See Invisibility

[BlackBart]

The character sees any objects or beings that are invisible, as well as any that are astral or ethereal, as if they were normally visible.

The spell does not reveal the method used to obtain invisibility, though an astral traveler is easy to identify if he has a silver cord. It does not reveal illusions or enable the character to see through opaque objects. It does not reveal creatures who are simply hiding, concealed, or otherwise hard to see.

So, does the spell actually tell you that someone is otherwise undetectable through normal vision, or do you truly see them "as if they were normally visible?"

Would it make a difference if one's ability to see invisibility were extraordinary, as it is for a pseudodragon?

 

[Mr.Binx]

My gaming group has fought about this one alot also. We still fight about it. I'm interested on any input on this one as well.

 

[Jondor_Battlehammer]

Spell or extraordinary ability would be treated the same.

I woulds say that it would give you some sort of sighn that the person is invisible, but it is a very interesting question. I can already think of a few loopholes if it does not.

Dress as a waiter, and infiltrate a party while invisible. While working your way causually twards the guest of honor/contracted hit, his body gaurd mage sees only a waiter hovering around. A way to hedge your bet and get closer to someone.

 

[jgbrowning]

So, does the spell actually tell you that someone is otherwise undetectable through normal vision, or do you truly see them "as if they were normally visible?"

Would it make a difference if one's ability to see invisibility were extraordinary, as it is for a pseudodragon?

i give my players knowledge that this person would be invisible, but they can see him because of their spell.

most of the time the spell is cast once someone realized an invisble creature is in the area, but i think that it would be the way i run it because there are greater beings who can see invisibility all the time and i think they would be aware of who is invisible and who isnt.

joe b.

 

[Block]

In my games, the players can tell who is invisible and who is not. The invisible beings appear to be semi-transparent, or to shimmer. Perhaps they would have some kind of aura around them to indicate that the light is bending around them rather than reflecting off of them.

 

[kreynolds]

So, does the spell actually tell you that someone is otherwise undetectable through normal vision, or do you truly see them "as if they were normally visible?"

The answer is in your quote...emphasis mine...

It does not reveal illusions or enable the character to see through opaque objects.

If you have this ability, and you have a brick wall in front of you that is invisible, you can't see what is on the other side of the wall because you see the wall as it truly is. The ability simply negates invisibility.

Would it make a difference if one's ability to see invisibility were extraordinary, as it is for a pseudodragon?

Not unless it is specifically stated in the ability.

 

[BlackBart]

In my games, the players can tell who is invisible and who is not. The invisible beings appear to be semi-transparent, or to shimmer. Perhaps they would have some kind of aura around them to indicate that the light is bending around them rather than reflecting off of them.

Does this interpretation seem valid at all for ethereal creatures, which have no material presence, and yet are revealed with a see invisibility spell?

 

[hong]

Does this interpretation seem valid at all for ethereal creatures, which have no material presence, and yet are revealed with a see invisibility spell?

From the text of the OA shaman's spirit sight ability:

"A shaman of 2nd level and above can see ethereal creatures (including spirits) as easily as he sees material creatures and objects. The shaman can easily distinguish between ethereal creatures and material ones, because ethereal creatures appear translucent and indistinct." -- OA p.24

 

[ouini]

Nothing concrete

BlackBart asked:

So, does the spell actually tell you that someone is otherwise undetectable through normal vision, or do you truly see them "as if they were normally visible?"

Since there's no indicator in the rules or spell description, I think this falls solidly into the lucky category of "it's the GM's call". Whatever makes your campaign work better and is more interesting/fun.

 

[Tiberius]

IMC, I've ruled that people who are normally visible and those who are only visible due to See Invisibility are indistinguishable to the invisibility-seeing character.

The spell description does not state that the user gets any insight as to whether an object or creature is invisible or not, and even says that invisible things are seen as though they are "normally visible."

Normally visible, to me, means that they don't shimmer, or become translucent, or any such wackiness.

-Tiberius