Whirling Blade: Area effect or just Effect?

[Felon]

If it weren't for that damn misleading picture in the Spell Compendium which makes it look so cool, with the blade zig-zagging from target to target, this discussion wouldn't be so frustrating for me...

 

[pawsplay]

I think the reason it's effect, not area, is because the blade itself does not ever occupy the entire area.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Except that Gust of Wind, an effect spell, affects the entire area of the spell simultaneously for 1 round.

 

[pawsplay]

However, the gust of wind originates from a certain point. Arguably, a fireball could be an effect, too, but I don't think it's super important. Perhaps it should be; although everyone wants to sculpt a fireball, I can imagine why that would not work, considering the spell is described as an "explosion."

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Whirling blade also originates from a certain point- the hand in which the caster holds the bladed weapon he is throwing- and continues in a linear fashion.

 

[pawsplay]

I think I would say that whirling blade is described correctly for that reason, and fireball could be described as either an effect or an area, but happens to be an area.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Except, as pointed out above, Lightning Bolt is similarly worded and has identical duration, but is an area spell.

Really, the rules just seem to be a mess.

 

[pawsplay]

Lightning bolt should clearly be an effect.