Do Teleportation Spells Conserve Momentum in Dungeons Dragons 5e?

The concept of whether teleportation spells in Dungeons Dragons (DD) 5e conserve momentum is a debate that pops up frequently in various gaming forums and discussion groups. The answer varies widely depending on the Dungeon Master's (DM) interpretation, as there is no explicit rule to guide this.

DM Discretion

The official rules do not address the conservation of momentum during teleportation, making this a judgement call for the DM. Since the physics of real-world teleportation are not documented, this decision is subject to interpretation and personal preference.

DM Rulings: "No" to Conservation of Momentum

One line of reasoning, which stems from a safety perspective, is to assume that teleportation spells do not conserve momentum. For instance, teleporting from the equator to the poles would be akin to decelerating instantly from a high speed to zero. This abrupt change would likely result in the teleporter being "ripped to shreds", as the energy released would be immense and possibly destructive. According to this argument, the energy must go somewhere, and in most cases, it might manifest as spontaneous combustion or other forms of intense kinetic energy release from the body of the teleporter.

DM Rulings: "Yes" to Conservation of Momentum

Many DMs, including myself, have ruled that teleportation spells do indeed conserve momentum. This interpretation aligns with the general principle that "things in motion tend to remain in motion until something stops them". In the absence of specific rules, this approach leverages the broader concept of physics and momentum preservation. To illustrate, imagine teleporting a character from a fast-moving glider to a stationary position on the ground. The character would need to come to a stop and maintain the initial momentum mentioned by the spell.

RAW vs. RAI Interpretation

The rules as written (RAW) do not provide a clear answer to the question of momentum conservation. This ambiguity makes it a prime candidate for the rules as intended (RAI) interpretation, which often involves the DM's judgement and game balance considerations. In this context, many DMs find it more logical and fair to rule that momentum is conserved. This interpretation maintains game balance by ensuring that teleportation is not an instantaneous way to escape physical harm or to avoid the consequences of movement.

Conclusion and DM's Call

This is a question that ultimately comes down to personal judgment and game balance. If you are a player, your best bet is to discuss this with your DM and come to a mutual agreement. The DM's role is to ensure that the game is fun and balanced, and their interpretation might vary based on the specific campaign and the types of encounters and challenges they want to include. Whether to conserve or not conserve momentum in teleportation spells is a decision that can be revisited and adjusted over time as the campaign unfolds.

In conclusion, while there is no explicit rule, the discussion of momentum conservation in teleportation spells adds depth and discussion to your DD campaign. It is a prime example of how player creativity and DM judgement come together to shape the gaming experience.