Globe of Invulnerability

[Li Shenron]

Does someone actually know well how this spell is supposed to work exactly? I have this spell and every time I try to use it, the DM comes up with a different idea... :\

Area: 10-ft.-radius spherical emanation, centered on you

According to the definition of "emanation" the spell continues to radiate from the point of origin. This spell is "centered on you". Does it continue to radiate FROM YOU if you move? But next the description mentions you can "leave and return to the globe", which then makes us think that it's not really centered on you, instead the point of origin is a just a point in space exactly when you stand at the time of casting.

So the first question is about how people usually play this?

1) the globe is always stuck where you are at the time of cast, and has no relations with your movements
2) the globe is always emanating from you and follows you around
3) you can choose whether leaving the globe there, or let it move with you

Last time we played, the DM decided for 1) and so came the next question: what can the other creatures do regarding your globe?

1) other creatures can enter/exit the globe as easily as you and benefit from it
2) other creatures can enter the globe only when you have exited it, but don't prevent you from coming back inside
3) other creatures cannot enter your globe, but could have been inside the range already (if they exit, they cannot enter again)
4) other creatures can enter/exit the globe freely only if they were inside when you cast it

An immobile, faintly shimmering magical sphere surrounds you and excludes all spell effects of 3rd level or lower. The area or effect of any such spells does not include the area of the lesser globe of invulnerability. Such spells fail to affect any target located within the globe. Excluded effects include spell-like abilities and spells or spell-like effects from items. However, any type of spell can be cast through or out of the magical globe. Spells of 4th level and higher are not affected by the globe, nor are spells already in effect when the globe is cast. The globe can be brought down by a targeted dispel magic spell, but not by an area dispel magic. You can leave and return to the globe without penalty.

Note that spell effects are not disrupted unless their effects enter the globe, and even then they are merely suppressed, not dispelled.

Second issue with this spell is what exactly is meant for "excluding spells" but "spells can be cast through/out". Clear enough that spells are suppressed and not disrupted, but is it true that if you cast a spell on yourself or an ally inside, the spell effects don't take place until you or the ally leave the globe? What about instantaneous spells, they just fail? What about drinking a potion? Can someone try to dispel the spells inside or has to first dispel the globe?

 

[Thanee]

Here's what I think:

The globe is stationary (since you can leave it as per the spell description, which would otherwise be impossible ).

The globe simply suppresses all spell effects of the appropriate levels cast on the area of the globe or targets within (area spells cast partially on the globe's area affect targets outside of it just fine, only the targets inside enjoy the protection). It does not prevent casting the spells in the first place, but merely suppresses their effect.

This is similar to Protection from Evil and Dominate. You can still cast it on the protected person, but it has no effect as long as the protection lasts.

Note, that this only happens during spellcasting, running spells brought into the globe are not suppressed as inside an Antimagic Field; however, it seems like spells are "tagged" for the duration of the globe and even if you leave and reenter the globe, the spell effect is suppressed again, unlike with spells brought into the globe, that were already in existance when the globe is cast.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Thanee]

...but is it true that if you cast a spell on yourself or an ally inside, the spell effects don't take place until you or the ally leave the globe?

Yes, also see the note above.

What about instantaneous spells, they just fail?

The spell does not fail, but it fails to affect the target inside the globe.

This is merely semantics in most cases, however.

What about drinking a potion?

Spells or spell-like effects from items are also suppressed as per the spell description. This includes pretty much all potions (and scrolls, staffs, wands, etc).

Can someone try to dispel the spells inside or has to first dispel the globe?

With Greater Dispel Magic (Dispel Magic cannot affect anything inside the globe) you should be able to dispel suppressed spells. But I'm not sure about that. *shrug*

Bye
Thanee

 

[Li Shenron]

Also I noticed there is a difference between 3.0 and 3.5 which makes it more complicated.

In 3.0 the example in the PHB implies that someone entering the globe has the spells already cast on him being suppressed, but the 3.5 SRD specifies that the globe doesn't affect ongoing spells.

This is VERY different! If the wizard's own spells are suppressed even if she cast it before, it's very very bad idea usually to cast Globe at all unless your protections are higher level. In 3.5 your existing protections will instead remain active.

 

[Plane Sailing]

Also I noticed there is a difference between 3.0 and 3.5 which makes it more complicated.

In 3.0 the example in the PHB implies that someone entering the globe has the spells already cast on him being suppressed, but the 3.5 SRD specifies that the globe doesn't affect ongoing spells.

This is VERY different! If the wizard's own spells are suppressed even if she cast it before, it's very very bad idea usually to cast Globe at all unless your protections are higher level. In 3.5 your existing protections will instead remain active.

I felt that it was a stupid change they made in 3.5. Until they said this "globe" was the perfect counter to the silence spell. Just prepare a silent globe and you're back in business again. In 3.5 you might be able to keep your own protections going but you are vulnerable once more to the biggest mage-killer of them all...

 

[Thanee]

This is VERY different!

Indeed, I don't really recall how it worked back then, never really used it; I only checked the 3.5 version.

Bye
Thanee