Eyebite and Gaze Attacks

[Garnfellow]

One of my players is looking hard at the >eyebite< spell for his wizard character, but we need to clear up a couple of points before he makes his final decision. We have some serious questions about possible differences in game mechanics between monster gaze attacks and >eyebite<.

Gaze attack mechanics are found in the DMG (p. 77) and the MM (pp. 8-9). Gaze attacks have two components:

(1) A passive effect. Each round each creature within range may be affected by the gaze attack, and must attempt a saving throw at the beginning of their turn. Steps may be taken to avoid the gaze, such as using blindfolds, etc.

(2) An active effect. Each round the creature with the gaze attack may actively use its gaze as an attack action. The creature chooses one target within range, and the target must attempt a saving throw, just as with the passive effect.

Pretty straightforward so far. Our >eyebite< question is this: does the spell function just like a regular gaze attack? Is there both an active AND passive component to the spell effect?

I think my disconnect arises from the spell description, which repeatedly refers to a target as singular, beginning with the first sentence: "You merely meet the gaze of *a* creature . . ." Further, the gaze attack can be used as a free action each round. And then there's the final note that begins "Each round, a gaze attack automatically works against one creature that is looking at (attacking or interacting with) the gazing creature."

Any and all clarifications or comments are most welcome!

 

[gfunk]

The gaze is active only (unlike the normal gaze attacks of monsters). You can make the number of gaze attacks, each on one creature, listed in the spell description. It is a free action to do so.

 

[Garnfellow]

Thanks, gfunk. I think I have only one outstanding question:

Can the eyebite be used against different targets from round to round, or is it limited to the initial target only?

 

[Dreaddisease]

Actually it is a passive thing. When you cast the spell the first creature to look into your eyes gets the effects of the spell.

From the SRD.
"Note: Each round, a gaze attack automatically works against one creature within range that is looking at (attacking or interacting with) the gazing creature."

The creature looks at you and only one creature can be affected per round. Its like as soon as a creature looks into your eyes a mental connection is made and you can instantly choose what to affect them by. Or you can do it actively where you find a creature and look into it's eyes.

So... I guess to answer your inquiry, a creature that inadvertantly looks into a spellcasters eyes while this spell is in affect can be affected.

 

[Garnfellow]

Actually it is a passive thing. When you cast the spell the first creature to look into your eyes gets the effects of the spell.

From the SRD.
"Note: Each round, a gaze attack automatically works against one creature within range that is looking at (attacking or interacting with) the gazing creature."

*SNIP*

I think that final note you've quoted is what is so problematic with the spell as written -- I'm not sure it makes much sense. The attack "automatically works"? What's this mean -- and how do you determine which creature is affected? A random roll for a 6th level spell doesn't make much sense: "Sorry, Presto, but you've managed to eyebite your friend Hagar . . ."

The spell description was probably written well before the gaze attack mechanic was finalized, which is why it's so hard to reconcile the spell's mechanic with other gaze attacks.