Area of Effect

The description of many spells and other features specify that they have an area of effect, which typically come in one of six shapes.

Cone

Cylinder

Cube

Line

Emanation

Sphere

An area of effect has a point of origin, which is a location from which the effect manifests. The rules for each shape provide instructions for how to position this point of origin. Obstructions can prevent the area of effect from extending to certain spaces if they provide total cover.

If the creator of an area of effect places it at an unseen point an obstruction is between the creator and that point, the point of origin comes into being on the near side of the obstruction.