I want to use the Blistering Invective spell to set multiple enemies on fire, and then use Pyrotechnics to create giant explosions of light everywhere. However I dont want to blind my party...
Can I warn my party before hand to close their eyes and negate it?
*Edit* Also, if more than one enemy is set on fire, and they are standing next to each other... are they considered "One fire source"?
*Edit Edit* And blistering invective allows a reflex save not to catch fire... is that the dc 15 reflex save as normal.. or my save dc?
As far as warning you party i see no reason why not though your warning could also warn enemies to close their own eyes as well if its too obvious. Talk to your DM ahead of time so there is no confusion on how they feel about this and about any signal the party works out.
So theres no rule about closing your eyes?
Also what about the other 2 questions?
James has it. As explained under gaze attacks, the rules allow you to close your eyes / wear a blindfold and take penalties and benefits as though blind. Although the rules aren't entirely clear, the most reasonable way to adjudicate this is to make it a decision that you can make on your turn and that lasts until the start of your next turn (similar to Power Attack or Combat Expertise).
I allow to last until the beginning of the next term also because your turn is not taking place in a vacumn. Everyone is really acting all at once, but that would be chaos in real life so a turn based system is used to manage things.
I want to use the Blistering Invective spell to set multiple enemies on fire, and then use Pyrotechnics to create giant explosions of light everywhere. However I dont want to blind my party...
Can I warn my party before hand to close their eyes and negate it?
Ok, so I'm going to look like an ass for giving this answer, but let me preface it by saying that this is the rules questions forum, so I'm giving the actual rules answer. You are going to want to change this, obviously, because it's dumb, but it is the rule:
Pyrotechnics blinds you whether you have your eyes closed or not.
The relevant text reads:
"This effect causes creatures within 120 feet of the fire source to become blinded for 1d4+1 rounds (Will negates). These creatures must have line of sight to the fire to be affected."
Now, it's quirky, but Line of Sight does not actually require that someone literally see. Line of sight simply refers to a line of effect that is also canceled by fogs and darkness and the like, not just solid barriers.
So, by the rules, you can close your eyes all you like and you will still become blinded by Pyrotechnics.
As for how to houserule this so that it makes sense and you can close your eyes, I wouldn't know where to begin addressing that for you. It's all going to be opinion, so just go with what sounds reasonable. Or more importantly, ask your GM.
*Edit* Also, if more than one enemy is set on fire, and they are standing next to each other... are they considered "One fire source"?
No, they are multiple fire sources standing next to each other.
*Edit Edit* And blistering invective allows a reflex save not to catch fire... is that the dc 15 reflex save as normal.. or my save dc?
Your spell's DC, since the Save Entry is "Reflex partial."
A line of effect is a straight, unblocked path that indicates what a spell can affect. A line of effect is canceled by a solid barrier. It's like line of sight for ranged weapons, except that it's not blocked by fog, darkness, and other factors that limit normal sight.
It seems to me that whatever blocks vision blocks line of sight due to the "other factors" clause.
A line of effect is a straight, unblocked path that indicates what a spell can affect. A line of effect is canceled by a solid barrier. It's like line of sight for ranged weapons, except that it's not blocked by fog, darkness, and other factors that limit normal sight.It seems to me that whatever blocks vision blocks line of sight due to the "other factors" clause.
Yes, but a line starting at the corner of your square does not pass through your eyelids, so closing your eyes doesn't block line of sight.
I understand that, but "other factors that limit normal sight" should include closing your eyes since it does fit.
I won't try to say it is RAI though. I would however impose a 50% chance of still having to make a save, just like gaze attacks do when you try to look away.
PS:I just noticed this is the rules section so I will have to officially say it is not allowed by the rules.
Hmm, maybe I should just drop that idea then, I dont want my party to get mad at me for blinding them.
I would negotiate with your GM on what effect closing your eyes has. The rules are stupid in this case, so he should be amenable to something.
