[RPG] What does “when it enters the spell’s area for the first time on a turn or starts its turn there” mean

damagednd-5espells

From When do you roll the damage for Cloud of Daggers?, it was suggested that some comments be made into a Q&A. So:

From the Cloud of Daggers spell (others have similar wording)

You fill the air with spinning daggers in a cube 5 feet on each side, centered on a point you choose within range. A creature takes 4d4 slashing damage when it enters the spell’s area for the first time on a turn or starts its turn there. (PHB 222)

What does "… when it enters the spell’s area for the first time on a turn or starts its turn there" mean?

Best Answer

April 2016's Sage Advice expressly defines how this phrase operates and names Cloud of Daggers as one of several spells to which this definition applies.

In summary, a spell like moonbeam affects a creature when the creature passes into the spell’s area of effect and when the creature starts its turn there. You’re essentially creating a hazard on the battlefield.

Furthermore, it is stated that such spells do not damage targets when initially cast.

So this is how it works:

  1. Daffy the Wizard casts Cloud of Daggers atop a mighty gorgon. The gorgon takes no damage. (You could say it is 'undeterred'.)

  2. Garrosh, an orc barbarian, pushes a murloc into the Cloud of Daggers. The murloc takes damage (and shares the space with the gorgon).

  3. The gorgon takes its turn and starts within the Cloud's effect, thus it takes damage. It wisely moves out of that area.

  4. The murloc takes its turn and starts within the Cloud's effect, thus it takes damage. It chooses to remain in that space. On its next turn, it will take damage again. (Must be quite the murloc to still be alive.)

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