Invisible Pyrotechnics

[BobChuck]

My character is Invisible (2nd level spell version), and has an active Flaming Sphere. Directing it does not break invisibility, since it's an indirect attack. So I roll it around a corner into a group of baddies and cast Pyrotechnics.

Does the effect generated by Pyrotechnics count as an "attack" for the purposes of breaking Invisibility? Why or why not?

I think the answer is "yes, it does", but I got to thinking (or over-thinking) things, and, well... see below.

Does casting Glitterdust on a group of enemies break invisibility? Why or why not? If the answer is different between this spell and Pyrotechnics, what about the two spells made them different?

Does casting Obscuring Mist so that a group of enemies are in the area of effect break invisibility? Why or why not? If the answer is different between this spell and Pyrotechnics, what about the two spells made them different?

Does casting Darkness on a group of enemies break invisibility? Why or why not? If the answer is different between this spell and Pyrotechnics, what about the two spells made them different?

In other words, where does "attack" end?

[R. Doyle]

To quote Invisibility:
"For purposes of this spell, an attack includes any spell targeting a foe or whose area or effect includes a foe."

If an enemy is in the AoE, invisibility ends. All of the spells you listed would cause your invisibility to end if they included an enemy in any way when cast.

[BobChuck]

hmm.

That's an excellent point. They all count. I like it. It's annoying and restrictive, but invisibility isn't supposed to be super-safe, and choices are fun.

Thanks.

[BigNorseWolf]

BobChuck wrote:

My character is Invisible (2nd level spell version), and has an active Flaming Sphere. Directing it does not break invisibility, since it's an indirect attack. So I roll it around a corner into a group of baddies and cast Pyrotechnics.

If you direct it into an enemies square , it is an area of effect attack with an enemy in it

For purposes of this spell, an attack includes any spell targeting a foe or whose area or effect includes a foe

Quote:

Does the effect generated by Pyrotechnics count as an "attack" for the purposes of breaking Invisibility? Why or why not?

Yes. It breaks your invisibilty. There is no area of effect LINE in the spell because there are two seperate, unequal areas depending on the version you're casting.

Fireworks: The fireworks are a flashing, fiery, momentary burst of glowing, colored aerial lights. This effect (the effect) causes creatures within 120 feet of the fire source (the area) to become blinded for 1d4+1 rounds (Will negates). These creatures must have line of sight to the fire to be affected. Spell resistance can prevent blindness.

For purposes of this spell (invisibility), an attack includes any spell targeting a foe or whose area or effect includes a foe

Quote:

Does casting Glitterdust on a group of enemies break invisibility? Why or why not? If the answer is different between this spell and Pyrotechnics, what about the two spells made them different?

Whether they are invisible or not you are giving them a -40 to their stealth rolls.

Quote:

Does casting Obscuring Mist so that a group of enemies are in the area of effect break invisibility? Why or why not? If the answer is different between this spell and Pyrotechnics, what about the two spells made them different?

Yes, it breaks invisibility. A creature has an inherent right to see from their eyeballs to the edge of their square. They don't have any such right for the square next to them. You can cast obscuring mist on your friends, but not on your foes. This is probably something very puzzling to wizards in game.

Quote:

Does casting Darkness on a group of enemies break invisibility? Why or why not? If the answer is different between this spell and Pyrotechnics, what about the two spells made them different?

Yes. Same reason.

Quote:

In other words, where does "attack" end?

At the border of a creatures square.

[R. Doyle]

BobChuck wrote:

hmm.

That's an excellent point. They all count. I like it. It's annoying and restrictive, but invisibility isn't supposed to be super-safe, and choices are fun.

Thanks.

My pleasure. Now maybe someone can help me with grappling...