Rules question / clarification ...

[orlondok]

An common, useful / widely used spell is what I am asking clarification on ...

The Silence spell (PHB pg. 279)

A couple of sentences taken from there :
"The spell can be centered on a creature, and the effect then radiates from the creature and moves as it moves. An unwilling creature can attempt a Will save to negate the spell and can use spell resistance, if any."

Question is ... is it only when the spell is cast ON a creature that said creature gets a saving throw and/or Spell resistance? Or does a creature that somehow interacts with the area of effect but did not have it cast on them directly also get the saving throw / SR ?

Not sure if it is definitely clear in the rules ... so maybe even opinions of how it should be done would be nice.

[RNightstalker]

If the spell is cast on an unwilling creature, then saving throws and spell resistance apply to negate the spell. If the save fails or spell resistance is overcome, then the spell succeeds and there is silence within the area of effect. If another creature comes into the area of effect after the casting, they don't get a saving throw or a chance to apply SR because the spell is already in effect and weren't the target.

[Rynjin]

^Yep.

It's why there are pros/cons to both options.

If you cast it on a rock, or your Fighter or whatever, and toss it at the enemy caster, they get no save. They're just Silenced. But on the other hand, they can just move away.

Alternatively you can cast it on the person themselves and they get a save, but if they fail there's no escape.

[Anthrowhale]

It looks like another application for a Harpoon.

[lylsyly]

One of my favorite uses is on an arcane archer. Shoot the enemy spellcasters and eliminiate them using spells with verbal components ;-)