Description
The target of a spell must be within the spell's range. For a spell like *magic missile*, the target is a creature. For a spell like *fireball*, the target is the point in space where the ball of fire erupts. Most spells have ranges expressed in feet. Some spells can target only a creature (including you) that you touch. Other spells, such as the *shield* spell, affect only you. These spells have a range of self. Spells that create cones or lines of effect that originate from you also have a range of self, indicating that the origin point of the spell's effect must be you (see "Areas of Effect" later in the this chapter). Once a spell is cast, its effects aren't limited by its range, unless the spell's description says otherwise.
Properties
Raw JSON data
{
"children": [],
"desc": "The target of a spell must be within the spell's range. For a spell like *magic missile*, the target is a creature. For a spell like *fireball*, the target is the point in space where the ball of fire erupts.\n\nMost spells have ranges expressed in feet. Some spells can target only a creature (including you) that you touch. Other spells, such as the *shield* spell, affect only you. These spells have a range of self.\n\nSpells that create cones or lines of effect that originate from you also have a range of self, indicating that the origin point of the spell's effect must be you (see \"Areas of Effect\" later in the this chapter).\n\nOnce a spell is cast, its effects aren't limited by its range, unless the spell's description says otherwise.",
"index": "spell-range",
"name": "Spell Range",
"parent": {
"index": "casting-a-spell",
"name": "Casting a Spell",
"url": "/api/2014/rules/casting-a-spell"
},
"updated_at": "2026-09-24T21:12:35.682Z",
"url": "/api/2014/rules/spell-range"
}