Spell Resistance vs. Potions and Scrolls

[jodyjohnson]

Does a creature with Spell Resistance need to spend a Standard Action to lower SR in order to benefit from potions or scrolls (or does the 'cast on self' clause apply)?

In the SRD the 'cast on self' clause seems to apply only to Spells with Target: Self, does this mean other Yes(Harmless) spells need to spend the action to lower SR for self cast (most buffs)?

Helpless or unconscious characters are automatically considered to be 'willing' for spells requiring a willing target. Otherwise it is an 'immediate' action or non-action. It doesn't say that helpless or unconscious creatures also automatically lower SR for SR: Yes (harmless) spells. Does the cleric need to beat SR on the dying Monk for curing or buffing? Or in any other situation where the target is not able to act?

 

[Li Shenron]

IMHO, I'm afraid that yes, they need to spend an action to lower SR if they want a scroll or potion to be cast on them with no chance of failure. And when unconscious, they can't lower SR which is therefore always valid (unless you play so that SR is down against harmful spells as well).

However IMXP this regularly gets conveniently forgotten when the spell in question is a healing spell.

Of course, this applies only to spells with SR: Yes.

 

[Thanee]

I would probably allow potions, since they are essentially self targeted magics.

Bye
Thanee

 

[shilsen]

I would probably allow potions, since they are essentially self targeted magics.

Bye
Thanee

Same here. Since the "imbiber of the potion is both the caster and the target" (DMG pg. 286), you wouldn't need to lower SR, since your SR never interferes with your own spells.

 

[Jarrod]

Well, see, you don't need to worry about SR for healing spells. 'cause, you see, healing spells are Conjuration (Healing), and Conjuration magics don't worry about SR... so...

Why are you looking at me like that?

The answer is "yes". And since it takes a _standard action_ to lower SR and it only stays down for 1 round... not really as good as it seems.

 

[Infiniti2000]

Does a creature with Spell Resistance need to spend a Standard Action to lower SR in order to benefit from potions or scrolls (or does the 'cast on self' clause apply)?

No, it does not. Specifically, "A creature’s spell resistance never interferes with its own spells, items, or abilities."

 

[Li Shenron]

No, it does not. Specifically, "A creature’s spell resistance never interferes with its own spells, items, or abilities."

What if the creature is unconscious and an ally tries to pour a potion into her mouth? The potion is not her own item anymore...

 

[Thanee]

Taking something does not (usually) transfer ownership.

Potions should work in general, really.

Any magic items, that have to be activated work, if you activated them yourself.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Li Shenron]

Taking something does not (usually) transfer ownership.

I really wouldn't want to walk the path of a discussion about item's ownership...

I just go with a simple choice: either the DM says that potions are stronger than normal spells and always bypass SR, or the DM says that potions are like normal spells and SR always applies.

 

[Infiniti2000]

What if the creature is unconscious and an ally tries to pour a potion into her mouth? The potion is not her own item anymore...

I'd probably apply SR. If not, ask your player if they want to apply SR when the opponent shoves a potion of inflict serious wounds down their throat.