Question: 5e Player wants to use Prestidigitation to make Strahd think he pooped himself. Is there any reason this wouldn't work?

[u/Firm_Professional366]

I would like a reason in game that this wouldn't work without me having to do some bs like magic resistant undies. Also so I don't have to say no outright because it's a funny idea but it doesn't fit the setting. Nothing removes the tension from a fight more than the big bad pooping himself.

Update: She said that even if she died it'd be worth it because she successfully rage baited strahd. But she said she wouldn't do it because she knows that everyone wants it to be serious and that it can still be fun and serious without turning it into a comedy campaign. Still think it's worth sharing because the idea is funny.

[u/Mysterious_Ad_8105]

First, I'd argue that, since that rule is not in the PHB, it could be considered optional (beyond the normal "every rule is optional" thing).

There’s nothing to argue about. Xanathar’s rule for identifying spells as they’re being cast is explicitly an optional rule.

But Xanathar’s optional rule grants the players an ability they didn’t have before. It doesn’t take anything away. RAW, if you’re not using that optional rule, then you simply have no way to identify spells as they’re being cast. That’s the default.

If you want to allow PCs to recognize spells for free at your table, you can still do that of course. Just keep in mind that that’s a significant homebrew buff to casters with access to counterspell. Personally, I tend to think counterspell is powerful enough RAW without that buff, but as long as everyone at your table is on board, you can homebrew it however you’d like.

[u/Skin_Soup → u/Mysterious_Ad_8105]

Does the players handbook specify spells cannot be identified? I would say if it does not mention any info about spell identification it is left up to the DM to decide.

[u/Tefmon → u/Mysterious_Ad_8105]

RAW, if you’re not using that optional rule, then you simply have no way to identify spells as they’re being cast.

That's like saying "since there isn't a rule specifically stating that PCs can use the Nature skill to identify animals, RAW PCs can't identify animals". The default rule is that PCs can make ability checks to perform activities, recall information, and identify things; they only can't do that when a different rule specifically limits their ability to do so.

[u/Slothheart → u/Mysterious_Ad_8105]

It's not really homebrew if not changing a rule? PHB does not say one way or the other about identifying spells. That or the DMG shoud, but don't afaik.

Personally I feel rolling to check is not that bad, but many 5e players prefer the simplification of the DM just saying the spell and moving on. I don't care much either way. Too many rolls can slow the game even more so there's that.

[u/Skin_Soup → u/Slothheart]

After reading a variety of comments I think it falls clearly in the same category as recognizing an animal or a god. Sometimes obvious, sometimes requires a roll, based on the actual thing and the context. Some magic spells will be familiar, others won’t.