Sympathy range interpretation

[hong]

Sympathy (drd 9, sor/wiz 8) has range: close, and target: one location (up to a 10 ft cube/level) or one object.

Does the range entry refer to how far the location or object is from the caster, or the maximum range at which creatures can be affected by the sympathetic vibrations? I assume the latter, since otherwise there would be no limit on how far the spell could reach: you could depopulate Waterdeep from Thay with this baby. In which case, how far can the location/object be when you cast the spell? Does it have to be right next to you?

Also, is there anything stopping you from being affected by your own sympathy?

 

[shilsen]

I think the range entry refers to how far the object or location is from the caster. From the spell description, it seems to me that the spell only affects creatures which actually enter the area (since they "feel elated or pleased to be in the area") or touch the object. If the creature makes the first save on entering the area or touching the object, it can choose to leave or discard it, but will have to make another save in 1d6x10 minutes.

And I don't see any indication that you are unaffected by your own sympathy.

 

[Ranes]

Good question and one that I can't definitively answer. But that's never stopped me before, so...

I think the spell is missing crucial info. Like Shilsen, I think that the range refers to the distance from the caster to the target (on the basis of that being the usual function of range) but that raises the problem of Thay depopulating Waterdeep, as you rightly point out. Where I don't agree with Shilsen is that a creature would have to touch a targeted object in order to be affected by it. That seems to go against the text in the second paragraph of the spell description.

In the absence of guidance to any other effect, I would use the range for both the usual purpose - determining the distance of the effect from the caster - and for determining the range of the emanations mentioned in the spell description, as you assume.

And as far as I can see, the only factors that could prevent the caster from being affected by his own sympathy are the criterion he sets for the spell (ie alignment or kind of creature to be affected), spell resistance or those pesky Will saves.

 

[Henrix]

I would interpret it to mean that anyone who sees (or touches, or hears if it is an object that makes sounds) the object desires it. Those who do not percieve it are unaffected.
(I would also say that they would have to be able to see the object fairly clearly, not as a tiny pinpoint on top of that mountain.)

Range I suppose means what it usually means, the maximum distance from caster to target (area or object).

 

[shilsen]

In the absence of guidance to any other effect, I would use the range for both the usual purpose - determining the distance of the effect from the caster - and for determining the range of the emanations mentioned in the spell description, as you assume.

Sounds like the best solution to me too, considering the lack of information.

 

[Herremann the Wise]

Sympathy (drd 9, sor/wiz 8) has range: close, and target: one location (up to a 10 ft cube/level) or one object.

Does the range entry refer to how far the location or object is from the caster, or the maximum range at which creatures can be affected by the sympathetic vibrations?

I would actually disagree and say the former.

I assume the latter, since otherwise there would be no limit on how far the spell could reach: you could depopulate Waterdeep from Thay with this baby. In which case, how far can the location/object be when you cast the spell? Does it have to be right next to you?

As per Close Range for how far the object or volume is to be "sympathised".

As for the range for sympathy, I like it vague. In this way, it's a DM's call. If they are truly epic casters (100th level?) then yeah, they can most likely depopulate a nearby continent. For most however, doing it on a particular item may augment the effect (for example the statue of a significant hero, a sacred object and so forth). In general, I suppose you could say "for all those affected in the vicinity". How big's the vicinity? A small dungeon, a block of a ward of a city etc. etc. would seem suitable given the saves. The spell reeks of cool.

Also, is there anything stopping you from being affected by your own sympathy?

I wouldn't think so except for a little will save and spell resistance check. Think about it, it could be like the "drug of choice" for high level wizards looking for a hit.

Best Regards
Herremann the Wise

PS: Hong. Nice to finally respond to a post of yours. Hope you are having a nice day. If you are of a mind, have a read of my [PIMP] Story Hour [PIMP].
I would appreciate some of your 'famous' critique.

 

[hong]

Woo! I'm famous!

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