platzer@utcsrgv.UUCP (Andrew Platzer) (07/02/84)
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How do people run the 1st level illusionist's spell Colour Spray?
The spell description has two completely contradictory parts to it,
and none of the DMs I know have got a solution that they feel
comfortable with. To wit, the spell description reads:
Color Spray(Alteration)
Level:1 Components:V,S,M
Range:1"/level Casting Time:1 segment
Duration:1 segment Saving Throw:Special
Area of Effect:1/2" X 2" X 2" wedge
Explanation/Description: Upon casting this spell, the illusionist causes a
vivid fan-shaped wedge to spring forth from his hand. From 1 to 6 creatures
within the spell effect can be affected. The spell caster is able to affect
1 level or hit die of creatures for each of his levels of experience. Affected
creatures are struck unconcious for 2 to 8 rounds if their level is less than
or equal to that of the spell caster; they are blinded for 1 to 4 rounds if
their level is 1 or 2 greater than the illusionist; and they are stunned for
2 to 8 segments if their level or number of hit dice is 3 or more greater than
the spell caster. All creatures of 6th level or 6 hit dice are entitled to
a saving throw versus the Colour Spray spell. The material components are ...
From: The Player's Handbook (TSR Hobbies Inc.)
Anyway, the contradiction is somewhat obvious...
There is one sentence that states that the illusionist can't
affect more than his level in creatures, and then the rest of the spell
tells what the effects are if he DOES affect more than his level. Arg!
What's used by the rest of the world?
Tom West (the LN DM) "Can't you Americans spell colour?"
{allegra,cornell,decvax,ihnp4,linus,utzoo}!utcsrgv!platzerdisc@houxz.UUCP (MILO BLOOM) (07/03/84)
I just ignore the sentence about the level of affected creatures being equal to the level of the caster, and roll d6 to decide how many are affected. The spell follows from the rest of the description. Scott Berry
johnc@dartvax.UUCP (John Cabell) (07/03/84)
The one part says that he can't affect more than his level of creatures. This means a 7th level Illusionist can't affect more than seven creatures. But the rest says what happens to each creature according to the difference in levels between that creature and the Illusionist. Of course, I could be wrong..... --johnc [ astrovax, linus, decvax, cornell ] ! dartvax ! johnc
arnold@umcp-cs.UUCP (07/09/84)
This is my interpretation of the spell "Color Spray"
The spell caster can affect his level or hit dice of creatures,
up to six creatures. The rest of the spell remains the same.
There are some monsters that you may want to give this spell to but
they may not have levels only hit dice.
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Arnold Miller, U of Maryland, College Park Md.
UUCP: {seismo,allegra,brl-bmd}!umcp-cs!arnold
CSNet: arnold@umcp-cs ARPA: arnold@marylandjmd@inmet.UUCP (07/14/84)
#R:utcsrgv:-469300:inmet:20400004:000:3344 inmet!jmd Jul 6 14:38:00 1984 >> How do people run the 1st level illusionist's spell Colour Spray? >> >> Color Spray(Alteration) >> >> Explanation/Description: Upon casting this spell, the illusionist causes a >> vivid fan-shaped wedge to spring forth from his hand. From 1 to 6 creatures >> within the spell effect can be affected. The spell caster is able to affect >> 1 level or hit die of creatures for each of his levels of experience. >> Affected creatures are struck unconcious for 2 to 8 rounds if their level >> is less than or equal to that of the spell caster; they are blinded for >> 1 to 4 rounds if their level is 1 or 2 greater than the illusionist; and >> they are stunned for 2 to 8 segments if their level or number of hit dice >> is 3 or more greater than the spell caster. All creatures of 6th level >> or 6 hit dice are entitled to a saving throw versus the Colour Spray spell. >> From: The Player's Handbook (TSR Hobbies Inc.) >> >> Anyway, the contradiction is somewhat obvious... >> There is one sentence that states that the illusionist can't >> affect more than his level in creatures, and then the rest of the spell >> tells what the effects are if he DOES affect more than his level. Arg! >> What's used by the rest of the world? >> This is one of my favorite reasons for thinking that the illusionist class was just thrown together in time to add it to the rule books - it is obvious that whoever was in charge didn't look to closely - and had probably never played an illusionist with the spell. We have tried three different solutions in the group that I run with (3 different DMs). All three solutions are equally usable. 1. Delete the lines describing the effects on creatures of greater level than the illusionist. This was the least popular solution, weakening the spell considerably 2. Delete the line saying "The spell caster is able to affect 1 level or "hit die of creatures for each of his levels of experience." This way the spell affects 1 to 6 creatures of any levels in the area of effect. This produces a very good spell. 3. Change the lines "From 1 to 6 creatures within the spell effect can be affected. The spell caster is able to affect 1 level or hit die of creatures for each of his levels of experience." to "The caster can affect one creature in the area of effect for each level of the illusionist. The spell will affect those creatures with the least number of hit die or levels first." Thus, a first level illusionist could colour spray one creature of any level in the area of the spray. If there were two orcs (1hd) and a kobold (1/2hd), the kobold would be the creature affected. This is what I believe was intended and the interpretation I use. It has the advantage of getting better as the illusionist gets better - which is only reasonable. As I have said, I've seen or used all of the above interpretations. They all work better than the mess that currently exists in the PH. Of course, I also believe that the illusionist class as a whole needs a total revamping. (which I have done for my campaign) Oh Abalie - is that a Phantasmal Force, or a real dragon coming at us????? Jeff Diewald {harpo|ima|ihnp4}!inmet!jmd