[RPG] use Lightning Lure as a grappling hook

dnd-5emovementspells

Lightning lure is strong enough to pull a creature towards you (including into the air), and can be resisted with a strength check, which sounds analogous to a whip made of lightning – they even say it's a lash of lightning energy in the spell description:

You create a lash of lightning energy that strikes at one creature of your choice that you can see within range. The target must succeed on a Strength saving throw or be pulled up to 10 feet in a straight line toward you and then take 1d8 lightning damage if it is within 5 feet of you.

So can I flip that around if the target is static (pun!) and pull myself towards it instead? I.e., Lightning Lure a statue or balustrade on a balcony and grapple myself up to it, or a gargoyle as I John McClane over the side of a building. Or have I completely misunderstood how the spell actually works? In practice I'm actually playing a dumpy armoured Tempest cleric (picking up LL and Booming Blade via Magic Initiate) so I doubt I'd be going all spiderman, but it might help me keep up with the more nimble party members

Best Answer

By Rules-as-Written, no

The spell does what it says on the tin, and it says you can pull a creature 10 feet toward you. Nothing more, nothing less.

By a strict reading, you can't even target a statue or a balustrade since they aren't creatures.

Here's where you might be confused: magic doesn't follow the laws of physics, they are an abstraction of the forces that are true in the hypothetical fantasy world that we all (at least, for DnD 5e players) share. If a spell doesn't say it can do a thing, it simply can't, and that is magical law.


"ok, daze, but what's the harm done in allowing it?"

It makes movement weird. No other spell can pull you towards your target, let alone a cantrip, which can potentially be done with a bonus action using quickened spell. So, if you run out of your speed, can you then get an extra 10 feet by casting the spell?

Personally, though, I think the change is low-powered enough that I'd allow it for a couple of sessions to see how it goes. Of course, I'm not your GM, so you have some convincing to do. Be prepared for your GM to say no, or to take back the change if it proves problematic.

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