Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Snédecor 08-02-04, 06:14 AM	I dont't know if Geas/Quest is explicitly stated to work the same way than Geas, Lesser that states '(...) the geased creature must follow the given instructions (...)'. Somehow, Geas is not explicity stated to work the same way than lesser geas, it just states that it '(...) functions similarly [Equally? or in a like manner?] to lesser geas, except that it affects a creature of any HD and allows no saving throw'. Whether that means: 'It functions like lesser geas except that (...)' or not, I have my doubts. In fact, other spells families, like summon monster, uses the latter ('It functions like'). A compulsion spell forces the subject to act in some manner or changes the way her mind works. Some compulsion spells determine the subject’s actions or the effects on the subject, some compulsion spells allow you to determine the subject’s actions when you cast the spell, and others give you ongoing control over the subject.If geas is interpreted this way, it still is forcing the subject to act in some manner, since the forcing-act is as a consequence of the menace of punishment of avoiding doing the service or refrain the caster has ordered. And this would be the compulsion itself. Probably I am wrong, but since I'm a DM I would like you to help me to put this point clear, in order to allow my players to use Geas/Quest accurately, because, probably I am the only one who is interpreting Geas this way. Sorry for my English. It is not my first language nor my second. No offence was intended. Thank you. Snédecor.
Beamup 08-02-04, 07:48 AM	The key phrase is that it "functions similarly to lesser geas." This does indeed mean "It functions like lesser geas except that..." This is what such phrases in spell descriptions mean, always and without exception. Therefore we look at lesser geas for clarification. "The geased creature must follow the given instructions..." and "If the subject is prevented from obeying..." clearly indicate that the target necessarily follows the instructions unless something makes that impossible. And if something does make it impossible, they take the penalties. The fact that it is a [Compulsion] spell further indicates this. [Compulsion] spells are mind control. Many spells can be used to convince a creature to do something under threat of punishment - that doesn't make them [Compulsion]. Spells are [Compulsion] if the target MUST do as the spell directs no matter what. To summarize, the target gets no choice. They MUST follow the instructions, and if something prevents that, they take penalties.
Snédecor 08-02-04, 08:42 AM	Thank you very much Beamup. I agree with you. 'Many spells can be used to convince a creature to do something under threat of punishment - that doesn't make them [Compulsion]'. Obviously, you are right. Thank you again. Snédecor.
chonjurer 08-06-04, 04:10 PM	Originally posted by Snédecor Man, I am getting bad stats flashbacks...