Glitterdust

[Olaf the Stout]

This came up last session. We've previously used the rule that the Glitterdust cloud hangs around for the duration of the spell, meaning that if the spell is cast by an 8th level caster, the Glitterdust cloud lasts for 8 rounds and has the chance to blind anyone that moves into the area within those 8 rounds.

We're wondering if we played it wrong though. Maybe the Glitterdust only affects those that were in the area that the spell was cast on in the round it was cast. After that anyone can freely move into the area without being Glitterdusted (we reasoned that all the glitterdust would immediately fall to the ground after the spell was cast). The duration in the spell description is just used to calculate how long someone is blinded or visibly outlined for.

Here is the spell description:

[sblock=Glitterdust]Glitterdust
Conjuration (Creation)
Level: Brd 2, Sor/Wiz 2
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)
Area: Creatures and objects within 10-ft.-radius spread
Duration: 1 round/level
Saving Throw: Will negates (blinding only)
Spell Resistance: No

A cloud of golden particles covers everyone and everything in the area, causing creatures to become blinded and visibly outlining invisible things for the duration of the spell. All within the area are covered by the dust, which cannot be removed and continues to sparkle until it fades.

Any creature covered by the dust takes a -40 penalty on Hide checks.

Material Component
Ground mica.

[/sblock]

How do you rule it?

Olaf the Stout

 

[Elethiomel]

Note that the "area" section reads "creatures and objects within a 10-foot radius spread". This suggests to me that the creatures and objects that are within the spread at the casting of the spell are the spell's area, so the second ruling (duration is for the length of time of blinding/outlining, the spell does not "hang in the air" and hence does not affect any new targets on subsequent rounds) is the one I use in my games.

 

[green slime]

This came up last session. We've previously used the rule that the Glitterdust cloud hangs around for the duration of the spell, meaning that if the spell is cast by an 8th level caster, the Glitterdust cloud lasts for 8 rounds and has the chance to blind anyone that moves into the area within those 8 rounds.

We're wondering if we played it wrong though. Maybe the Glitterdust only affects those that were in the area that the spell was cast on in the round it was cast. After that anyone can freely move into the area without being Glitterdusted (we reasoned that all the glitterdust would immediately fall to the ground after the spell was cast). The duration in the spell description is just used to calculate how long someone is blinded or visibly outlined for.

Here is the spell description:

[sblock=Glitterdust]Glitterdust
Conjuration (Creation)
Level: Brd 2, Sor/Wiz 2
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)
Area: Creatures and objects within 10-ft.-radius spread
Duration: 1 round/level
Saving Throw: Will negates (blinding only)
Spell Resistance: No

A cloud of golden particles covers everyone and everything in the area, causing creatures to become blinded and visibly outlining invisible things for the duration of the spell. All within the area are covered by the dust, which cannot be removed and continues to sparkle until it fades.

Any creature covered by the dust takes a -40 penalty on Hide checks.

Material Component
Ground mica.

[/sblock]

How do you rule it?

Olaf the Stout

What an interesting take you had! We have always ruled it as only the creatures within the area at the time of the casting. I think your ruling makes it slightly more powerful, (nothing wrong with that). I found your interpretation quite cool, actually.

 

[Thanee]

It's just an instantaneous effect, which wears off after a few rounds (the duration).

It would have to have an effect entry (compare with spells like Fog Cloud or Wall of Fire) to create a lasting 'hazard'.

Bye
Thanee

 

[thedmstrikes]

As it is a conjuration spell, my first inclination is to agree with Olaf. When I thought about all that gold glitter dust hanging in the air "covering everyone and everything" I thought if it were there the whole time, you really would not be able to pick anything out in the cloud and that would make it an obfuscation hazard instead of a way to find hidden things. I therefore agree with all the other posters as the initial effect is insantaneous and the secondary effects are what last for the duration.

 

[Vegepygmy]

Maybe the Glitterdust only affects those that were in the area that the spell was cast on in the round it was cast. After that anyone can freely move into the area without being Glitterdusted (we reasoned that all the glitterdust would immediately fall to the ground after the spell was cast). The duration in the spell description is just used to calculate how long someone is blinded or visibly outlined for.

That's how I've always ruled it. I've never seen anyone do it differently.

 

[Dirty Magurdy]

My group has always applied the consequences of the spell to those in the area at the time of casting, and the spell's duration applies to how long those targets are blinded or highlighted by the dust.

I agree with others that your interpretation is unique, though adds more power to the spell. I think it might be a worthwhile endeavor to a player character wizard to create a 3rd or 4th level version of glitterdust that stays in affect, I can see plenty of tactical benefits to a spell like this.

First-time poster by the way, just thought I'd add my 2 cents.