Dominate Versus Magic Circle Against Evil

[Quartz]

I'm sorry, but I really don't see the problem here: defensive spells are usually lower level than offensive spells. Sure this is an extreme example, but thems the breaks. Would you allow Magic Missile Heightened to 9th level to penetrate a Shield spell?

 

[airwalkrr]

In this case the solar had already been commanded to resist attempts to suppress the dominate. The main question therefore, is whether or not he would actually receive a save from magic circle, which most people seem to agree with. A lot of the conversation has focused on whether or not he would want to, but this is a moot point. I want to know if there is a basis for a creature receiving a saving throw against magic circle simply by virtue of being in the area of effect, or if the saving throw should apply to only the creature touched when the spell is cast.

 

[Starglim]

In this case the solar had already been commanded to resist attempts to suppress the dominate. The main question therefore, is whether or not he would actually receive a save from magic circle, which most people seem to agree with. A lot of the conversation has focused on whether or not he would want to, but this is a moot point. I want to know if there is a basis for a creature receiving a saving throw against magic circle simply by virtue of being in the area of effect, or if the saving throw should apply to only the creature touched when the spell is cast.

There is nothing in the spell description of magic circle that allows any of its effects to be negated by a saving throw. In fact, the planar trap effect would be more or less useless if it did. Thus I believe the saving throw is only to prevent the initial casting of the spell on the creature touched, if applicable.

 

[kerbarian]

There is nothing in the spell description of magic circle that allows any of its effects to be negated by a saving throw. In fact, the planar trap effect would be more or less useless if it did. Thus I believe the saving throw is only to prevent the initial casting of the spell on the creature touched, if applicable.

The spell doesn't actually target the creature that it's centered on. It's an emanation, and it affects everyone within the area (which will include the creature it's centered on). Just like any other area spell, everyone within the area gets a save.

If it said "Target: creature touched", then I'd agree with you, but that's not actually how the spell is defined.

 

[Vegepygmy]

Thus I believe the saving throw is only to prevent the initial casting of the spell on the creature touched, if applicable.

I agree with Starglim. The range is Touch and and the area is "10-ft. radius emanation from touched creature" (so it's pretty obvious, kerbarian, that the spell does in fact target the creature it's centered on).

As for everybody within the area getting a save, magic circle is a (harmless) spell, and about harmless spells the section on saving throws (page 177) says: "(harmless): The spell is usually beneficial, not harmful, but a targeted creature can attempt a saving throw if it desires."