Telepathy and [Language-dependent]...

Chronosome

Explorer
Hey, all. :)

I've got my assumptions on this, but I'm wondering if anyone has a more
definitive answer to this question:

Can a telepathic caster (a fiend or mindbender, maybe) affect foes
with a language-dependent spell via his telepathy? In other words,
does a Silent command work telepathically?

My answer's "yep", but the SRD says:
A language-dependent spell uses intelligible language as a medium for communication. If the target cannot understand or cannot hear what the caster of a language-dependant spell says the spell fails.

Now, does that mean both conditions must be met for success--or either?

Here's the SRD's Telepathy, for quick reference:
Telepathy (Su): A creature with this ability can communicate telepathically with any other creature within a certain range (specified in the creature’s entry, usually 100 feet) that has a language. It is possible to address multiple creatures at once telepathically, although maintaining a telepathic conversation with more than one creature at a time is just as difficult as simultaneously speaking and listening to multiple people at the same time.

Thoughts? Opinions? Official Quotes?

Thanks. :)
 

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James McMurray said:
I would say telepathy counts as satisfying the need for a common language when using Language Dependent spells.

I agree, and would rule this way in my game. But by the letter of the RAW (pun intended), audible language seems to be the key.
 

Mindflayers use telepathy. Mindflayers use suggestion. It would be a bit mad if they couldn't suggest with their telepathy.

Note that some creatures can specifically use telepathy to communicate with anything that has a language, while others don't have this proviso (I think) and as such one assumes they use telepathy in their normal language and the receipient must be able to understand that language in order to be affected by it.

Basically if a victim of a language-dependent spells is affected by the magic (fails save) and "hears" (whether by telepathy or sound waves) "mumble FHRHR mumBLE!" he won't be able to respond to the magic, but if he understands the words "Jump in the lake" (whether by telepathy or sound waves) then he responds to the magic.

"Hear" is the general case, "Telepathy" is the special case which overrides it.
 


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