Jump spell clarification

[MarkB]

I just want to clarify the intent of the Jump spell (Wizard Utility 2, page 161). It can be used on the caster or another creature, and the effect is that the target makes an Athletics check to jump with a +10 bonus.

If I cast it on an ally, do they make the check as part of normal movement on their turn, or does it grant them immediate free movement in the form of a single jump?

 

[Kordeth]

Looks like it's a free movement on your turn, sort of like the Cause Fear power.

 

[Cryptos]

That doesn't seem right to me.

I think that it's indicated as a move action simply to imply that a wizard can use it on himself as part of his move action to jump.

Probably what happened was that they weren't thinking of it being used within the context of a combat encounter, and so they left out the language that would allow a target other than the wizard to use it on their own following move action, figuring that out-of-combat you'd cast it on someone and they'd just take their action to jump then, without worrying about initiative order.

The coordination to pull it off otherwise is very wonky. "Okay, I want to go over here and jump." (Runs up to chasm.)

"Wait! Don't jump yet. On my turn I'll cast jump on you."

"Okay...." (Standing there at the edge waiting for the wizard's turn.)

"Ok, now jump!"

The language in the description should probably read "as part of your move action or the target's next move action."

 

[MarkB]

That doesn't seem right to me.

I think that it's indicated as a move action simply to imply that a wizard can use it on himself as part of his move action to jump.

Probably what happened was that they weren't thinking of it being used within the context of a combat encounter, and so they left out the language that would allow a target other than the wizard to use it on their own following move action, figuring that out-of-combat you'd cast it on someone and they'd just take their action to jump then, without worrying about initiative order.

The coordination to pull it off otherwise is very wonky. "Okay, I want to go over here and jump." (Runs up to chasm.)

"Wait! Don't jump yet. On my turn I'll cast jump on you."

"Okay...." (Standing there at the edge waiting for the wizard's turn.)

"Ok, now jump!"

The language in the description should probably read "as part of your move action or the target's next move action."

Out of combat, all that doesn't matter because you're generally not acting in initiative order and can thus sync up your actions automatically (though it might come up in a skill challenge).

In combat, I think the spell has more cool tactical applications if it generates an immediate spontaneous jump than if it kicks in on the target's turn. I'm visualising the party mage catapulting his allies up to the front line (or back to safety, if they first shift out of OA-range on their turn).

 

[The Little Raven]

I think the spell has more cool tactical applications if it generates an immediate spontaneous jump than if it kicks in on the target's turn.

That's exactly how it reads to me. It says "The target makes an Athletics check to jump" and then clarifies that it doesn't require movement to count as a running jump. That strikes me as happening immediately upon casting.

 

[Mengu]

It doesn't say "as a free action", so it's not a free action. See Walord Utility 2 Knight's Move as an example for necessary wording.

 

[Danceofmasks]

But it does not list a duration of any sort.
Therefore, its effect is instantaneous and has no lasting effect. PHB p278

 

[Cryptos]

Clearly, they screwed up.

They either left out the "free action" or "as a reaction" language if it does give a free jumping move, or they left out the language explaining it was on the next skill check or the target's move action so that it could be used properly in combat, if it doesn't give a free move.

Either way, something is missing.

But it seems to me that it's not an extra jump as well as an enhanced jump... that would be unprecedented for a level 2 utility. They either provide something extra, like a move, or they provide a bonus to something, like a skill check. Not both - at least not at level 2.

Also note that many other utility 2 powers that allow you to enhance an ally's check are immediate reactions to them making a check. Changing Jump to this would also fix the power.

They didn't consider it's use in combat and so the language is screwed up. Out of combat, it's fine, but in combat it could be construed as giving an extra jumping move, which I don't believe is intended.

 

[hong]

I'd say that on the target's next turn, they get to jump as part of their movement, with a bonus. The spell doesn't give you extra movement beyond what you already get.

In fact, I'd rule the same way for cause fear. It's a special effect that tinkers with your brane, causing you to run away; which means that you follow all the usual rules for running away. It's not a hand of force that pushes you around.

 

[MerricB]

It doesn't say "as a free action", so it's not a free action. See Walord Utility 2 Knight's Move as an example for necessary wording.

c.f. Commander's Strike (PHB pg 145) which also doesn't say "as a free action".

It's an imperative - the target immediately follows the effect in the text.

Cheers!