| mudpyr8 |
So, here's the issue. As I read it, a Detect Evil spell should last 10 min/level and when you want to use it you must concentrate during that duration. However, ending your concentration does not end the spell.
Why? The "concentration" implies dismissable, and all spells that only have "concentration" don't say (D).
So, if it is (D), then there is no possible way for a caster to be in a positon to consciously dismiss the spell when he isn't concentrating unless the spell persists beyond concentration.
Is there an official ruling?
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Duration: concentration, up to 10 min./level (D)
This means:
Concentration: The spell lasts as long as you concentrate on it. Concentrating to maintain a spell is a standard action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity. Anything that could break your concentration when casting a spell can also break your concentration while you're maintaining one, causing the spell to end. See concentration.
You can't cast a spell while concentrating on another one. Some spells last for a short time after you cease concentrating.
(D) Dismissible: If the duration line ends with “(D),” you can dismiss the spell at will. You must be within range of the spell's effect and must speak words of dismissal, which are usually a modified form of the spell's verbal component. If the spell has no verbal component, you can dismiss the effect with a gesture. Dismissing a spell is a standard action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity.
A spell that depends on concentration is dismissible by its very nature, and dismissing it does not take an action, since all you have to do to end the spell is to stop concentrating on your turn.
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