Catching multiple enemies in Otiluke's Resilient Sphere

[Nareau]

If you're 16th level, won't you be catching a whole lot of squares in the diameter of the sphere (at least 5, possibly 9)? Is this the intention of the spell?
Also, when the person you cast it on makes their reflex save, what is that supposed to represent? Are they jumping on top of it? Jumping out of the way? Are they still standing in the same square as before, but they're somehow not actually inside the globe?
And how heavy is it? The PHB description says to look on p 142 for rules on "Lifting and Dragging heavy objects". But it doesn't say how heavy it is. Does the captive only have to be able to carry their own weight+equipment?

Otiluke’s Resilient Sphere

Evocation [Force]
Level: Sor/Wiz 4
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Effect: 1-ft.-diameter/level sphere, centered around a creature
Duration: 1 minute /level
Saving Throw: Reflex negates
Spell Resistance: Yes

A globe of shimmering force encloses a creature, provided it is small enough to fit within the diameter of the sphere. The sphere contains its subject for the spell’s duration. The sphere is not subject to damage of any sort except from a rod of cancellation, a wand of negation, disintegrate, or a targeted dispel magic spell. These destroy the sphere without harm to the subject. Nothing can pass through the sphere, inside or out, though the subject can breathe normally. The subject may struggle, but the only effect that act produces is to move the sphere slightly. The globe can be physically moved either by people outside it or by the struggles of those within.

 

[Pielorinho]

Bump.

C'mon, surely someone has an opinion about this? It's likely to come up in next week's session.

Daniel

 

[Henrix]

If you're 16th level, won't you be catching a whole lot of squares in the diameter of the sphere (at least 5, possibly 9)? Is this the intention of the spell?

Obviously

Also, when the person you cast it on makes their reflex save, what is that supposed to represent? Are they jumping on top of it? Jumping out of the way?

Certainly the latter. It is a reflex save, and they avoid it.

And how heavy is it? The PHB description says to look on p 142 for rules on "Lifting and Dragging heavy objects". But it doesn't say how heavy it is.

See Otiluke's Telekinetic Sphere description, that should clear some things up.

 

[Velenne]

I'd rule IMC that if you center it one creature, but the sphere happens to fully enclose surrounding creatures, then they would all get saves. Those that fail didn't quite make it outside the radius.

 

[Magus_Jerel]

Also, when the person you cast it on makes their reflex save, what is that supposed to represent? Are they jumping on top of it? Jumping out of the way? Are they still standing in the same square as before, but they're somehow not actually inside the globe?

One should not think too hard. I would roll a D8 for a random direction - and rule that the character took their 5 ft step in time. This gets harder at 16th level tho for the target of the spell...

 

[Henrix]

I'd rule IMC that if you center it one creature, but the sphere happens to fully enclose surrounding creatures, then they would all get saves. Those that fail didn't quite make it outside the radius.

Certainly. All affected creatures get a Reflex save to negate.

 

[Grundle]

I'd rule IMC that if you center it one creature, but the sphere happens to fully enclose surrounding creatures, then they would all get saves. Those that fail didn't quite make it outside the radius.

Keep in mind that this is a sphere, not a circle. Just because a creature is within the radius of the spell does not mean that they are COMPLETELY surrounded by the sphere. It doesn't seem likely to me that more than a single creature would be within the dimensions of the sphere unless some are flying or something.

The spell description seems to clearly indicate that a single creature is the subject of this spell. I would try to stick with this interpretation under most circumstances.