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So a cleric gets a handful of dust thrown in his eyes and is threatened by three ogres. He agrees that he is blinded.
He casts Sanctuary defensively. Can you cast defensively while blinded?
There appears to be no reference to casting while blinded. It would seem analogous to casting while three invisible characters threaten you.
Help me out.
Johnny D.
Concentrating while being fully aware that you're surrounded by three eight feet tall giants that want to hit you with tree trunks while your eyes are closed? I'd first ask him to roll to see if his character pees in his pants and then ask him to explain how he expects to dodge three incoming blows while blinded. If his answer is satisfying, allow it, but I doubt it will be. I wouldn't allow it.
There's no rule against it. Its VERY hard to stop a caster from casting defensively... a fighter only feat requiring a +11 attack bonus iirc. if that could be replicated with some dust, you'd think there would have been a memmo
Casting defensively doesn't mean you avoid incoming blows. If that was the case, it would require a reflex throw or something similar that's movement-related.
Instead, it's a concentraion check, which for me implies that casting defensively changes the way you cast. You might cut short the magic words and/or gestures or simply cast a bit quicker so you don't leave yourself open long enough to provoke an AoO. And since that is not the usual way to cast the spell, you must succeed at a concentration check or lose the spell.
Yes. Nothing in the blinded condition denies casting defensively, and nothing in the casting defensively section says otherwise either.
It would be within reason to assess a -2 circumstance penalty if you were so inclined.
Concentrating while being fully aware that you're surrounded by three eight feet tall giants that want to hit you with tree trunks while your eyes are closed? I'd first ask him to roll to see if his character pees in his pants and then ask him to explain how he expects to dodge three incoming blows while blinded. If his answer is satisfying, allow it, but I doubt it will be. I wouldn't allow it.
the cleric could be 18th level!!
So a cleric gets a handful of dust thrown in his eyes and is threatened by three ogres. He agrees that he is blinded.
He casts Sanctuary defensively. Can you cast defensively while blinded?
There appears to be no reference to casting while blinded. It would seem analogous to casting while three invisible characters threaten you.
Help me out.
Johnny D.
I guess you could by RAW. The rules don't cover every situation so don't expect it to fly at every GM's tables.
My view on it: Spellcasting is supposed to take a lot of concentration. Dodging swords probably is not easy. The concentration check is what allows you to dodge the sword, move your fingers in a very precise patter, and say the magic words all at once.
Actually had something similar happen back in 3.0, except it was Drow in their Darkness and a Wizard trying to Dispell same. It was ruled she could only do it if she had the Blindfight feat, as she had to be able to percieve attacks to activate Defensive casting. I tumbled through to draw any Attacks of Opportunity, giving her her shot. She had the feat the next episode.
Casting defensively doesn't mean you avoid incoming blows. If that was the case, it would require a reflex throw or something similar that's movement-related.
I think it was in D&D that casting defensively was described as "casting while dodging incoming blows to prevent attacks of opportunity" or something. If you can't see incoming blows, then it's kinda hard to dodge them. Still, your version makes sense.
Casting defensively doesn't mean you avoid incoming blows. If that was the case, it would require a reflex throw or something similar that's movement-related.I think it was in D&D that casting defensively was described as "casting while dodging incoming blows to prevent attacks of opportunity" or something. If you can't see incoming blows, then it's kinda hard to dodge them. Still, your version makes sense.
Don't know the DnD rules for casting defensively. I just wrote down my interpretation of the RAW.
Yes he can cast defensively, if you want impose a -2 penalty but i don't think that it's neccesary.
So, to clarify, the condition of being blinded or threatened by an invisible opponent adds 20 to the concentration DC?
Johnny D.
So, to clarify, the condition of being blinded or threatened by an invisible opponent adds 20 to the concentration DC?
Just... how do you come by this number? *confused*
So, to clarify, the condition of being blinded or threatened by an invisible opponent adds 20 to the concentration DC?Just... how do you come by this number? *confused*
I think maybe he is confusing the +20 to the DC in finding an invisible opponent when using Perception.
To Johnny, I don't believe there is anything RAW on this situation. At least as far as I can recall. It would have to be a DM's call.