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I was just asked this question this morning and while I know the way I read the rules, I'd like to know if this has been discussed at all.
The player in question believes the Obscuring Mist spell is ambiguous regarding the range at which it can be cast.
The range of the spell states: Range 20 ft.
But the effect of the spell states: cloud spreads in 20-ft. radius from you, 20 ft. high.
Further, the text of the spell states: "A misty vapor arises around you."
So which is it, can you cast it 20 ft. away with a 20 ft. radius, or can you only cast it centered on you with a 20 ft. radius?
It has a 20 ft. range because it's a 20 ft. area. It reaches 20 ft.
Look at similar effects like prayer or prismatic sphere or holy word.
The range of the spell states: Range 20 ft.
The PRD defines range as:
A spell's range indicates how far from you it can reach, as defined in the range entry of the spell description. A spell's range is the maximum distance from you that the spell's effect can occur, as well as the maximum distance at which you can designate the spell's point of origin. If any portion of the spell's area would extend beyond this range, that area is wasted.
But the issue is that, despite the text that indicates you can place the spell's point of origin 20 ft. away from you, the spell effect only comes from you.
Effect cloud spreads in 20-ft. radius from you, 20 ft. high
So regardless of whether the spell point of origin is 20 ft. away from you, the spell effect can only spread in a 20-ft. radius from you, 20 ft. high. The range section is effectively restricted by the effect section. The range indicates that the effect can go out 20 ft. from you. But the point of origin section of the range description is limited by the effect section.