Beholder eye-rays: no SR?

[Jeff Wilder]

Is it correct that spell resistance doesn't apply to the eye-rays of a beholder, since the rays are (Su) (supernatural) rather than (Sp) (spell-like)?

Although I can't find an exception to the general rule that Su effects don't have to get through SR, it seems very odd. (I guess it explains why beholders are considered so scary, though.)

 

[Infiniti2000]

Yes, that's correct. Per the SRD, "Only spells and spell-like abilities are subject to spell resistance. Extraordinary and supernatural abilities (including enhancement bonuses on magic weapons) are not."

 

[Thanee]

Yeah, they feel more like (Sp), but as written they are (Su) and thus no SR.

The big scary thing about them is, that they have all those save-or-die effects as free actions each round.

At least in our games, PCs tend not to have spell resistance, usually.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Infiniti2000]

The best way to fight a beholder is safely within an Antimagic Field. If you had an artifact that lets you fly, then that's even better because then you can go chase the beholder.

 

[Thanee]

Halfling Paladin mounted on a Half-Celestial Riding Dog = Beholder makes *poof*

Bye
Thanee

 

[Li Shenron]

The best way to fight a beholder is safely within an Antimagic Field. If you had an artifact that lets you fly, then that's even better because then you can go chase the beholder.

I think that you can use the beholder's own antimagic cone to your advantage, since as long as you are inside it, the beholder cannot target you with its own rays AFAIK.

All you need is an item/spell of improved invisibility: while in the cone the beholder can see you but won't use its rays, and if it rotates (or closes the central eye) he can target you but you're invisible and much harder to be hit

 

[Inconsequenti-AL]

Hadn't realised they were Su rays though - that's extra nasty... although IME, non monk/drow PCs rarely have worthwhile SR.

I think that you can use the beholder's own antimagic cone to your advantage, since as long as you are inside it, the beholder cannot target you with its own rays AFAIK.

All you need is an item/spell of improved invisibility: while in the cone the beholder can see you but won't use its rays, and if it rotates (or closes the central eye) he can target you but you're invisible and much harder to be hit

That's what we did. Definite lifesaver...

Tried working out if there was a way to get it to look at boulders, held in the air with magic. Preferably whilst underneath them. Never could get it right.

 

[helium3]

*blink*

THAT'S why the beholder was so easy to kill.

Cripes. I'm so annoyed now.