Arcane Eye Use

[cfbehr21]

During an encounter I attempted to improve my vision by casting Darkvision, hoping to have Arcane Eye produce the same effects. I felt this was a valid use since the spell description text states "you see as if you were actually there." The DM ruled that the statement "cannot be enhanced by any vision altering affects" and "if you are blind, the arcane eye does not become blind" mean the darkvision is ineffectual in this case.

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Carl Behr

 

[Henrix]

The description is very obfuscating:

"The powers of the eye cannot be enhanced by other spells or items (though you can use magic to improve your own eyesight)."

I suppose the parenthesis to indicate that magic enhancing your eyesight works through Arcane Eye.
If not, why add that you can improve your eyesight magically?

But your DM was right in being confused

 

[Magus_Jerel]

Read a bit further down in the spell.

With respect to blindness, magical darkness, adn other phenomena that affect vision, the arcane eye is considered an independent sensory organ of yours.

Consequences:
1. Magic, situations, or race abilities (low-light-vision, darkvision ect.) that you have enhancing your own vision work thru the eye.

2. If a spot check would be called for - you use your own skill modifier via the eye.

3. As mentioned previously - gaze attacks and the like work thru the eye itself. Any gaze attack that the eye is subjected to - you get subjected to. (ie a basklisk's gaze attack on the eye could turn YOU to stone if you were concentrating on the spell at that moment)