Would a maximized chaos bolt continue to bounce infinitely?

[Gavin O.]

The first-level evocation spell Chaos Bolt states:
"Make a ranged spell attack against the target. On a hit, the target takes 2d8 + 1d6 damage. If you roll the same number on both d8s, the chaotic energy leaps from the target to a different creature of your choice within 30 feet of it. Make a new attack roll against the new target, and make a new damage roll, which could cause the chaotic energy to leap again. A creature can be targeted only once by each casting of this spell."

I'm wondering how this would interact with an effect that allowed to take the maximum damage with a spell instead of rolling (such as the wild magic surge on a 33 or 34). The result is the same as if you had rolled an 8 on both d8s, which would cause the spell to bounce to a new creature. If you hit, the new damage roll would also be maximized, which would make the spell bounce again. As long as you kept hitting, the spell would continue to bounce until it runs out of targets.

 

[MarkB]

It only bounces if you roll the same number on both dice, and if it's maximised you're not rolling any dice.

I'd have the spell inflict maximum damage, but then have the player roll 2d8 to find out whether it bounces.

 

[Blue]

The first-level evocation spell Chaos Bolt states:
"Make a ranged spell attack against the target. On a hit, the target takes 2d8 + 1d6 damage. If you roll the same number on both d8s, the chaotic energy leaps from the target to a different creature of your choice within 30 feet of it. Make a new attack roll against the new target, and make a new damage roll, which could cause the chaotic energy to leap again. A creature can be targeted only once by each casting of this spell."

I'm wondering how this would interact with an effect that allowed to take the maximum damage with a spell instead of rolling (such as the wild magic surge on a 33 or 34). The result is the same as if you had rolled an 8 on both d8s, which would cause the spell to bounce to a new creature. If you hit, the new damage roll would also be maximized, which would make the spell bounce again. As long as you kept hitting, the spell would continue to bounce until it runs out of targets.

When you maximize, you aren't rolling. While the damage looks as if you rolled two dice, you haven't actually rolled.

Now, a DM could still have you roll the damage dice, just ignore them and give maximized damage. That would be an interpretation that would satisfy both the letter and the spirit. But they could also just say that the rolling damage has been shortcutted and no chance of bounce. I don't see any interpretation that maximized damage implies certain die rolls for when what's actually showing on the dice matter.

 

[TiwazTyrsfist]

I'd go the other way. The first hit is maxed, and both dice are 8's. But on the bounce and any subsequent bounces, you roll everything. only the first hit is maximized.

 

[Satyrn]

I'd go the other way. The first hit is maxed, and both dice are 8's. But on the bounce and any subsequent bounces, you roll everything. only the first hit is maximized.

Aye. I think either way mentioned so far works . . . Your way or the roll 2d8 anyway to see if it bounces way; not the its maximized so no dice are rolled and it can't bounce way.

 

[jaelis]

I would roll to determine the damage type and whether it bounces. But then the actual damage would be maximized.

 

[FrogReaver]

I love how we always weasel out of bad outcomes.

 

[jaelis]

I love how we always weasel out of bad outcomes.

That’s an odd thing to say.

 

[FrogReaver]

That’s an odd thing to say.

Would everyones reply had been the same if he had just asked if maximizing damage on a 2d8 damage ability was the same as rolling 2 8's?

 

[Satyrn]

Would everyones reply had been the same if he had just asked if maximizing damage on a 2d8 damage ability was the same as rolling 2 8's?

I'd reply differently, wondering why it mattered. Because circumstances matter to how I'd rule.

Although I doubt I'd reply at all because my gut reaction to your question is "Who cares!"