Jacen said:So acording to you in that example Jozan started the combat before opening the door -> openign the door standard action, so no casting the spell. Wait a minute - it says that Jozan gets to cast the spell before anyone rolls for the initiative. But he did make the enemies aware of himself by opening the door. So he shouldn't be able to cast the spell, but he does get to cast it. Thus what you are saying is wrong.
No.
What I am saying is correct.
The example is wrong. The rules text takes precedence over the example text in the rules when they disagree. It happens every once in a while in the books. For example, there are several sample characters for PrCs where the sample character could not be created with the rules mentioned on the same or previous page.
And, the example is obviously wrong. It states that he casts two spells in the previous 2 rounds. There are no "rounds" before combat. But given that additional error, yes, in the same time frame, he could cast two spells and open a door. No problem. But, if he opens the door before combat, the enemies get a chance to react. Otherwise every door encounter in the game results in a surprise round for the PCs nearly every time. It is not too hard on the other side of a door to sneak up to it, listen for anything inside, if someone is heard, open the door and cast in free surprise round as long as they did not hear the PCs (which through a door if not actively listening is likely).
Also, if casting a spell before combat starts might take away the opportunity for surprise (as per the example you quoted), so could opening a door. Any non-subtle action can alert the enemies and foil surprise.
And btw, opening a door is a move action, not a standard action. But, that's just a quibble.
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