerability. The spell description for Misty Step requires you to teleport to an unoccupied space that you can see. The Globe of Invulnerability prevents spells of 5th level or lower cast from outside the barrier from affecting creatures or objects within it. While Misty Step itself isn’t being directly stopped from being cast, the spell can’t be cast into the space in the Globe of Invulnerability. Because you cannot affect that space with a 2nd level spell cast from outside the globe, it is invalid to teleport to. This interaction highlights the complex interplay of spell effects in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) and requires a careful reading of the rules to adjudicate correctly.
Understanding the Globe of Invulnerability
The Globe of Invulnerability is a powerful abjuration spell in D&D. It creates a 10-foot radius barrier around the caster, rendering creatures and objects within immune to spells of 5th level or lower cast from outside the barrier. This protection doesn’t discriminate; it applies whether the spell is targeting a creature, an object, or even an area within the globe.
Misty Step Mechanics
Misty Step is a convenient 2nd-level spell that allows a character to teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space they can see. It’s a popular choice for escaping danger, traversing obstacles, or gaining a tactical advantage. The key limitations are the range (30 feet) and the requirement that the destination be both unoccupied and visible.
The Interaction Explained
The reason Misty Step fails against the Globe of Invulnerability is multifaceted:
- Spell Protection: The Globe actively blocks spells cast from outside from affecting what’s inside. Even though Misty Step is a low-level spell, its effect (teleporting a creature) is considered an effect on the target space and any creature inside it. Because the spell is cast from outside, it fails.
- Visibility Argument: While one could argue that the interior of the Globe is visible, the crucial point is whether the spell can affect that space from the outside. Because the Globe of Invulnerability is blocking spell effects, it is an invalid target.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I cast a spell inside a Globe of Invulnerability?
Yes. A creature within the barrier can cast spells, regardless of whether the spell is being cast “out” or staying within the globe. The Globe of Invulnerability text simply doesn’t stop them. Any spell cast within the barrier acts completely normally in every way, as if the globe did not exist.
2. How do you break a Globe of Invulnerability?
There are several ways to overcome a Globe of Invulnerability:
- Higher Level Spells: Use spells of 6th level or higher to bypass the globe’s protection.
- Dispel Magic: Cast Dispel Magic to attempt to end the globe’s effect (success requires a spellcasting ability check if the globe was cast using a slot higher than 3rd level).
- Non-Spell Attacks: Resort to physical attacks, weapon attacks, or abilities that don’t rely on spells.
- Power Word Stun: Cast Power Word Stun, which is a higher level spell. The spellcaster casting Globe of Invulnerability would no longer be able to concentrate on it.
3. Can you Misty Step through a Wall of Force?
Yes. Misty Step, or any other teleportation ability, can ignore a Wall of Force. Since it is invisible, it does not block line of sight, and teleportation does not “pass through” the space between departure and arrival. Depending on where it’s cast, you could potentially also burrow beneath or around its edges.
4. Can Dispel Magic remove a Resilient Sphere?
Yes. The only method of removing the sphere (short of its caster dismissing it) was by the use of a Dispel Magic spell, an item like a rod of cancellation or a rod of negation, or even a Disintegrate; these would destroy the sphere and leave the prisoner inside unharmed.
5. Can you Misty Step into air?
Yes. Anyone can Misty Step into midair. Misty Step just says: Briefly surrounded by silvery mist, you teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space that you can see. Nothing in the spell says that space has to be on the ground.
6. How does the Globe of Invulnerability interact with Spiritual Weapon?
The Spiritual Weapon is an object. Globe of Invulnerability prevents objects from being affected by spells cast outside the globe. It doesn’t matter if the object was previously outside; once it is used to attack, it (or its ammunition) must enter the globe, and thus cannot be affected by magic weapons cast from outside the Globe of Invulnerability.
7. Does casting a spell break Invisibility?
Yes. Invisibility only breaks if you attack or cast a spell.
8. Can Wizards cast Cantrips without a Spellbook?
Yes, a Wizard can cast all of the spells memorized before the loss of the spellbook using as many spell slots as are still available. The wizard can still cast all cantrips, and can use any magic item that a wizard may attune to.
9. Can you cast a Cantrip as a spell?
A cantrip is a spell. It is a spell that can be cast at will, without using a spell slot and without being prepared in advance. Repeated practice has fixed the spell in the caster’s mind and infused the caster with the magic needed to produce the effect over and over. A cantrip’s spell level is 0.
10. Can you teleport out of a Bead of Force?
Yes, you can teleport out of a Bead of Force. Force effects do not block astral travel (such as Teleportation).
11. Can Dispel Magic stop Polymorph?
Baleful Polymorph has a duration of “Permanent,” not “Instantaneous.” Permanent effects are certainly able to be dispelled by Dispel Magic, given a successful caster level check.
12. What spells can affect a Globe of Invulnerability?
Spells of 6th level or higher can affect targets inside a Globe of Invulnerability. Dispel Magic can also target the Globe of Invulnerability itself.
13. Can you summon creatures inside a Globe of Invulnerability from the outside?
No, you cannot. Since summoning spells cast from outside are being cast to affect something inside of the globe, they would not be able to summon creatures to the inside.
14. If a creature is partially inside and partially outside a Globe of Invulnerability, what happens?
This scenario is subject to DM discretion. A reasonable ruling would be that the part of the creature inside the globe is protected, while the part outside is vulnerable. This could lead to interesting tactical considerations, but might be clunky in practice. Another ruling may be that if a creature is mostly outside of the globe, then the creature remains unaffected.
15. Does the Globe of Invulnerability block line of sight?
No. The description of the spell states that there is a “faintly shimmering barrier”. This barrier doesn’t obscure vision, and it therefore doesn’t block line of sight.
Tactical Implications
Understanding the interactions between spells like Misty Step and Globe of Invulnerability is crucial for effective gameplay. It allows players to plan their actions strategically, anticipate enemy tactics, and make informed decisions during combat.
For Dungeon Masters (DMs), a firm grasp of these rules ensures consistent and fair adjudication, fostering a more immersive and enjoyable experience for everyone at the table. The interplay of spell effects is a core part of the strategic depth of D&D.
To learn more about game mechanics and the educational aspects of games, explore the resources available at the Games Learning Society website: GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion
While the quick escape offered by Misty Step is invaluable in many situations, it is ultimately ineffective against the magical barrier created by Globe of Invulnerability. This limitation highlights the importance of understanding the specific parameters of each spell and ability, and the strategic nuances of D&D combat. Knowing how spells interact enhances the player experience, and helps game masters run their tables smoothly.