Are images opaque?

[Stalker0]

IMC, my illusionist wanted to use silent image to create an obscuring mist type of effect, basically blinding this group of archers to his prescence.

He reasoned that if you fail your will save, the image would appear somewhat opaque, and so you wouldn't be able to see through it.


I said no because that was trying to recreate a spell effect with an image, and that is reserved for shadow type spells. However, I do agree with his reasoning somewhat.

What do you all think?

 

[Kyramus]

note carefully that this particular illusion DOES NOT CREATE TEXTURE. which is what the opaque effect that the illusionist in question was trying to do.

He can make an illusion of a blanket or a wall but when the disbelief is made, that particular person sees the illusionist clearly while the other archers that failed don't see him. Hence Figment and why there are bonuses to save for others when one of their own call out "It's an illusion"


FROM THE SRD
Silent Image

Illusion (Figment)
Level: Brd 1, Sor/Wiz 1
Components: V, S, F
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Long (400 ft. + 40 ft./level)
Effect: Visual figment that cannot extend beyond four 10-ft. cubes + one 10-ft. cube/level (S)
Duration: Concentration
Saving Throw: Will disbelief (if interacted with)
Spell Resistance: No

This spell creates the visual illusion of an object, creature, or force, as visualized by the character. The illusion does not create sound, smell, texture, or temperature. The character can move the image within the limits of the size of the effect.

 

[Pielorinho]

I think "texture" here is talking about what you experience when you "touch" the illusion, not what you see when you look at it. Since everything has a visual texture, you've got to be able to create things with visual textures.

I'd allow this idea: obviously, you can create opaque illusions, because otherwise, they'd be nearly useless. In fact, the wizard could have created an illusion of a solid wall, granting himself 100% concealment from anyone who failed their save.

Of course, the first arrow that went through the wall would provide incontrovertible proof that the wall was illusory, meaning that all the archers would suddenly be able to see through it. It'd work as long as they didn't shoot at it, though.

Daniel

 

[0-hr]

Creating mist with an illusion sounds fine to me.

Using a 1st level illusion to simulate a 1st level spell also seems quite balanced when you remember that Obscuring Mist allows no save but Silent Image does.

 

[Jeph]

Seems like the player was correct. In effect, he's not creating one see-through object, but millions of tiny water droplets close together. Like if he created the illusion of a tree, you could see through the leaves.

 

[the Jester]

I don't have a problem with that. The strength of the image spells is their versaility.

Why, back in the 1d days I played an illusionist who liked to use phantasmal force to put a bag over his enemies' heads, thus blinding them. Sometimes it worked (dependent on saves, natch).