Ebon Eyes - How does this spell work?

[JacktheRabbit]

How does this spell work? The text seems to completely contradict itself. The first line says you see normally in natural and magical darkness. But then goes on to say it does not improve vision natural dark or shadowy conditions.

Huh?

Then it gets more confusing cause it says it removes all miss chance from lack of illumination except total darkness.

Can someone please explain how any of this is supposed to make any sense at all? I want to use this spell to cast on myself, then cast darkness on myself, charge at enemies and beat them down badly while they flounder around in the dark. With the odd description I cannot tell when this spell will or will not function.

EBON EYES
Transmutation
Level: Assassin 1, cleric 1, sorcerer/
wizard 1
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Touch
Target: Creature touched
Duration: 10 minutes/level
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: Yes (harmless)

The subject of this spell gains the ability to see normally in natural and magical darkness, although it does not otherwise improve the subject’s ability to see in natural dark or shadowy conditions. The subject ignores the miss chance due to lack of illumination other than total darkness. While the spell is in effect, a jet-black film covers the subject’s eyes, a visual effect that gives the spell its name. Material Component: A pinch of powdered black gemstone of any type.

 

[cheshire_grin]

Here's a google cache of a WOTC forums topic that seems to clarify it a bit.

To sum up how Ebon Eyes will interact with certain conditions:

If Magical Darkness, then Ebon Eyes will let you see as if the Magical Darkness were not there. Simply ignore the darkness effects of any and all spells that create shadowy illumination or total darkness.

If the underlying condition is Shadowy illumination then the 20% miss chance is negated.

If the underlying condition is Total Darkness, then Ebon Eyes does not help.

 

[JacktheRabbit]

Here's a google cache of a WOTC forums topic that seems to clarify it a bit.

So to fully understand

Darkness spell - Yes will work

Shadowy dungeon illuminated by a single torch - Yes will work

Outside at night - Yes will work

Pitch black cavern in the underdark with no light at all - Wont work

 

[cheshire_grin]

According to that post (and that does seem like a reasonable interpretation of the insane original text), yes.