What is the Saving Throw for Maximilian’s Earthen Grasp?
The saving throw associated with Maximilian’s Earthen Grasp is a Strength saving throw. This is crucial to understand when using or encountering this spell. When the spell’s earthen hand attempts to crush a restrained target, that target must succeed on a Strength saving throw or suffer the consequences. The specifics are: if the target fails the save, it takes 2d6 bludgeoning damage. If the target succeeds, it takes half that damage. Additionally, a restrained target can attempt to break free using an action by making a Strength check against the caster’s spell save DC. Let’s delve deeper into the mechanics and related questions surrounding this intriguing spell.
Understanding the Mechanics of Maximilian’s Earthen Grasp
Spellcasting Fundamentals
Before we dive into the saving throw itself, it’s vital to understand how spells operate in D&D 5th Edition. Most spells require a caster to make some sort of check, and they sometimes force a target to make a check. These checks are what we call saving throws and the mechanics involved are:
- A d20 is rolled.
- The relevant ability modifier is added.
- Any situational bonuses or penalties are factored in.
- Advantage or disadvantage can apply, depending on the circumstances.
With Maximilian’s Earthen Grasp, the target’s Strength is the relevant ability.
How the Hand Works
Maximilian’s Earthen Grasp creates a Medium-sized hand made of compacted soil. This hand rises from a 5-foot-square space within range and attempts to grab a creature within 5 feet of it. Once a creature is grabbed, it becomes restrained. This is where the saving throws come into play.
Damage and Escape
The spell text states: “As an action, you can cause the hand to crush the restrained target, who must make a Strength saving throw. It takes 2d6 bludgeoning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.”
A restrained target can also break free using an action by making a Strength check against the caster’s spell save DC. This is a key point of distinction: the damage is based on a saving throw, while breaking free is a Strength check.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 common questions and answers about Maximilian’s Earthen Grasp, its saving throw and mechanics:
1. Does Maximilian’s Earthen Grasp have a size limit?
No, there is no stated size limit in the spell description. The hand is described as “Medium”. However, a spell does what it says it does, and there is no language to restrict its use against a larger target.
2. How do you determine saving throws in 5e?
As mentioned earlier, you roll a d20, add the appropriate ability modifier (in this case, Strength for Maximilian’s Earthen Grasp), and apply any situational bonuses or penalties. If the result meets or exceeds the spell’s DC, the saving throw is successful.
3. Can Maximilian’s Earthen Grasp be twinned?
Based on a strict interpretation, no. Twinned Spell only works on spells that target exactly one creature. Maximilian’s Earthen Grasp initially targets a point in space, not a creature. So, it cannot be twinned.
4. Can Maximilian’s Earthen Grasp move?
Yes, you can move the hand up to 30 feet as an action, as there’s no requirement for it to be fixed in one spot or linked to the ground in the spell description.
5. What is the range of Maximilian’s Earthen Grasp?
The spell has a range of 30 feet, meaning you can summon the hand within that distance of yourself.
6. What are the most common saving throws in 5e?
Dexterity, Constitution, and Wisdom saving throws are the most common. Strength, Intelligence, and Charisma are less frequent.
7. What is the best saving throw to have in 5e?
While all saving throws are crucial, Constitution is often considered the best due to its prevalence in saving against poison, disease, and maintaining concentration. However, proficiency in Wisdom and Dexterity saves are also highly beneficial.
8. What is the most common saving throw in D&D 5e?
Dexterity, Wisdom, and Constitution are the most common, with Constitution often being the most frequently encountered because of many venomous monsters and effects.
9. What is the spell Maximilian?
Maximilian’s Earthen Grasp is a transmutation spell that causes a hand made of earth to rise and restrain a target. It’s a spell that has existed in various forms and editions of D&D.
10. What is the stone hand spell in D&D?
Some versions of D&D have similar spells. The core concept is the same: causing a hand made of earth or stone to attempt to grasp a target. This spell is often related or inspired by Maximilian’s Earthen Grasp.
11. Can you fail a saving throw 5e intentionally?
Generally, no. In D&D 5e, you cannot deliberately choose to fail a saving throw unless a specific ability or spell states otherwise, like Calm Emotions.
12. What is a successful saving throw in D&D?
A saving throw is successful when the result of the d20 roll, plus the appropriate ability modifier and any other bonuses, equals or exceeds the spell’s Difficulty Class (DC).
13. How many death saving throws can you have in 5e?
Technically, you can attempt a maximum of five death saving throws given the potential for rolling a natural 1 or natural 20 during your attempts. You fail after three successes or failures.
14. Can saving throws have advantage?
Yes, situations and abilities can give advantage (or disadvantage) on saving throws.
15. Can you willingly fail a check 5e?
There is no official rule allowing you to deliberately fail a check or saving throw. However, many Dungeon Masters may allow this as a house rule.
Conclusion
Understanding the nuances of Maximilian’s Earthen Grasp and its associated Strength saving throw is critical for both players and DMs. It is a powerful spell that can control an enemy for a while, while also capable of dealing damage. A crucial tool in a spellcaster’s arsenal. By knowing the mechanics, limitations, and related rules, you can make the best use of this intriguing spell in your D&D 5e adventures.