3
\$\begingroup\$

I have a question concerning the spell Sunbeam (PHB, 289). In the spell description it says:

For the duration of this spell, you can use a standard action to evoke a dazzling beam of intense light each round.

I´m not sure if this means that you may get the first beam in the same round you cast the spell or whether you have to spend one standard action just casting and then wait for your next round to send forth the first beam?

"Wasting" one standard action just for casting would be a high cost, so I guess you should be able to get the first beam in the round you cast the spell - but it does not say so in the spell description.

Improve this question
\$\endgroup\$
1
  • \$\begingroup\$ Welcome to RPG.SE! Take the tour if you haven't already, and check out the help center for more guidance. \$\endgroup\$
    – V2Blast
    Nov 5, 2019 at 10:02

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2
\$\begingroup\$

Unfortunately you do not get a free beam.

As it says, you have to spend a standard action to create the beam.

In 5e Sunbeam was changed so that 1 beam is fired when you cast the spell:

A beam of brilliant light flashes out from your hand

...

You can create a new line of radiance as your action on any turn until the spell ends.

No luck for 3.5e though.

Improve this answer
\$\endgroup\$
2
  • \$\begingroup\$ Unless he will get some of the crazy 3.5 ways to get more action per turns. In such case, he would be able to create a ray on the same turn, using extra action. Interesting discussion here. \$\endgroup\$
    – Mołot
    Nov 5, 2019 at 9:13
  • \$\begingroup\$ @Mołot Absolutely, if you have more actions then you can spend them. \$\endgroup\$
    – user-024673
    Nov 5, 2019 at 10:40

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .