I need some clarification on how a Hellknight ability works.
Discern Lies (Sp): Starting at 2nd level, a Hellknight’s
detect chaos ability also reveals if a creature within the
area being scrutinized is lying. This effect functions
similarly to the spell discern lies, but a Hellknight can
detect multiple lies from multiple creatures through one
use of detect chaos. In addition, a Hellknight must be able
to hear and understand what a creature within the area of
effect is saying to discern lies.
I am not clear on what the area of affect or the number of targets would be. If it uses the spell's parameters for this then it has a range based on the character's level (25' + 5'/lvl), and the # affected is level based. I am assuming that you use the Hellknight's level to determine these level-based effects, although it doesn't specifically say so in the description of this ability?
** EDIT
Actually, I am even now more confused on how this works based on the wording:
This effect functions similarly to the spell discern lies, but a Hellknight can detect multiple lies from multiple creatures through one use of detect chaos.
This phrase seems to imply that Discern Lies doesn't affect multiple targets -- which it does. Was this ability meant to affect everyone in a 30' or 60' radius?
***
EDIT 2
*sigh*, still more confusion.
What about the duration of this effect. Does it last the set # or rounds as indicated by the spell (and using the hellknight level as the caster level) OR does it last as long as the targets are in the "undefined" area of effect, once its been activated by a move action, OR does the Hellknight have to use a move action each round to gain this effect on multiple rounds?
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I could be wrong, but I interpret that as being able to discern lies from anybody you are listening to.
It specifically says you have to be able to hear what they're saying in order to be able to discern lies, so if you're being yelled something from 100 feet away, you can discern if it's a lie. If you're in a crowded room with a hundred people talking over each other, you'll only be able to discern the lies of those to whom you are listening and able to clearly understand.
This is one of those situations where it's more common sense and DM discretion than hard numeric rules.
I could be wrong, but I interpret that as being able to discern lies from anybody you are listening to.
It specifically says you have to be able to hear what they're saying in order to be able to discern lies,
It does mention though, that "a Hellknight must be able to hear and understand what a creature within the area of effect is saying to discern lies". So I think there is a defined "area of effect"... they just haven't indicated what it would be.
Discern lies is a part of the Detect Chaos (similar to a paladin's detect evil) ability for the Hellknight and thus the area of effect is the same. (a 60 ft. cone)
At least that's how I see it.
Discern lies is a part of the Detect Chaos (similar to a paladin's detect evil) ability for the Hellknight and thus the area of effect is the same. (a 60 ft. cone)
At least that's how I see it.
I do believe the intent is to be the same area, however I am unsure where the reference to a "cone" is? I don't see any reference to it under Detect Chaos or Discern Lies.
To activate Detect Chaos, you must concentrate on 1 target, so I am guessing that you assumed that it must be limited to a cone effect centered towards the target of your Detect Chaos? I would certainly agree with this rules interpretation, however the Discern rules rules don't address this at all and it would be nice if they clearly indicated such.
The cone I get from the Detect Evil spell which is referred to when you look up Detect Chaos. As far as I understand the Hellknight can focus on one single target if he wants to as a move action instead of letting the spell run as normal, but doesn't have to if he'd rather take time to identify all within the cone.
If for some reason the Hellknight's Detect Chaos functions differently from the same spell then it's more unclear.