2 questions [Archive] - Wizards Community

2 questions [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
kataklysm794
07-10-07, 02:16 PM Okay, I have 2 questions.
1. Wall of energy (or any energy wall) if its casted on two monsters and continues down a hallway (they have to continue through the squares that the walls occupying) do they take the energy damage every 5 feet they move in the wall, or just once per move action/round.

2. Does Psionic Disintegrate deal normal damage on an iron golem (immune to magic and spell like effects) or does it just slow him for 3 rounds? and if it does deal damage what would the normal disintegrate spell do?

thanks
Tempest Stormwind
07-10-07, 02:26 PM Okay, I have 2 questions.
1. Wall of energy (or any energy wall) if its casted on two monsters and continues down a hallway (they have to continue through the squares that the walls occupying) do they take the energy damage every 5 feet they move in the wall, or just once per move action/round.Typically, once per turn. Some DMs might say once per 5', though.[quote[2. Does Psionic Disintegrate deal normal damage on an iron golem (immune to magic and spell like effects) or does it just slow him for 3 rounds? and if it does deal damage what would the normal disintegrate spell do?[/quote]The golem's immune to magic. There's your answer? Why are you asking?

(Note: Disintegrate is NOT psionic disintegrate. Some DMs might rule they have equivalent effects, though.)
Fafnir
07-10-07, 02:27 PM Okay, I have 2 questions.
Fire away.

1. Wall of energy (or any energy wall) if its casted on two monsters and continues down a hallway (they have to continue through the squares that the walls occupying) do they take the energy damage every 5 feet they move in the wall, or just once per move action/round.

They take damage appropriately each time they cross a square occupied by the wall.

2. Does Psionic Disintegrate deal normal damage on an iron golem (immune to magic and spell like effects) or does it just slow him for 3 rounds? and if it does deal damage what would the normal disintegrate spell do?

It does exactly the same thing as Arcane Disintegrate, namely nothing. A clay golem would be slowed and damaged.

thanks

You're welcome.
kataklysm794
07-10-07, 02:30 PM The golem's immune to magic. There's your answer? Why are you asking?

(Note: Disintegrate is NOT psionic disintegrate. Some DMs might rule they have equivalent effects, though.)

One of my players argues that the psionic disintegrate isn't magic, its psionic, just like all the other psionic powers (not spells).

Also, is it possible to Entangling Ectoplasm an iron golem? I read somewhere in the expanded psionics book that for example a balor is vulnerable to even level 1 psionic powers, because it doesn't count as a spell for spell resistance.
kataklysm794
07-10-07, 02:32 PM It does exactly the same thing as Arcane Disintegrate, namely nothing. A clay golem would be slowed and damaged.

It does the same thing yes, but isn't it still a psionic power not a spell?
Bacris
07-10-07, 02:34 PM One of my players argues that the psionic disintegrate isn't magic, its psionic, just like all the other psionic powers (not spells).

If you're using the XPH rules, psionics interacts with magic as if it was magic - so spell resistance and power resistance are the same, immunities are interchangable, etc...
kataklysm794
07-10-07, 02:35 PM If you're using the XPH rules, psionics interacts with magic as if it was magic - so spell resistance and power resistance are the same, immunities are interchangable, etc...

Isn't that a variant and not a rule? If it were, what would be the difference between spell resistance and power resistance?
InkBlot
07-10-07, 02:36 PM Do you actually own the Expanded Psionics Handbook? Non-transparency (psionics is different) is the variant.

Psionic works just like magic. Everything that effects magic, including spell resistance, effects magic. A psion manifesting Psionic Disintigrate on a Balor has to roll 1d20 + manifester level in order to affect it.

Entangling Ectoplasm doesn't allow power resistance, so an Iron Golem isn't immune to it. He isn't immune to it any more than if you just threw a real net over it's head.
Tempest Stormwind
07-10-07, 02:36 PM Magic and psionics are transparent, meaning they interact with each other as if they were each other (in a sentence). See the FAQ at the top of the forum for more.

HOWEVER, the clay golem immunity is "Immune to magic (as if he had an unbeatable spell resistance), except as follows", and then lists a few very specific spells. Disintegrate is NOT the same as Psionic Disintegrate (just as Fireball is not the same as Delayed Blast Fireball). However, psionic disintegrate (due to transparency) is still affected by SR.

Thus, unless you houserule that psionic disintegrate triggers the same effect as disintegrate on the golem, the golem is immune to psionic disintegrate.
kataklysm794
07-10-07, 02:42 PM It seems like the book implies differently. Psionic power penetration can get to a maximum of +8 while normal spell penetration is only +4. Plus many creatures in the book with power resistance have it much higher than creatures with spell resistance.

just wanna clear up everything
Racinante
07-10-07, 02:44 PM It does the same thing yes, but isn't it still a psionic power not a spell?

With default transparency the difference is irrelevant.
Tempest Stormwind
07-10-07, 02:46 PM It seems like the book implies differently. Psionic power penetration can get to a maximum of +8 while normal spell penetration is only +4. Plus many creatures in the book with power resistance have it much higher than creatures with spell resistance.

just wanna clear up everything

PLEASE READ THE BOOK.

IF THAT IS TOO MUCH TROUBLE FOR YOU, PLEASE READ THE FAQ AT THE TOP OF THE FORUM.

THAT WILL ANSWER ALL OF YOUR QUESTIONS.

I do not have an SRD quote since I'm at work. Someone, please quote transparency to this guy? Bold the part about spell resistance.

The reason that Power Penetration is +8 as compared to Spell Penetration's +4 is becuase Power Penetration requires you to expend your psionic focus, meaning it applies to one power every other round or so, while Spell Penetration applies to every single spell you cast, ever. Furthermore, if you actually shut up and LOOK at the numbers involved instead of making vague statements, you'll find the PR numbers are comparable to the SR numbers for creatures of the same HD and/or CR. The two are completely equivalent, mechanically.

And that's beside the point, because SR didn't factor in to golem immunity (it has "unbeatable" SR).
kataklysm794
07-10-07, 02:47 PM With default transparency the difference is irrelevant.

Alright I found the paragraph that says that. But from the looks of it a psion > a wizard yes?
kataklysm794
07-10-07, 02:48 PM PLEASE READ THE BOOK.

IF THAT IS TOO MUCH TROUBLE FOR YOU, PLEASE READ THE FAQ AT THE TOP OF THE FORUM.

THAT WILL ANSWER ALL OF YOUR QUESTIONS.

I do not have an SRD quote since I'm at work. Someone, please quote transparency to this guy? Bold the part about spell resistance.

The reason that Power Penetration is +8 as compared to Spell Penetration's +4 is becuase Power Penetration requires you to expend your psionic focus, meaning it applies to one power every other round or so, while Spell Penetration applies to every single spell you cast, ever. Furthermore, if you actually shut up and LOOK at the numbers involved instead of making vague statements, you'll find the PR numbers are comparable to the SR numbers for creatures of the same HD and/or CR. The two are completely equivalent, mechanically.

And that's beside the point, because SR didn't factor in to golem immunity (it has "unbeatable" SR).

Okay guy I just read it thanks for you kind loving words kthx.
InkBlot
07-10-07, 02:49 PM psion > a wizard yes?
No (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=331253)
kataklysm794
07-10-07, 02:55 PM Thanks for the link. Our group isn't really used to psionics, and i don't really have time to completely break down all the books we've been using.
Tempest Stormwind
07-10-07, 02:57 PM Thanks for the link. Our group isn't really used to psionics, and i don't really have time to completely break down all the books we've been using.

Apparently you're too busy flooding the boards.

I find it incredible that you felt yourself capable of holding an informed opinion without actually reading the book in question. It's a wonder you can actually play D&D at all, what with not reading the books and all.

I don't mean to be harsh. I mean to be blunt.
Bacris
07-10-07, 02:59 PM Honestly, if you're not familiar with psionics and using it but don't want to read the whole book, please, please, please read the FAQ and the New DM/Player's Guide to Psionics (both linked in the Master Index at the top of the forum).

Both of those should answer most of the questions you have.
kataklysm794
07-10-07, 03:01 PM I find it incredible that you felt yourself capable of holding an informed opinion without actually reading the book in question.

And uh thats why I asked. And I probably won't be asking again if I only get answers from people like you.
AntiDjinn
07-10-07, 03:07 PM 1. Stationary damage effects are rolled once per round on your turn, or when a target enters the area. Even though you only drop dice once per round, targets who stay in the area from round to round are considered to be taking continuous damage not pulses of discrete damage (this has effects on Concentration checks and such). So how much damage the subject takes depends on how fast it can clear the area. A subject who can move like the Flash is going to take less than one who plods slowly through the area. It doesn't matter whether they cross through the wall or walk down its length, only total time exposed to the effect matters; a creature who traverses the entire length of the wall in a single round will take less damage than one who enters from the active side, dawdles for three rounds, then walks out the other side, even if the one who spent 3 rounds was only exposed to one affected space.

If your DM cares to get technical, then subjects may be able to climb or fly above the effect if it doesn't extend to the ceiling. The power doesn't state whether or not the damage radiates from the upper edge. Damage does not come from the lower edge (or else it would state that the wall also damages the surface it is resting on) but given the specifics of the power, this could be taken as an indication that the opposite edge does radiate damage. Also, visibility and hearing may be a factor. A wall of fire or electricity may limit vision so that subjects can't tell which way to flee, a sonic wall may prevent them from shouting directions to each other.

2. The fact that it is psionic Disintegrate is only important at your end; it means you manifest rather than cast, use power points rather than spell slots, have displays to manage rather than components. From the point of view of the guy on the receiving end of the ray it is just Disintegrate and he process the effect as he normally would. Even in a non-transparency game a subject does not have separate arcane molecules and psionic molecules to be dispersed.
kataklysm794
07-10-07, 03:18 PM 1. Stationary damage effects are rolled once per round on your turn, or when a target enters the area. Even though you only drop dice once per round, targets who stay in the area from round to round are considered to be taking continuous damage not pulses of discrete damage (this has effects on Concentration checks and such). So how much damage the subject takes depends on how fast it can clear the area. A subject who can move like the Flash is going to take less than one who plods slowly through the area. It doesn't matter whether they cross through the wall or walk down its length, only total time exposed to the effect matters; a creature who traverses the entire length of the wall in a single round will take less damage than one who enters from the active side, dawdles for three rounds, then walks out the other side, even if the one who spent 3 rounds was only exposed to one affected space.

Thats my point, it would make sense to take more damage if you stood in the wall for a full round, 6 seconds, than just running through it quickly, noticeably less. I looked at stone spikes because the wording on wall of fire was a little ambiguous. Stone spikes specifically said damage is taken every 5 feet, which makes sense because if you were stationary you'd take less damage. So I assumed the target would take fire damage once per round of exposure, or if he walked in the wall in the first place.
Fleem
07-10-07, 04:20 PM -snip-
If your DM cares to get technical, then subjects may be able to climb or fly above the effect if it doesn't extend to the ceiling. The power doesn't state whether or not the damage radiates from the upper edge. Damage does not come from the lower edge (or else it would state that the wall also damages the surface it is resting on) but given the specifics of the power, this could be taken as an indication that the opposite edge does radiate damage. Also, visibility and hearing may be a factor. A wall of fire or electricity may limit vision so that subjects can't tell which way to flee, a sonic wall may prevent them from shouting directions to each other.
-snip-

Of course, the power doesn't actually state how high the wall is. 10'? 20'? Also, note that the wall is defined as opaque in the Area descriptor. Nothing about blocking sound with a sonic wall, though.
InkBlot
07-10-07, 05:23 PM Why would a sonic wall block sounds? Sound waves strong enough to shake your bones apart are usually inaudible.

For the height I use 20ft. - the same height as a wall of fire.
Tempest Stormwind
07-10-07, 05:40 PM Why would a sonic wall block sounds? Sound waves strong enough to shake your bones apart are usually inaudible.

Correction: Sound waves of extremely high intensity can exist at virtually any frequency, including audible human ranges, and that's enough to cause high-end rattling. You'd just need, well, magic to generate them, since we're talking ludicrous strengths here.

It's far easier in reality to look up resonant frequencies, which often are inaudible (they can be audible, though, as the classic breaking-the-wine-glass trick demonstrates; the other classic example of resonant destruction would be the Tacoma Narrows bridge). However, they vary from substance to substance, and Energy Wall is somewhat indiscriminatory.
sijigs
07-10-07, 06:39 PM Honestly, if you're not familiar with psionics and using it but don't want to read the whole book, please, please, please read the FAQ and the New DM/Player's Guide to Psionics (both linked in the Master Index at the top of the forum).

Both of those should answer most of the questions you have.

I agree - listen to the man.
InkBlot
07-10-07, 07:33 PM Correction: Sound waves of extremely high intensity can exist at virtually any frequency, including audible human ranges, and that's enough to cause high-end rattling. You'd just need, well, magic to generate them, since we're talking ludicrous strengths here.

It's far easier in reality to look up resonant frequencies, which often are inaudible (they can be audible, though, as the classic breaking-the-wine-glass trick demonstrates; the other classic example of resonant destruction would be the Tacoma Narrows bridge). However, they vary from substance to substance, and Energy Wall is somewhat indiscriminatory.

That's why I said usually. I've seen Mythbusters, I'm a big fan of Tesla, I have access to the interblag, and I live real close to my local library.
AntiDjinn
07-10-07, 08:00 PM Also, note that the wall is defined as opaque in the Area descriptor.
True, it seems even the walls that could be invisible (sound, cold) still block sight through them. It does not state that creatures on either side have concealment, but "opaque" implies that they do (at least to those targeting by sight). It does not grant cover in either direction so Touchsight should work through it just fine.

Note that the original question involves laying the wall lengthwise down a hallway rather than across the hall as a barrier. So the subjects running this gauntlet aren't actually in the wall (the effect, itself, appears to be infinitely thin) they are caught in the damage zone to one side of it. We can assume the manifester was smart enough to lay the effect close enough to the existing wall of the corridor that there is no safe side subjects can duck into. Since subjects are going to be looking along the passage instead of through the wall they can actually see just fine (again, unless the DM rules that steam, smoke, glare, or other special effects exist). So if you are in this hallway, the wall is 200 feet long and your position is such that you have 20 feet in one direction vs. 180 feet in the other to escape the area, you can clearly see which is the shorter path to safety.
Tempest Stormwind
07-10-07, 08:29 PM That's why I said usually. I've seen Mythbusters, I'm a big fan of Tesla, I have access to the interblag, and I live real close to my local library.

Of course, the *real* clincher that you're smart is the XKCD reference (http://xkcd.com/c181.html). :P

(I wasn't doubting it or attacking you at all; you know I respect you.)

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
kataklysm794 07-10-07, 02:16 PM	Okay, I have 2 questions. 1. Wall of energy (or any energy wall) if its casted on two monsters and continues down a hallway (they have to continue through the squares that the walls occupying) do they take the energy damage every 5 feet they move in the wall, or just once per move action/round. 2. Does Psionic Disintegrate deal normal damage on an iron golem (immune to magic and spell like effects) or does it just slow him for 3 rounds? and if it does deal damage what would the normal disintegrate spell do? thanks
Tempest Stormwind 07-10-07, 02:26 PM	Okay, I have 2 questions. 1. Wall of energy (or any energy wall) if its casted on two monsters and continues down a hallway (they have to continue through the squares that the walls occupying) do they take the energy damage every 5 feet they move in the wall, or just once per move action/round.Typically, once per turn. Some DMs might say once per 5', though.[quote[2. Does Psionic Disintegrate deal normal damage on an iron golem (immune to magic and spell like effects) or does it just slow him for 3 rounds? and if it does deal damage what would the normal disintegrate spell do?[/quote]The golem's immune to magic. There's your answer? Why are you asking? (Note: Disintegrate is NOT psionic disintegrate. Some DMs might rule they have equivalent effects, though.)
Fafnir 07-10-07, 02:27 PM	Okay, I have 2 questions. Fire away. 1. Wall of energy (or any energy wall) if its casted on two monsters and continues down a hallway (they have to continue through the squares that the walls occupying) do they take the energy damage every 5 feet they move in the wall, or just once per move action/round. They take damage appropriately each time they cross a square occupied by the wall. 2. Does Psionic Disintegrate deal normal damage on an iron golem (immune to magic and spell like effects) or does it just slow him for 3 rounds? and if it does deal damage what would the normal disintegrate spell do? It does exactly the same thing as Arcane Disintegrate, namely nothing. A clay golem would be slowed and damaged. thanks You're welcome.
kataklysm794 07-10-07, 02:30 PM	The golem's immune to magic. There's your answer? Why are you asking? (Note: Disintegrate is NOT psionic disintegrate. Some DMs might rule they have equivalent effects, though.) One of my players argues that the psionic disintegrate isn't magic, its psionic, just like all the other psionic powers (not spells). Also, is it possible to Entangling Ectoplasm an iron golem? I read somewhere in the expanded psionics book that for example a balor is vulnerable to even level 1 psionic powers, because it doesn't count as a spell for spell resistance.
kataklysm794 07-10-07, 02:32 PM	It does exactly the same thing as Arcane Disintegrate, namely nothing. A clay golem would be slowed and damaged. It does the same thing yes, but isn't it still a psionic power not a spell?
Bacris 07-10-07, 02:34 PM	One of my players argues that the psionic disintegrate isn't magic, its psionic, just like all the other psionic powers (not spells). If you're using the XPH rules, psionics interacts with magic as if it was magic - so spell resistance and power resistance are the same, immunities are interchangable, etc...
kataklysm794 07-10-07, 02:35 PM	If you're using the XPH rules, psionics interacts with magic as if it was magic - so spell resistance and power resistance are the same, immunities are interchangable, etc... Isn't that a variant and not a rule? If it were, what would be the difference between spell resistance and power resistance?
InkBlot 07-10-07, 02:36 PM	Do you actually own the Expanded Psionics Handbook? Non-transparency (psionics is different) is the variant. Psionic works just like magic. Everything that effects magic, including spell resistance, effects magic. A psion manifesting Psionic Disintigrate on a Balor has to roll 1d20 + manifester level in order to affect it. Entangling Ectoplasm doesn't allow power resistance, so an Iron Golem isn't immune to it. He isn't immune to it any more than if you just threw a real net over it's head.
Tempest Stormwind 07-10-07, 02:36 PM	Magic and psionics are transparent, meaning they interact with each other as if they were each other (in a sentence). See the FAQ at the top of the forum for more. HOWEVER, the clay golem immunity is "Immune to magic (as if he had an unbeatable spell resistance), except as follows", and then lists a few very specific spells. Disintegrate is NOT the same as Psionic Disintegrate (just as Fireball is not the same as Delayed Blast Fireball). However, psionic disintegrate (due to transparency) is still affected by SR. Thus, unless you houserule that psionic disintegrate triggers the same effect as disintegrate on the golem, the golem is immune to psionic disintegrate.
kataklysm794 07-10-07, 02:42 PM	It seems like the book implies differently. Psionic power penetration can get to a maximum of +8 while normal spell penetration is only +4. Plus many creatures in the book with power resistance have it much higher than creatures with spell resistance. just wanna clear up everything
Racinante 07-10-07, 02:44 PM	It does the same thing yes, but isn't it still a psionic power not a spell? With default transparency the difference is irrelevant.
Tempest Stormwind 07-10-07, 02:46 PM	It seems like the book implies differently. Psionic power penetration can get to a maximum of +8 while normal spell penetration is only +4. Plus many creatures in the book with power resistance have it much higher than creatures with spell resistance. just wanna clear up everything PLEASE READ THE BOOK. IF THAT IS TOO MUCH TROUBLE FOR YOU, PLEASE READ THE FAQ AT THE TOP OF THE FORUM. THAT WILL ANSWER ALL OF YOUR QUESTIONS. I do not have an SRD quote since I'm at work. Someone, please quote transparency to this guy? Bold the part about spell resistance. The reason that Power Penetration is +8 as compared to Spell Penetration's +4 is becuase Power Penetration requires you to expend your psionic focus, meaning it applies to one power every other round or so, while Spell Penetration applies to every single spell you cast, ever. Furthermore, if you actually shut up and LOOK at the numbers involved instead of making vague statements, you'll find the PR numbers are comparable to the SR numbers for creatures of the same HD and/or CR. The two are completely equivalent, mechanically. And that's beside the point, because SR didn't factor in to golem immunity (it has "unbeatable" SR).
kataklysm794 07-10-07, 02:47 PM	With default transparency the difference is irrelevant. Alright I found the paragraph that says that. But from the looks of it a psion > a wizard yes?
kataklysm794 07-10-07, 02:48 PM	PLEASE READ THE BOOK. IF THAT IS TOO MUCH TROUBLE FOR YOU, PLEASE READ THE FAQ AT THE TOP OF THE FORUM. THAT WILL ANSWER ALL OF YOUR QUESTIONS. I do not have an SRD quote since I'm at work. Someone, please quote transparency to this guy? Bold the part about spell resistance. The reason that Power Penetration is +8 as compared to Spell Penetration's +4 is becuase Power Penetration requires you to expend your psionic focus, meaning it applies to one power every other round or so, while Spell Penetration applies to every single spell you cast, ever. Furthermore, if you actually shut up and LOOK at the numbers involved instead of making vague statements, you'll find the PR numbers are comparable to the SR numbers for creatures of the same HD and/or CR. The two are completely equivalent, mechanically. And that's beside the point, because SR didn't factor in to golem immunity (it has "unbeatable" SR). Okay guy I just read it thanks for you kind loving words kthx.
InkBlot 07-10-07, 02:49 PM	psion > a wizard yes? No (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=331253)
kataklysm794 07-10-07, 02:55 PM	Thanks for the link. Our group isn't really used to psionics, and i don't really have time to completely break down all the books we've been using.
Tempest Stormwind 07-10-07, 02:57 PM	Thanks for the link. Our group isn't really used to psionics, and i don't really have time to completely break down all the books we've been using. Apparently you're too busy flooding the boards. I find it incredible that you felt yourself capable of holding an informed opinion without actually reading the book in question. It's a wonder you can actually play D&D at all, what with not reading the books and all. I don't mean to be harsh. I mean to be blunt.
Bacris 07-10-07, 02:59 PM	Honestly, if you're not familiar with psionics and using it but don't want to read the whole book, please, please, please read the FAQ and the New DM/Player's Guide to Psionics (both linked in the Master Index at the top of the forum). Both of those should answer most of the questions you have.
kataklysm794 07-10-07, 03:01 PM	I find it incredible that you felt yourself capable of holding an informed opinion without actually reading the book in question. And uh thats why I asked. And I probably won't be asking again if I only get answers from people like you.
AntiDjinn 07-10-07, 03:07 PM	1. Stationary damage effects are rolled once per round on your turn, or when a target enters the area. Even though you only drop dice once per round, targets who stay in the area from round to round are considered to be taking continuous damage not pulses of discrete damage (this has effects on Concentration checks and such). So how much damage the subject takes depends on how fast it can clear the area. A subject who can move like the Flash is going to take less than one who plods slowly through the area. It doesn't matter whether they cross through the wall or walk down its length, only total time exposed to the effect matters; a creature who traverses the entire length of the wall in a single round will take less damage than one who enters from the active side, dawdles for three rounds, then walks out the other side, even if the one who spent 3 rounds was only exposed to one affected space. If your DM cares to get technical, then subjects may be able to climb or fly above the effect if it doesn't extend to the ceiling. The power doesn't state whether or not the damage radiates from the upper edge. Damage does not come from the lower edge (or else it would state that the wall also damages the surface it is resting on) but given the specifics of the power, this could be taken as an indication that the opposite edge does radiate damage. Also, visibility and hearing may be a factor. A wall of fire or electricity may limit vision so that subjects can't tell which way to flee, a sonic wall may prevent them from shouting directions to each other. 2. The fact that it is psionic Disintegrate is only important at your end; it means you manifest rather than cast, use power points rather than spell slots, have displays to manage rather than components. From the point of view of the guy on the receiving end of the ray it is just Disintegrate and he process the effect as he normally would. Even in a non-transparency game a subject does not have separate arcane molecules and psionic molecules to be dispersed.
kataklysm794 07-10-07, 03:18 PM	1. Stationary damage effects are rolled once per round on your turn, or when a target enters the area. Even though you only drop dice once per round, targets who stay in the area from round to round are considered to be taking continuous damage not pulses of discrete damage (this has effects on Concentration checks and such). So how much damage the subject takes depends on how fast it can clear the area. A subject who can move like the Flash is going to take less than one who plods slowly through the area. It doesn't matter whether they cross through the wall or walk down its length, only total time exposed to the effect matters; a creature who traverses the entire length of the wall in a single round will take less damage than one who enters from the active side, dawdles for three rounds, then walks out the other side, even if the one who spent 3 rounds was only exposed to one affected space. Thats my point, it would make sense to take more damage if you stood in the wall for a full round, 6 seconds, than just running through it quickly, noticeably less. I looked at stone spikes because the wording on wall of fire was a little ambiguous. Stone spikes specifically said damage is taken every 5 feet, which makes sense because if you were stationary you'd take less damage. So I assumed the target would take fire damage once per round of exposure, or if he walked in the wall in the first place.
Fleem 07-10-07, 04:20 PM	-snip- If your DM cares to get technical, then subjects may be able to climb or fly above the effect if it doesn't extend to the ceiling. The power doesn't state whether or not the damage radiates from the upper edge. Damage does not come from the lower edge (or else it would state that the wall also damages the surface it is resting on) but given the specifics of the power, this could be taken as an indication that the opposite edge does radiate damage. Also, visibility and hearing may be a factor. A wall of fire or electricity may limit vision so that subjects can't tell which way to flee, a sonic wall may prevent them from shouting directions to each other. -snip- Of course, the power doesn't actually state how high the wall is. 10'? 20'? Also, note that the wall is defined as opaque in the Area descriptor. Nothing about blocking sound with a sonic wall, though.
InkBlot 07-10-07, 05:23 PM	Why would a sonic wall block sounds? Sound waves strong enough to shake your bones apart are usually inaudible. For the height I use 20ft. - the same height as a wall of fire.
Tempest Stormwind 07-10-07, 05:40 PM	Why would a sonic wall block sounds? Sound waves strong enough to shake your bones apart are usually inaudible. Correction: Sound waves of extremely high intensity can exist at virtually any frequency, including audible human ranges, and that's enough to cause high-end rattling. You'd just need, well, magic to generate them, since we're talking ludicrous strengths here. It's far easier in reality to look up resonant frequencies, which often are inaudible (they can be audible, though, as the classic breaking-the-wine-glass trick demonstrates; the other classic example of resonant destruction would be the Tacoma Narrows bridge). However, they vary from substance to substance, and Energy Wall is somewhat indiscriminatory.
sijigs 07-10-07, 06:39 PM	Honestly, if you're not familiar with psionics and using it but don't want to read the whole book, please, please, please read the FAQ and the New DM/Player's Guide to Psionics (both linked in the Master Index at the top of the forum). Both of those should answer most of the questions you have. I agree - listen to the man.
InkBlot 07-10-07, 07:33 PM	Correction: Sound waves of extremely high intensity can exist at virtually any frequency, including audible human ranges, and that's enough to cause high-end rattling. You'd just need, well, magic to generate them, since we're talking ludicrous strengths here. It's far easier in reality to look up resonant frequencies, which often are inaudible (they can be audible, though, as the classic breaking-the-wine-glass trick demonstrates; the other classic example of resonant destruction would be the Tacoma Narrows bridge). However, they vary from substance to substance, and Energy Wall is somewhat indiscriminatory. That's why I said usually. I've seen Mythbusters, I'm a big fan of Tesla, I have access to the interblag, and I live real close to my local library.
AntiDjinn 07-10-07, 08:00 PM	Also, note that the wall is defined as opaque in the Area descriptor. True, it seems even the walls that could be invisible (sound, cold) still block sight through them. It does not state that creatures on either side have concealment, but "opaque" implies that they do (at least to those targeting by sight). It does not grant cover in either direction so Touchsight should work through it just fine. Note that the original question involves laying the wall lengthwise down a hallway rather than across the hall as a barrier. So the subjects running this gauntlet aren't actually in the wall (the effect, itself, appears to be infinitely thin) they are caught in the damage zone to one side of it. We can assume the manifester was smart enough to lay the effect close enough to the existing wall of the corridor that there is no safe side subjects can duck into. Since subjects are going to be looking along the passage instead of through the wall they can actually see just fine (again, unless the DM rules that steam, smoke, glare, or other special effects exist). So if you are in this hallway, the wall is 200 feet long and your position is such that you have 20 feet in one direction vs. 180 feet in the other to escape the area, you can clearly see which is the shorter path to safety.
Tempest Stormwind 07-10-07, 08:29 PM	That's why I said usually. I've seen Mythbusters, I'm a big fan of Tesla, I have access to the interblag, and I live real close to my local library. Of course, the real clincher that you're smart is the XKCD reference (http://xkcd.com/c181.html). :P (I wasn't doubting it or attacking you at all; you know I respect you.)