Use of web in the open.

[AxeMental]

In an open field (no trees) the party is being attacked by a group of orcs charging forward. Web spell requires two anchor points diametrically opposed (floor ceiling etc.). Could the outer two orcs form some sort of anchor points (perhaps resulting in a weak spell effect, maybe some limited effect)? What about simply casting it on the ground in front (to prevent melee attack from that direction). Or perhaps casting it at one orc (like a glob that effects only him). This has come up a few times in the past, I always say "it won't work in any useful way" but perhaps thats too harsh.

[Philotomy Jurament]

I think you could go one of two ways with this:

1. The magic of the spell requires two anchor points. -- If you go this route, you can say that the two anchor points are required for the efficacy of the web spell, and without them the fibers collapse into uselessness (dry, powdery, no strength, etc). This has the advantage of keeping things simple and avoiding potential arguments and abuse of the spell.
2. The strong and sticky strands are created regardless of the anchor points. -- If you go this route, you need to rule on what happens to the strong/sticky strands when they collapse without anchors. It would seem that you 'd be left with something like a sticky puddle. Assuming it's the same volume as usual, and it's still sticky, it's difficult to imagine that not being a hindrance. I'd be tempted to allow it to function like an entangle spell (full strength or half strength -- your choice).

[CountingWizard]

In an open field (no trees) the party is being attacked by a group of orcs charging forward. Web spell requires two anchor points diametrically opposed (floor ceiling etc.). Could the outer two orcs form some sort of anchor points (perhaps resulting in a weak spell effect, maybe some limited effect)? What about simply casting it on the ground in front (to prevent melee attack from that direction). Or perhaps casting it at one orc (like a glob that effects only him). This has come up a few times in the past, I always say "it won't work in any useful way" but perhaps thats too harsh.

It seems to me you have enough imagination to solve the answer on your own. If webbing an area that contains a single orc, the area is covered in flat webs, except where the orc is standing, where the webs cover him and chain him to the ground at different points; people crossing the area aren't stuck or anything though since there are no webs high enough to entangle them. If webbing an area that contains multiple orcs, the area is covered in webs connecting the orcs together at many different points; anyone passing between the orcs would save vs. web, and the orcs would basically be entangled together in a greasy ball of filth.

[TRP]

This came up recently in my game, and I allowed it to act as a net. There was no special strength requirement to break through, and it's effect was to simply slow down the targets.

[T. Foster]

I go with PJ's option #1. Two diametrically-opposed anchoring points are a requirement of the spell; if you don't have those, you can't cast it, same as if you don't have the necessary material components. If you expect you're going to be spending time in an outdoor area with no trees, memorize a different spell.

[Chainsaw]

Interesting thoughts. I always just assumed, perhaps mistakenly, that without anchor points Web functioned like a gooey net that entangled the target(s) at a particular spot (though I cannot recall an instance of this coming up in play any time recently).

[prespos]

I'd rule that 2 anchor points are a prerequisite for the spell, just like the material component.

This is easier to adjudicate and dodges the sticky questions of what happens with a non-anchored web.

[francisca]

PH Description:

A web spell creates a many-layered mass of
strong, sticky strands similar to spider webs, but far larger and tougher.
These masses must be anchored to two or more points-floor and ceiling,
opposite walls, etc. - diametrically opposed.

The web spell covers a maximum area of 8 cubic inches, and the webs
must be at least 1" thick, so a mass 4" high, 2" wide, and 1" deep may be
cast. Creatures caught within webs, or simply touching them, become stuck
amongst the gluey fibers. Creatures with less than 13 strength must remain
fast until freed by another or until the spell wears off. Far every full turn
entrapped by a web, a creature has a 5% cumulative chance of suffocating
to death. Creatures with strength between 13 and 17 can break through 1'
of webs per turn. Creatures with 18 or greater strength break through 1' of
webs per round. (N.B. Sufficient mass equates to great strength in this
case, and great mass will hardly notice webs.) Strong and huge creatures
will break through 1' of webs per segment. It is important to note that the
strands of a web spell are flammable. A magic flaming sword will slash
them away as easily as a hand brushes away cobwebs. Any fire - torch,
flaming oil, flaming sword, etc. - will set them alight and burn them
away in a single round. All creatures within the webs will take 2-8 hit
points of damage from the flames, but those freed of the strands will not
be harmed. Saving throw is made at -2. If the saving throw versus web is
made, two results may have occurred. If the creature has room to escape
then he is assumed to have jumped free. If there is no room to escape then
the webs are only 1/2 strength. The material component of this spell is a bit
of spider web.

DMG Commentary:

Web: If this spell is cast without two firm anchoring places, the webs
collapse and entangle themselves, effectively negating the spell.

I guess it hinges on what a "firm anchoring place" is. For me, an Orc, especially one standing up, is firm enough.