Line of Effect

[jgbrowning]

Do supernatural abilities need line of effect (ph 150)? ie, can a medusa looking through a windowpane stone my fighter?

thanks,

joe b.

 

[kreynolds]

Do supernatural abilities need line of effect (ph 150)?

Depends on the ability.

ie, can a medusa looking through a windowpane stone my fighter?

Yes. A medusa's gaze attack only needs line of sight, and a window does not block that.

 

[Grommilus]

speaking of medusa, i'm thinking of putting a medusa blackguard that rides a black unicorn in my game as a villian, opinions?

Grom

 

[jgbrowning]

gaze attack

Depends on the ability.



Yes. A medusa's gaze attack only needs line of sight, and a window does not block that.

i can't find any info that shows a gaze does not need line of effect. were it an extraordinary power i'd agree wholeheartedly, but as its supernatural i thought it would conform to the same standard of spells, excluding the ones mentioned in the MM.

Its obvious they would need LOS, but i dont think that necessarily excludes a requirement of LOE.

could you give me a bit more on your response?

thanks,

joe b.

 

[kreynolds]

Re: gaze attack

i can't find any info that shows a gaze does not need line of effect.

Anything that blocks the medusa's line of sight to you also blocks the gaze attack. If the medusa can see you, and you can see her, the gaze attack can effect you. However, reflective surfaces, such as mirrors, do not grant line of sight.

were it an extraordinary power i'd agree wholeheartedly

Gaze attacks are either powered by spells or they are supernatural abilities. They are never extraordinary.

but as its supernatural i thought it would conform to the same standard of spells, excluding the ones mentioned in the MM.

They do conform to the same standards of spells. As I said, it depends on the supernatural ability in question.

Its obvious they would need LOS, but i dont think that necessarily excludes a requirement of LOE.

The only thing that prevents a gaze attack from affecting you is if you cannot see the attacker, or if they cannot see you, and sometimes, concealment, though there are certain spells that can also aid you, such as Monte Cook's Gaze Screen.

could you give me a bit more on your response?

I can't provide you with anything more solid, such as a quote, right at this second, though I'm sure someone else will jump in and offer one.

 

[Dr_Rictus]

Supernatural abilities do not conform to the rules for spells unless they say so specifically. That's what the category of "spell-like" abilities is for. I'm not aware of any rule requiring line of effect for supernatural abilities in general.

 

[jgbrowning]

sometimes you're just plain dumb.

an thats what i am right now.

in me wee little head i got the supernatural/spell-like abilites confused. My god, i should be shot.


hehe

joe b.