Greater Dimension Door: How do you interpret?

[TheEvil]

I started using Greater Dimension Door with my sorcerer and have since realized that we seem to be using it wrong. We (GM included) had assumed that it was just Dimension Door for multiple rounds. Reading it again, we are now of the opinion that it is very poorly written and probably should have been rewritten as a complete spell instead of refering to Dimension Door. What it actually seems to be saying you can Dimension Door at short range for the duration, which doesn't seem particulary greater. Mostly it seems to turn a utility movement spell into a short duration combat buff for a level higher. The GM is considering having the first round work at the usual long range, and the remaining rounds work at short range. Any thoughts?

From the Spell Compendium:
Dimension Door, Greater
Conjuration (Teleportation)
Level: Sor/Wiz 5
Range: Touch
Target: You and touched objects or other touched willing creatures
Duration: 1 round/2 levels
This spell functions like Dimension Door, except as noted above and that you can transfer the targets once per round, up to a distance of 25 feet + 5 feet/2 levels, as a move action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity.

From SRD:
Dimension Door
Conjuration (Teleportation)
Level: Brd 4, Sor/Wiz 4, Travel 4
Components: V
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Long (400 ft. + 40 ft./level)
Target: You and touched objects or other touched willing creatures
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: None and Will negates (object)
Spell Resistance: No and Yes (object)
You instantly transfer yourself from your current location to any other spot within range. You always arrive at exactly the spot desired—whether by simply visualizing the area or by stating direction. After using this spell, you can’t take any other actions until your next turn. You can bring along objects as long as their weight doesn’t exceed your maximum load. You may also bring one additional willing Medium or smaller creature (carrying gear or objects up to its maximum load) or its equivalent per three caster levels. A Large creature counts as two Medium creatures, a Huge creature counts as two Large creatures, and so forth. All creatures to be transported must be in contact with one another, and at least one of those creatures must be in contact with you.
If you arrive in a place that is already occupied by a solid body, you and each creature traveling with you take 1d6 points of damage and are shunted to a random open space on a suitable surface within 100 feet of the intended location.
If there is no free space within 100 feet, you and each creature traveling with you take an additional 2d6 points of damage and are shunted to a free space within 1,000 feet. If there is no free space within 1,000 feet, you and each creature travelling with you take an additional 4d6 points of damage and the spell simply fails.

 

[Rystil Arden]

This spell basically gives everyone in the party the ability to benefit from the Psychic Warrior power Dimension Slide at will for the duration. That is a highly potent ability that can constantly keep the enemies guessing as your entire team pops in and out across the battlefield. Even better, since it doesn't provoke, this is perfect for escaping the nasty reach weapon wielder who readied an action to disrupt your spells.

 

[Hypersmurf]

This spell basically gives everyone in the party the ability to manifest the Psychic Warrior power Dimension Slide at will for the duration.

Mmm? The way I read what's in that first post above, it gives the caster the ability to transport several people who are in contact with each other as a move action once per round.

Any time you want to zap everyone somewhere else on the battlefield, they all have to link hands before your turn comes up...

-Hyp.

 

[Rystil Arden]

Mmm? The way I read what's in that first post above, it gives the caster the ability to transport several people who are in contact with each other as a move action once per round.

Any time you want to zap everyone somewhere else on the battlefield, they all have to link hands before your turn comes up...

-Hyp.

I dunno. It seems like you select touched target creatures when you cast the spell and then you can transfer 'the targets' of the spell every round as a Move action. It was probably intended to work as you said though. Either way, it at least gives the caster a free Dimension Slide every round.

 

[Diirk]

However it doesn't override the clause in dimension door stating you can take no other actions after you use the spell, so even at a move action its usefulness is somewhat questionable as a personal teleporter (as most times you'd want to make a jump of such a small distance you'd want to act afterwards rather than beforehand).

 

[Rystil Arden]

However it doesn't override the clause in dimension door stating you can take no other actions after you use the spell, so even at a move action its usefulness is somewhat questionable as a personal teleporter (as most times you'd want to make a jump of such a small distance you'd want to act afterwards rather than beforehand).

Ah, that's true. That's one thing that Dimension Slide does have on it. The other guys should still be okay though.

 

[Hypersmurf]

I dunno. It seems like you select touched target creatures when you cast the spell and then you can transfer 'the targets' of the spell every round as a Move action.

But "All creatures to be transported must be in contact with one another, and at least one of those creatures must be in contact with you."

Each time you want to transfer the targets, they are 'creatures to be transported', aren't they?

-Hyp.

 

[Rystil Arden]

But "All creatures to be transported must be in contact with one another, and at least one of those creatures must be in contact with you."

Each time you want to transfer the targets, they are 'creatures to be transported', aren't they?

-Hyp.

So does that mean you can actually switch around the targets mid-spell, or just that you set a maximum set of targets at the onset of the spell, and then whichever of those stick with you can keep tagging along.

 

[Hypersmurf]

So does that mean you can actually switch around the targets mid-spell, or just that you set a maximum set of targets at the onset of the spell, and then whichever of those stick with you can keep tagging along.

As far as I can tell, your targets are the creatures you touch at casting time. The creatures you transport are those (who must be among the targets you chose) who are in linked contact when you bamf.

So option 2.

-Hyp.

 

[Rystil Arden]

As far as I can tell, your targets are the creatures you touch at casting time. The creatures you transport are those (who must be among the targets you chose) who are in linked contact when you bamf.

So option 2.

-Hyp.

Yup, that's what I would say as well. Combined with not referencing the normal Dimension Door spell for that extra line, it created my incorrect assumption about letting you bamf them all at range.