Darkvision through a telescope

Whizbang Dustyboots

Gnometown Hero

• Sep 20, 2007

• #1

Looking at a pirate ship in the dark with only one lantern on deck, using a spyglass and darkvision.

Does the darkvision help?

 

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frankthedm

First Post

• Sep 20, 2007

• #2

out to 60'

 

Jack Simth

First Post

• Sep 20, 2007

• #3

Why would a form of vision that doesn't use light benefit from a device that bends light such as a telescope? No effect beyond the normal darkvision range.

 

Rhun

First Post

• Sep 20, 2007

• #4

I'd say it was the DM's call on this one. But once you make a ruling, make sure you stick with what you decide.

 

D

darthkilmor

First Post

• Sep 20, 2007

• #5

Jack Simth said:

Why would a form of vision that doesn't use light benefit from a device that bends light such as a telescope? No effect beyond the normal darkvision range.

Click to expand...

But what DOES darkvision use? Infrared? X-ray? Superman-O-vision?

This is a fun argument when you start thinking about the physics of something thats pretty much make-believe.

I'd probably handle it as there's a special telescope that only works with darkvision, and increase the price 50%. but i could be considered a RBDM so...

 

frankthedm

First Post

• Sep 20, 2007

• #6

Actually through a telescope you see 0' with darkvision.

The lense is either black or white. Take your pick, but either way, you don't see through it.

 

RangerWickett

Legend

• Sep 20, 2007

• #7

Darkvision doesn't say it is stopped by transparent objects. You'd think they'd mention that with darkvision you can't see through glass.

Or, y'know, water and air. I bet those aboleth love their darkvision.

 

Bagpuss

Legend

• Sep 20, 2007

• #8

Through a telescope things look bigger. Using it in the dark, with darkvision then things within the range (60' for example) look bigger.

 

frankthedm

First Post

• Sep 20, 2007

• #9

RangerWickett said:

Darkvision doesn't say it is stopped by transparent objects. You'd think they'd mention that with darkvision you can't see through glass.

Or, y'know, water and air. I bet those aboleth love their darkvision.

Click to expand...

Air and water do not seem to be consided objects in this rulset. If either were, rays and most other effects could not pass through them. Glass is an object, thus to darkvision it is either black or white.

 

Bagpuss

Legend

• Sep 20, 2007

• #10

I'd like to know what you are interpretting to get that darkvision is blocked by transparent objects.

SRD

Darkvision is the extraordinary ability to see with no light source at all, out to a range specified for the creature. Darkvision is black and white only (colors cannot be discerned). It does not allow characters to see anything that they could not see otherwise—invisible objects are still invisible, and illusions are still visible as what they seem to be. Likewise, darkvision subjects a creature to gaze attacks normally. The presence of light does not spoil darkvision.

from the Darkvision spell

Darkvision is black and white only but otherwise like normal sight.

Normal sight is not blocked by transparent objects.

You could even read a book with 3rd's version of Darkvision (paper is white, ink is black). So I'm failing to see how glass blocks it.