So, we're playing a lower level human only game. So light is a bigger deal than normal. The "plan" to avoid having to weild a torch in an actual hand is to cast light on a helmet. Is this a valid plan? Would it blind the user? Could they cast light on something else like a gauntlet? Is the intent of the spell a hands-free torch?
RPG Superstar 2013 Top 32
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Technically speaking, the light spell is incapable of blinding someone because it doesn't specifically say it does so in the spell description. Realistically speaking, however, I could imagine that having your head wreathed in a nimbus of light would be distracting at best. The light spell is indeed useful for a hands-free torch, though. Most of my players cast it on a weapon or shield. Some cast it on a belt buckle or breastplate also. Pretty much anything works.
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Get a strap of leather with a draw string to make it into a pouch. Cast light on the inside of the pouch. Now while holding it open, inside out as it is, with the straps around your wrist or neck you have light. Need to turn the lights of quick? Turn it right side in as a move action. Now the light it out.
In games where I've been a player or DM, the light spell is typically cast on one of the fighter's swords :)
If light was cast on a helmet, it would likely not blind the user. After all, miners often have a light attached to their helmet. As do cyclists, skiers and others that need light at night, but also need both hands.
In games where I've been a player or DM, the light spell is typically cast on one of the fighter's swords :)
If light was cast on a helmet, it would likely not blind the user. After all, miners often have a light attached to their helmet. As do cyclists, skiers and others that need light at night, but also need both hands.
so the intent is a hands free torch. Thanks.
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In games where I've been a player or DM, the light spell is typically cast on one of the fighter's swords :)
I just had the best thought. If that fighter's sword is the only light, then combat is going to look like a rave with the light dancing around and flashing in and out. That has to mess with the casters concentration.. :P
I just had the best thought. If that fighter's sword is the only light, then combat is going to look like a rave with the light dancing around and flashing in and out. That has to mess with the casters concentration.. :P
Hah, that would just be mean though ;)
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Back in the days with the spells continual light and darkness we had a player who would cast them on a pebble or small stone or copper piece and put them in small clay or pottery jars so they would not show the light or darkness then at any point if he needed a area with light or darkness he could throw the little jar and it would break revealing the light or darkness.
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I just had the best thought. If that fighter's sword is the only light, then combat is going to look like a rave with the light dancing around and flashing in and out. That has to mess with the casters concentration.. :P
Hah, that would just be mean though ;)
I could see it now, "Bob, could you please stop stabbing the troll so I can read this scroll of fireball?"
I just had the best thought. If that fighter's sword is the only light, then combat is going to look like a rave with the light dancing around and flashing in and out. That has to mess with the casters concentration.. :P
Hah, that would just be mean though ;)
Exactly. It stymies me how many people never even consider that.
But miner's have been putting lights on their helmets for ages in the RW, so apparently it works. I see no reason a light spell could not be used the same way.
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RPG Superstar 2013 Top 32
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But miner's have been putting lights on their helmets for ages in the RW, so apparently it works. I see no reason a light spell could not be used the same way.
Well, miners mount what is effectively a flashlight to their helmets. It broadcasts a forward-facing cone of light. A light spell makes the ENTIRE ITEM glow. A significant difference.
But miner's have been putting lights on their helmets for ages in the RW, so apparently it works. I see no reason a light spell could not be used the same way.Well, miners mount what is effectively a flashlight to their helmets. It broadcasts a forward-facing cone of light. A light spell makes the ENTIRE ITEM glow. A significant difference.
A very good point.
So do what the miners do. Make a small box with one side missing. Mount it on a strap or cord and tie that to the rim of the helmet above the eyebrows with the open box end facing outwards. Put light on any small item that can fit inside the box and affix it there with any means you like.
You now have light beaming out your box forward.
You can even have helmets made with crests on top like a roaring dragon or lion or a Phoenix and mount the item inside the open mouths for the same effect. And it would look cool.
Simple eh? This does not have to be brain surgery.
The Adventure's Armory also gives you a few options for dealing with light sources that you don't want to hold onto.
The Helmet Candle (2 gp 4 lbs.) is one amusing option. A more realistic option is the Shield Sconce (1 gp 1/2 lb.) which is an addon to any light or heavy shield. It lets one lock in a torch securely into the shield.
The Scholar's Flap
Cast Continual Flame upon a flattened spindle (think two large cloak buttons mounted back-to-back). Sew a buttonhole at the top of your right shoulder on any clothing you have, and use the 'bottom' button to attach it to your shoulder. Sew a decorative flap onto the shoulder that can be used to cover the button as desired.
The light is equivalent to a torch, takes no hands, and won't accidentally light on fire. It won't interfere with your familiar (though I'm not sure an animal companion would be willing to land on that shoulder). Logically, it probably takes some getting used to, but it's a relatively stable platform, particularly if the party Wizard is the one carrying.
In games where I've been a player or DM, the light spell is typically cast on one of the fighter's swords :)
I like casting it on a javelin or an arrow or a crossbow bolt, in case I want to light up something at a distance.
Who cares? Just play kobolds. Or dwarves, I guess, but kobolds are better.
In games that I play in (assuming Im playing the spellcaster) I often place a light spell on my characters weapon. This has two effects, an already easily held at the ready source of light and a good bluff check can convince the enemy that I have a powerful magical weapon
a good bluff check can convince the enemy that I have a powerful magical weapon
Nah, it won't work.
If the monster is CR1 or CR2, it knows that it is just fodder for newbie PCs. Newbie PCs aren't allowed to have powerful magical weapons. Therefore, the monster won't fall for your obvious bluff.
A CR 3 or CR 4 monster knows that it just fodder for 3rd-4th level PCs, and every one of them has a magic weapon. And 30% of all magic weapons glow. None of which means the weapon is inordinately powerful. In fact, PCs of these levels have very weak magical weapons. A +1 to hit here, +1 to damage there, really won't change the battle very much. At best, the glowing sword gives you a +1 circumstance bonus to the bluff check against really gullible monsters. The rest will simply not believe you.
And if the monster has a CR higher than 4, well, then it is accustomed by now to fighting hordes of PCs with their glowing magical weapons. Just another day at the monster office. Convincing him that your weapon is super powerful has almost no chance to cause such a monster any distress at all. In fact, it will probably just give the monster one more reason to kill you so it can loot that powerful magical sword off of your corpse and add it to its own treasure hoard.
You're much better off using your "powerful magical weapon" to convince the monster that you're really a 20th level PC who stepped into the wrong dungeon by mistake. This bluff check might work, but in that case, the monster is far more afraid of a 20th level PC than he is of any weapon such a PC might have.
Unless, of course, it's me. I eat 20th level PCs for breakfast.
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I've been looking at shadow dancer a lot recently and you just made me laugh.
DM: The tarrasque eats you.
Player: Once I'm in his throat, I'm going to shadow step underneath him and stealth in his shadow.
DM: The tarrasque makes his perception roll and swallows you whole again.
Player: Once I'm in his throat, I'm going to shadow step into his rectum and stealth.
DM: The tarrasque makes his per WHAT?
Player: Lets see what I can do with a full round of sneak attacks to the colon.
DM: ... gross...
It was funnier in my head :p
My colon is just as armored as the rest of me. And when I clench, I can turn a shadowdancer into a diamond.