| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Thureen Buroch |
Posted - 04 Dec 2005 : 16:15:50
I wanted a little feedback on this, since I can't find it anywhere in the 3E rulebooks.
When a spellcaster dies or is knocked unconscious, what are the rules concerning the spells he or she has cast? What spells get dispelled?
Would a spell with a duration, other than permanent, such as Suggestion, go away? What if the spellcaster is only knocked out, but then regains consciousness? Does the spell come back into affect? What if the spell has permanent duration? |
| 10 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Khaa |
Posted - 07 Dec 2005 : 13:30:10
I agree with Kentinal on this question. |
| Thureen Buroch |
Posted - 07 Dec 2005 : 00:44:00
quote:
Originally posted by Aelf
Unless a gracious DM allowed a Spiritual Weapon to continue to attack the last target, worrying about if continues to exist for the duration is probably moot
The DM wouldn't be being so gracious if it were the Spiritual Weapon of a dead enemy...   |
| Aelf |
Posted - 07 Dec 2005 : 00:34:26
There are some multi-round spells that are directed by the caster (Flaming Sphere and Spiritual Weapon for example.)
The effects of the caster dying/being rendered unconscious can differ:
A Flaming Sphere "winks out if it exceeds the spells range."
A Spiritual Weapon "returns to you and hovers" if "beyond spell range, if it goes out of sight, or if you are not directing it."
Both of these statements imply some lesser form of caster concentration required to maintain these effects. However, I can't think of an existing, explicit ruling.
Unless a gracious DM allowed a Spiritual Weapon to continue to attack the last target, worrying about if continues to exist for the duration is probably moot*. I would be inclined to have it hover over the unconscious/slain form of the caster for the duration. If the caster somehow regained consciousness I would let it continue to be directed.
A Flaming Sphere can be more difficult to consider. The strict reading of the spell ("If it enters a space with a creature ... otherwise it stays at rest and burns") implies no effect (other than torchlight/heat) unless it is directed. On the other hand the effect is a "5-ft.-diameter sphere" which would cover 78% of a 5-foot square's surface area. I realize the problem here isn't the death of a caster. Another odd bit about this spell is that nothing in the description demands line of sight; the caster just points in a direction and the sphere starts rolling. I only mention this as the lack of a LOS requirement could be used to argue for the sphere continuing to exist for the duration. (unlike Spiritual Weapon)
Argh! I'm about to burn a wish for someone to find an explicit rule.
Best regards,
Aelf
* I'm no sage, but I'm sure my players could come up with some way to exploit an 'unattached' force weapon. In fact, I can picture them pouring over their splatbooks digging for the right feat chain/PrC/spell combination to co-opt a Spiritual Weapon into a dragon-slaying wonder. But I digress ...
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| Kentinal |
Posted - 06 Dec 2005 : 22:42:15
quote:
Originally posted by Thureen Buroch
Thanks. But would spells with a set duration (say one minute per level) be dispelled when the spellcaster dies?
To even expand, if a spell caster after a sucessful cast of a spell, got level drained reducing caster level the duration of the spell would not become shorter, Concentration to maitain is only thing that can end a spell as a result of death, level drain or injury. |
| KnightErrantJR |
Posted - 06 Dec 2005 : 22:40:55
Aghairon definately managed to make an impression after his death . . . |
| Fletcher |
Posted - 06 Dec 2005 : 22:31:56
quote:
Originally posted by Thureen Buroch
quote:
Originally posted by Faraer
The Realms is draped in many hanging magics of long-dead mages, remember.
Thanks. But would spells with a set duration (say one minute per level) be dispelled when the spellcaster dies?
Nope. The spells would continue for their duration and then expire. There have been multiple examples in a variety of stories where there have been dead invisible mages tripped over or found, or having the spells they cast on people in the moment of their death continue to aid thier ally...etc.
Considering the duration of most spells, I wouldn't think that allowing the spells to run their course would be an issue. After all the guy is dead. Give him his last gasp of coolness and allow his spells to finish out. |
| Thureen Buroch |
Posted - 06 Dec 2005 : 22:26:06
quote:
Originally posted by Faraer
The Realms is draped in many hanging magics of long-dead mages, remember.
Thanks. But would spells with a set duration (say one minute per level) be dispelled when the spellcaster dies? |
| Faraer |
Posted - 06 Dec 2005 : 02:32:04
The Realms is draped in many hanging magics of long-dead mages, remember. |
| warlockco |
Posted - 05 Dec 2005 : 20:46:15
quote:
Originally posted by Kentinal
Any spell that requires concentration would stop working, all other spells will stay in effect. Even mind control ones like Charm Person or Suggestion is how I would rule it.
Yep, spells would run their duration, unless they have concentration. |
| Kentinal |
Posted - 04 Dec 2005 : 16:51:32
Any spell that requires concentration would stop working, all other spells will stay in effect. Even mind control ones like Charm Person or Suggestion is how I would rule it. |
