Command word activation

[Kraedin]

Can a command word activated item be activated by people other than the user? If so, what is the range of "hearing" for the item?

Example: Bob the Barbarian is using a glamered breastplate +1, with a command word of "fnipper". Frank, 30' away, takes a standard action to shout "fnipper." Does the armor activate?

 

[Shard O'Glase]

I'm fairly sure the answer is no, but I don't have my books to confirm.

 

[kreynolds]

I'll back up Shard O'Glase and say "No" as well, and also add "Not unless it specifically states otherwise."

 

[AGGEMAM]

From the SRD

Command Word

Command word activation means that a character speaks the word and the item activates. No other special knowledge is needed. Activating a command word magic item is a standard action and does not provoke attacks of opportunity.

Hmm, that really does not say either or, in this case, but what the hell I will back you guys up.

 

[Kraedin]

That makes bracers of binding pretty worthless.

Oh well. I'll put them in the same category as Eagle Claw Attack, a feat which has no effect whatsoever.

 

[hammymchamham]

I would say that the user activates it, but thats just my take. I think this sorta thing is a grey area and therefor up to DM descretion.

If anyone could activate it, "Fnipper" as a command word? Imagine if that armor ended up in a gnomish community...