Hypersmurf said:
As far as I can tell by the wording, the purpose of the spell seems to be to exclude any spell of 4th level or lower that wasn't already in effect when the globe is cast.
:\ Sorry, forgot that you ignore any hint of intent on how the spell supposed to be used, you just apply the most literal possible interpretation of the text. That doesn't alway give the best results, since 3.5 is roleplaying game and not a computer program.
The globe is intended to guard you against "lesser" magics (below 4th or 5th level). It specifically doesn't suppress spells that are already in effect when it is cast, mainly so that your buff spells aren't dropped when you cast it. This is a change from 3.0. (In 3.0 it didn't get much use because it would drop your
mage armor, shield, mirror image, haste, fly, blink, displacement, etc.)
It doesn't make sense for the spell to not suppress buffs or other spells that are on your opponents, just because they happen to be up before you cast the globe. That's contrary to the intent of the spell. It makes it nearly useless.
It makes more sense that the change in the spell was intended to make it more useful, not less useful. It is intended to allow you to keep your own spells while suppressing your opponents spells.
How does a Forbiddance "know" if someone has an alignment different to yours?
Because people have alignments that can be easily detected by magic.
How does a Bless spell "know" if a creature is an ally?
The spell doesn't. There is no "detect ally" game mechanic that I'm aware of. The GM has to decide if it's based on the caster's perceptions or the gamemaster's knowledge.
How does a Glyph of Warding "know" if an item already has a Fire Trap spell cast on it?
The presence of the
fire trap spell prevents the glyph from being placed on it. The glyph spell doesn't have to "know" anything. It just doesn't work.
Sorry, that explanation doesn't wash in this case. You are trying to add capabilities to the spell that don't make sense, and aren't listed in the spell description.
Not as written, it doesn't.
-Hyp.
As written, it most definitely does. Your interpretation makes the spell nearly useless, and goes counter to the intent of the spell (protecting you from spells and hindering your enemies).