RPG Superstar 2013 Top 32
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In the description of the spell clairaudience/clairvoyance, the following line defines the perception granted through the spell:
Unlike other scrying spells, this spell does not allow magically or supernaturally enhanced senses to work through it. If the chosen locale is magically dark, you see nothing. If it is naturally pitch black, you can see in a 10- foot radius around the center of the spell’s effect.
I'm specifically looking at the 'magically or supernaturally enhanced' part here. If a character with darkvision (which is an extraordinary ability) uses this spell to look into a place that is naturally dark (but not magically so), can they see out to their normal darkvision range or do they only get the 10 feet described above?
Discuss.
In the description of the spell clairaudience/clairvoyance, the following line defines the perception granted through the spell:
Unlike other scrying spells, this spell does not allow magically or supernaturally enhanced senses to work through it. If the chosen locale is magically dark, you see nothing. If it is naturally pitch black, you can see in a 10- foot radius around the center of the spell’s effect.I'm specifically looking at the 'magically or supernaturally enhanced' part here. If a character with darkvision (which is an extraordinary ability) uses this spell to look into a place that is naturally dark (but not magically so), can they see out to their normal 60 feet or do they only get the 10 feet described above?
Discuss.
I would rule that since they can 'naturally' see in natural dark, that their normal vision would apply. In a sense the 10' as noted is a fall back if you couldn't otherwise see in the area.
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RPG Superstar 2013 Top 32
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I would rule that since they can 'naturally' see in natural dark, that their normal vision would apply. In a sense the 10' as noted is a fall back if you couldn't otherwise see in the area.
That was my first thought too. However, since this is only a second-level spell, does this ruling give too much power to casters with darkvision? I mean, ambushing someone with darkvision is hard enough already but if they have this spell at their disposal and can use it as basically a 'second eye' to scout a place up ahead, is that going beyond the intent of the spell?
I realize that it's a fairly petty thing to think about and I'll probably rule that darkvision (as long as it is natural darkvision) works through the sensor just fine. I was just curious to see if anyone else had other opinions.
EDIT: I'm having second thoughts now. Since this spell is a divination, I gather that the caster is not actually seeing through their eyes but with their mind. In this case, the fact that their eyes possess a complicated array of rods and cones has no bearing on what the sensor itself is capable of conveying. It would make sense in this regard that even a blind person could cast clairaudience/clairvoyance and be able to "see" with it. Hmmmm...
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Scrying
A scrying spell creates an invisible magical sensor that sends you information. Unless noted otherwise, the sensor has the same powers of sensory acuity that you possess. This level of acuity includes any spells or effects that target you, but not spells or effects that emanate from you. However, the sensor is treated as a separate, independent sensory organ of yours, and thus it functions normally even if you have been blinded, deafened, or otherwise suffered sensory impairment.Any creature with an Intelligence score of 12 or higher can notice the sensor by making a DC 20 Intelligence check. The sensor can be dispelled as if it were an active spell.
Lead sheeting or magical protection blocks a scrying spell, and you sense that the spell is so blocked.
Clairaudience/Clairvoyance states that "Unlike other scrying spells, this spell does not allow magically or supernaturally enhanced senses to work through it." But that doesn't exclude extraordinary senses which are granted by default by the Scrying descriptor.
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RPG Superstar 2013 Top 32
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Clairaudience/Clairvoyance states that "Unlike other scrying spells, this spell does not allow magically or supernaturally enhanced senses to work through it." But that doesn't exclude extraordinary senses which are granted by default by the Scrying descriptor.
Thank you, Ungoded. That clears this up nicely. Darkvision works through this spell as long as it is natural darkvision.
I'm inclined to disagree. I say the spell description trumps your racial abilities. The spell says you see ten feet, therefore you see ten feet. When a spell description contradicts an existing rule, you go with the spell description.
It further states that it functions normally if you are blinded.
Thus if a mage has his eyes gouged out, clairvoyance still works. Raising the question, is the Darkvision a function of the race, or of the eyes. Could a drow who is blinded get the benefits of darkvision through the clairvoyance spell.On a side note:
The invisible sensor that clairvoyance creates. Is just that, an INVISIBLE sensor. Thus creatures able to see invisible can see the little thing. Just a happy though for all you DMs out there.