Wind Walk

[wilypueo]

My players use Wind Walk quite a bit in our current campaign. A few points regarding the spell are a bit fuzzy to me:

I assume being transformed to a mist-like vapor precludes normal physical attacks, as well as other physical interaction with the environment (such as picking up a solid object) though this is not explicitly stated.

Also, I have been wondering whether being a mist-like vapor would allow passing through small openings as per Gaseous Form. I currently do not allow it.

A wind walker being wafted on the air would seem to be akin to flying, so what flying rating should they have? I assume it to be poor.

Anyone know more than I do on this?

Wily Pueo

 

[AGGEMAM]

I assume being transformed to a mist-like vapor precludes normal physical attacks, as well as other physical interaction with the environment (such as picking up a solid object) though this is not explicitly stated.

Correct.

Also, I have been wondering whether being a mist-like vapor would allow passing through small openings as per Gaseous Form. I currently do not allow it.

Correct.

A wind walker being wafted on the air would seem to be akin to flying, so what flying rating should they have? I assume it to be poor.

No, perfect. (As per gaseous form, just faster).



I wouldn't say I actually know this to be true but it seems the most plausible interpretation.

 

[wilypueo]

I consider wind walkers to have a fly maneuverability rating of poor since they utilize "a magical wind" for propulsion. Given the long duration of the spell (1/hour level) and multiple creatures that can be effected (caster + 1 every 3 levels), it would seem to me unbalanced to allow perfect maneuverability flight at up to 60 MPH. My players are currently using this spell for extensive underground travel, and I have been generally telling them they can avoid bouncing off the tunnel walls if they keep their speed at or below 10 MPH or so. Though the walker can change speed "as the walker wills," it does not seem to be the intent of the spell to allow for instant acceleration from 0 to 60 MPH or instant deceleration from 60 MPH to a stop.

Maybe I am just being too harsh?

Wily Pueo

 

[Piratecat]

I think you might be. A better balancing point may be to stress the magical wind that blows them around. The bad guys might hear a 60 mph wind blowing down the corridor!

I'm pretty liberal with the spell myself; I allow people to squeeze through smaller-than-body-sized openings, for instance. It hasn't been a problem.

 

[Victim]

Maybe I'm the only person crazy enough to consider this, but since you can dispel windwalk as a standard action, it seems like it would be possible to ram someone at over 60 mph.