Time Stop: Finding that fine line between attack and effect.

[Mistah J]

So I'm wondering...

Time Stop is pretty clear that you cannot use it to attack other characters, but there is a large, large variety of spells and effects out there.

What kind of tricks do you allow with time stop? What kind do you consider to be crossing the line into an "attack"? Is there anything you can think of that should be an attack but technically isn't? or the other way around?

I ask because my group is getting to the point where time stop is becoming a valid choice for both PC and NPC alike, so I'd like to be ready.

I'll start:

Could you use wall of ice to create a hemisphere over enemies?
What about a disintegrate on the bridge they are standing on?

These are examples of what I am talking about.. are they legal or not? either RAW or RAI

Thanks

 

[frankthedm]

Could you use wall of ice to create a hemisphere over enemies?

I'd rule that a character gets a reflex save [using a 9th level spell's DC] to avoid entrapment when the hemisphere merges with temporal reality

What about a disintegrate on the bridge they are standing on?

Until time stop ends, the victims look as if Standing in mid air. Again I would rule the victims gets a reflex save [using a 9th level spell's DC] to leap to safety. The DC would increase dramatically depending on how far safety is however

These are examples of what I am talking about.. are they legal or not? either RAW or RAI

As far as RAI goes, I don't believe players were meant to make frequent use of Timestop by the original authors and the spell stuck around as a legacy issue through the editions. Back in the early editions, 9th level spell's were pretty much the domain of high level NPCs and high malfunction rate scrolls.

 

[Kask]

Timestop is pretty clear. "A spell that affects an area and has a duration longer than the remaining duration of the time stop have their normal effects on other creatures once the time stop ends."

You could also pull the pin on a grenade that has a fuse for 6 rounds and put it in someones upturned palm...

 

[frankthedm]

Timestop is pretty clear. "A spell that affects an area and has a duration longer than the remaining duration of the time stop have their normal effects on other creatures once the time stop ends."

You could also pull the pin on a grenade that has a fuse for 6 rounds and put it in someones upturned palm...

Typically that grenade is named delayed blast fireball. Only thing is the Caster has to guess how log time stop will last:

Timed Durations Many durations are measured in rounds, minutes, hours, or some other increment. When the time is up, the magic goes away and the spell ends. If a spell’s duration is variable the duration is rolled secretly (the caster doesn’t know how long the spell will last).

Time Stop :: d20srd.org
Duration: 1d4+1 rounds (apparent time); see text

 

[Jack Simth]

Typically that grenade is named delayed blast fireball. Only thing is the Caster has to guess how log time stop will last:

Timed Durations Many durations are measured in rounds, minutes, hours, or some other increment. When the time is up, the magic goes away and the spell ends. If a spell’s duration is variable the duration is rolled secretly (the caster doesn’t know how long the spell will last).

Time Stop :: d20srd.org
Duration: 1d4+1 rounds (apparent time); see text

That's fixable (although expensive); you need a Greater Metamagic Rod of Maximize Spell - outside of core, the Sudden Maximize metamagic feat also works, as does the Incantatrix's special abilities and probably a few other methods.

 

[Runestar]

An attack would probably be anything which specifically targets a creature. For example, you cannot maze a foe, but you can erect a forcecage around him.

 

[Kask]

Typically that grenade is named delayed blast fireball. Only thing is the Caster has to guess how log time stop will last:

Which doesn't prevent the tactic I listed.