Lightning Bolt and Mounted Combat: Understanding Area of Effect in DD 5E

Prompt: Does a lightning bolt spell hit both a mount and its rider in DD 5th Edition? The answer is yes.

Area of Effect and Damage Distribution in DD 5E

Lightning Bolt is an area effect spell that deals 8d6 damage to everything in a 100 ft. long by 5 ft. wide line. Both the horse and its rider occupy the same space, so if a lightning bolt spell hits one of them, it is likely to hit the other as well. However, the spell's mechanics may allow for independence in saving throws.

Specifically, lightning bolt hits everything in the squares it passes through and is 5 feet wide. Since the mount and rider share the same space, they both get hit by the spell. It is important to note that even though the large-sized horse may occupy two squares, it only gets hit once due to its size.

Reviewing Edition-Specific Rules

3.0, 3.5, and Pathfinder 1E: In these editions, both the mount and the rider are typically affected by spells that have an area of effect. While there may be specific scenarios where only the mount is affected, the general rule is that both are hit, as per the "Mounted Combat" rules in Pathfinder 1.

In DD 3.0 and 3.5, with lightning bolt, it is likely that both the mount and rider would be affected if they are within range of the spell. The Mounted Combat rules suggest that during combat, you assume you share your mount's space, meaning if your mount is hit, you also are hit.

DM's Discretion and Optional Rules

It is also possible for a DM to rule that the bolt could be narrow, allowing for more specific targeting. For example, a DM might rule that if you aim at the horse's legs and do not want to hit the rider, the bolt might miss the rider. However, such a ruling is highly situational and would be within the DM's discretion.

It's important for players to remember that unless a specific exception is ruled, the lightning bolt would hit everyone in the same space due to its area of effect.

Conclusion and Tabletop Insights

Understanding the area of effect and saving throws for lightning bolt in DD 5E can greatly enhance gameplay, especially in mounted combat scenarios. Both the rider and the mount are typically affected, and the spell is an effective combat tool to consider when your character is mounted.

Key Points to Remember:

Lightning Bolt has an area of 100 ft. long by 5 ft. wide, affecting everything in its path. Mount and rider share the same space, so they are both hit if within range. Saving throws for each are separate, even though they occupy the same space. Pathfinder 1E specifically mandates that you and your mount make saving throws together.

Further Reading

For more detailed insights and rules, refer to the official 5th Edition Spell description for Lightning Bolt, available on the DD Beyond website.