Ring of Sustenance question

[Dark Dragon]

Hi,

I need some clarification for the Ring of Sustenance (DMG):

Ring of Sustenance

This ring continually provides its wearer with life-sustaining nourishment. The ring also refreshes the body and mind, so that its wearer needs only sleep 2 hours per day to gain the benefit of 8 hours of sleep. The ring must be worn for a full week before it begins to work. If it is removed, the owner must wear it for another week to reattune it to himself.

Caster Level: 5th; Prerequisites: Forge Ring, create food and water; Market Price: 2,500 gp.

The ring is currently used by the party's wizard. Both the player and me (the DM) are not sure about the passage "refreshes body and mind, so that its wearer needs only sleep 2 hours per day to get the benefit of 8 hours sleep."
The problem is that elves need only 4 hours "sleep" but could prepare spells only if they rested additional 4 hours (= 8 hours)...

Does it mean that a wizard can prepare spells after 2 hours sleep?

 

[Hypersmurf]

Does it mean that a wizard can prepare spells after 2 hours sleep?

No. He still needs a total of eight hours of 'restful calm'... but he's only asleep for two of them.

"If the character does not need to sleep for some reason, she still must have 8 hours of restful calm before preparing any spells." PHB, p154.

-Hyp.

 

[Drawmack]

So the wizard could spend 2 hours sleeping and 6 hours resting peacefully by reading a book (maybe of spells they'll learn when they level) and then prepare their spells. Correct?

 

[Hypersmurf]

So the wizard could spend 2 hours sleeping and 6 hours resting peacefully by reading a book (maybe of spells they'll learn when they level) and then prepare their spells. Correct?

Pretty much.

Must refrain from "movement, combat, spellcasting, skill use, conversation, or any other fairly demanding physical or mental task".

So browsing a book is fine, but scribing scrolls isn't.

As a DM, I allow someone to stroll around a campsite, make a cup of tea, exchange the odd comment with a comrade - I don't consider that 'movement', 'skill use' (Profession: Cook, say), or 'conversation'. If they wanted to march up the hill, prepare a meal for the entire party, or discuss tactical options for the morning's adventuring, that would be out.

Similarly, I have no problem with a resting (but not sleeping) spellcaster taking a watch - I don't consider passive Listen checks to be 'skill use'.

That sort of interpretation is up to the DM.

-Hyp.

 

[Dark Dragon]

Thanx for the replies. I think everybody in my group will agree to your interpretations.

 

[Dragonman1985]

Just curious about the Sorcerer, I imagine that it would be the same thing for them to "Prepare their mind for casting spells", but if it is different for them, I'd like to know, thanks!

 

[Corsair]

All the arcanists are the same in this case.