New to Pathfinder, we'll be starting our first game in about two weeks (Legacy of Fire). Going through the adventure, I've got a question.
In general, can mind-affecting effects affect an unconscious character? To me, my common sense would say the answer is no...the character's mind isn't really in a state to be affected by such things (unless they are visions or dreams specifically being placed into the unconscious, for example).
Specifically:
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Taffer
You always get a save if one is allowed by the spell or ability, regardless of your current mental status (or lack of same).
As far as the 'make sense' part: an unconscious character still has a mind. Maybe he is more vulnerable to attack, as he's out like a light (fails save). Maybe his mind is just too hard to reach (makes save). The fact that the characters has been KOed doesn't really matter. It's a good excuse for why things work/don't work.
In general I'd say that unconsciousness doesn't impact mind-affecting abilities. For instance, if someone uses charm person on a sleeping target, it should still work. Target gets a save and if the fail, when they wake up they're charmed.
You aren't mindless when you're unconscious.
You're only unable to take mental actions. There's a world of difference there. You're not an object, and you're not a mindless undead or construct. Your mind is still impacted.
So, to the specific in your case I'd have to say I'd still apply the effect. Yes, that could be a problem for PCs, but to be fair... what isn't a problem for PCs? There are cleric orisons (at will 0th-level spells) that could solve the problem. There are potions, and Heal checks and so on.