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From: jmd@inmet.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.games.frp
Subject: Re: AD+D Colour Spray Question - (nf)
Message-ID: <1595@inmet.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 14-Jul-84 01:36:07 EDT
Article-I.D.: inmet.1595
Posted: Sat Jul 14 01:36:07 1984
Date-Received: Wed, 11-Jul-84 02:40:58 EDT
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#R:utcsrgv:-469300:inmet:20400004:000:3344
inmet!jmd    Jul  6 14:38:00 1984

>> How do people run the 1st level illusionist's spell Colour Spray?
>> 
>> Color Spray(Alteration)
>> 
>> Explanation/Description: Upon casting this spell, the illusionist causes a
>> vivid fan-shaped wedge to spring forth from his hand.  From 1 to 6 creatures
>> within the spell effect can be affected.  The spell caster is able to affect
>> 1 level or hit die of creatures for each of his levels of experience.  
>> Affected creatures are struck unconcious for 2 to 8 rounds if their level 
>> is less than or equal to that of the spell caster; they are blinded for 
>> 1 to 4 rounds if their level is 1 or 2 greater than the illusionist; and 
>> they are stunned for 2 to 8 segments if their level or number of hit dice 
>> is 3 or more greater than the spell caster.  All creatures of 6th level 
>> or 6 hit dice are entitled to a saving throw versus the Colour Spray spell. 
>>                        From: The Player's Handbook (TSR Hobbies Inc.)
>> 
>>   Anyway, the contradiction is somewhat obvious...
>>           There is one sentence that states that the illusionist can't
>> affect more than his level in creatures, and then the rest of the spell
>> tells what the effects are if he DOES affect more than his level. Arg!
>> What's used by the rest of the world?
>> 
This is one of my favorite reasons for thinking that the illusionist class was 
just thrown together in time to add it to the rule books - it is obvious that 
whoever was in charge didn't look to closely - and had probably never played
an illusionist with the spell.  We have tried three different solutions in the 
group that I run with (3 different DMs).  All three solutions are equally 
usable.
  
   1. Delete the lines describing the effects on creatures of greater level
      than the illusionist.  This was the least popular solution, weakening 
      the spell considerably

   2. Delete the line saying "The spell caster is able to affect 1 level or 
      "hit die of creatures for each of his levels of experience."  This way
      the spell affects 1 to 6 creatures of any levels in the area of effect.
      This produces a very good spell.

   3. Change the lines "From 1 to 6 creatures within the spell effect can be 
      affected.  The spell caster is able to affect 1 level or hit die of 
      creatures for each of his levels of experience." to "The caster can 
      affect one creature in the area of effect for each level of the 
      illusionist.  The spell will affect those creatures with the least 
      number of hit die  or levels first."  Thus, a first level illusionist 
      could colour spray one creature of any level in the area of the spray.
      If there were two orcs (1hd) and a kobold (1/2hd), the kobold would be
      the creature affected.  This is what I believe was intended and the
      interpretation I use.  It has the advantage of getting better as the
      illusionist gets better - which is only reasonable.

As I have said, I've seen or used all of the above interpretations.  They 
all work better than the mess that currently exists in the PH.  Of course, 
I also believe that the illusionist class as a whole needs a total revamping.
(which I have done for my campaign)

			Oh Abalie - is that a Phantasmal Force,
			or a real dragon coming at us?????
			Jeff Diewald
			{harpo|ima|ihnp4}!inmet!jmd