A typical spell requires the caster to pick one or more targets to be affected by the spell's magic. A spell's description says whether the spell targets creatures, objects, or something else. **A Clear Path to the Target.** To target something with a spell, a caster must have a clear path to it, so it can't be behind Total Cover. **Targeting Yourself.** If a spell targets a creature of your choice, you can choose yourself unless the creature must be Hostile or specifically a creature other than you. **Areas of Effect.** Some spells, such as Thunderwave, cover an area called an area of effect. The area determines what the spell targets. The description of a spell specifies whether it has an area of effect, which is typically one of these shapes: Cone, Cube, Cylinder, Emanation, Line, or Sphere.