Are spell targets always aware they are a target? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Are spell targets always aware they are a target? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
ArchonTheBlack
04-17-06, 02:37 AM If someone attempts to cast a spell, is the target of the spell aware that they are in fact the target of a spell. Spellcraft checks aside, I'm curious as to wether there is some sort of tingly "hey! I'm being targeted by a spell" feeling.

For example, say mage A sneaks up close to guard B then casts charm person. Guard B fails his spot and listen and is unaware that mage A is anywhere around. Guard B succeeds on his will save, thus negating mage A's charm person spell. Is guard B aware that he was targeted by a spell?

Try not to debate the logistics of the charm person spell in and of itself. If you don't like the use of charm person then substitute it with another spell. Obviously spells that have visual effects would be noticed.
Seeker95
04-17-06, 08:17 AM Succeeding on a Saving Throw

A creature that successfully saves against a spell that has no obvious physical effects feels a hostile force or a tingle, but cannot deduce the exact nature of the attack. Likewise, if a creature’s saving throw succeeds against a targeted spell you sense that the spell has failed. You do not sense when creatures succeed on saves against effect and area spells.

From the SRD
gbnogkfs
04-17-06, 08:20 AM in fact, charm is one of the exemples given in the PHB about this matter. Generally, you are aware of a successful saving throw, but not necessarily of a missed one: you are if there are sensible consequences.
You are not aware of having been charmed, for example, but you are aware if you are the target of a harm spell.
ThyNecromancer
04-17-06, 09:07 AM A sneaks up close to guard B then casts charm person. Guard B fails his spot and listen and is unaware that mage A is anywhere around. Guard B succeeds on his will save, thus negating mage A's charm person spell. Is guard B aware that he was targeted by a spell?

If the mage was sneaking up and the guard is unaware, the guard should get no saving throw because it's an "ambush". It's like trying to coup-de-gras someone who is sleeping and is unaware. He doesn't get to dodge or defend.
Novacat
04-17-06, 09:17 AM If the mage was sneaking up and the guard is unaware, the guard should get no saving throw because it's an "ambush". It's like trying to coup-de-gras someone who is sleeping and is unaware. He doesn't get to dodge or defend.
That is your own house rule, and completely unsupported by RAW.
Seeker95
04-17-06, 10:25 AM the guard should get no saving throw because it's an "ambush".Will saving throws have nothing to do with being aware of your attacker. They have to do with your ability to withstand an attack against your psyche. Being ambushed does not take away your saving throw.
tarkin
04-17-06, 03:55 PM You can in fact get a will save despite being asleep.

As such, the ambush House Rule seems pretty wierd. How much less aware can you be then sleeping?

I could see house ruling a Circumstance penalty of -1 to the save if the target is flatfooted, or perhaps a feat to make it a penalty of -2.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
ArchonTheBlack 04-17-06, 02:37 AM	If someone attempts to cast a spell, is the target of the spell aware that they are in fact the target of a spell. Spellcraft checks aside, I'm curious as to wether there is some sort of tingly "hey! I'm being targeted by a spell" feeling. For example, say mage A sneaks up close to guard B then casts charm person. Guard B fails his spot and listen and is unaware that mage A is anywhere around. Guard B succeeds on his will save, thus negating mage A's charm person spell. Is guard B aware that he was targeted by a spell? Try not to debate the logistics of the charm person spell in and of itself. If you don't like the use of charm person then substitute it with another spell. Obviously spells that have visual effects would be noticed.
Seeker95 04-17-06, 08:17 AM	Succeeding on a Saving Throw A creature that successfully saves against a spell that has no obvious physical effects feels a hostile force or a tingle, but cannot deduce the exact nature of the attack. Likewise, if a creature’s saving throw succeeds against a targeted spell you sense that the spell has failed. You do not sense when creatures succeed on saves against effect and area spells. From the SRD
gbnogkfs 04-17-06, 08:20 AM	in fact, charm is one of the exemples given in the PHB about this matter. Generally, you are aware of a successful saving throw, but not necessarily of a missed one: you are if there are sensible consequences. You are not aware of having been charmed, for example, but you are aware if you are the target of a harm spell.
ThyNecromancer 04-17-06, 09:07 AM	A sneaks up close to guard B then casts charm person. Guard B fails his spot and listen and is unaware that mage A is anywhere around. Guard B succeeds on his will save, thus negating mage A's charm person spell. Is guard B aware that he was targeted by a spell? If the mage was sneaking up and the guard is unaware, the guard should get no saving throw because it's an "ambush". It's like trying to coup-de-gras someone who is sleeping and is unaware. He doesn't get to dodge or defend.
Novacat 04-17-06, 09:17 AM	If the mage was sneaking up and the guard is unaware, the guard should get no saving throw because it's an "ambush". It's like trying to coup-de-gras someone who is sleeping and is unaware. He doesn't get to dodge or defend. That is your own house rule, and completely unsupported by RAW.
Seeker95 04-17-06, 10:25 AM	the guard should get no saving throw because it's an "ambush".Will saving throws have nothing to do with being aware of your attacker. They have to do with your ability to withstand an attack against your psyche. Being ambushed does not take away your saving throw.
tarkin 04-17-06, 03:55 PM	You can in fact get a will save despite being asleep. As such, the ambush House Rule seems pretty wierd. How much less aware can you be then sleeping? I could see house ruling a Circumstance penalty of -1 to the save if the target is flatfooted, or perhaps a feat to make it a penalty of -2.