Arcane Archer's Imbue Arrow and the Magus's Detonate

[Fastmover]

So, who exactly takes the 5d8 damage from Detonate if it is Imbued on an arrow that hits a target a distance away?

Does the Magus/AA or the hit target?

I'm imagining that the Target takes the damage because the blast is centered on him due to the fact that the energy is charging in him.

[Fastmover]

Bump

[Grick]

Fastmover wrote:

So, who exactly takes the 5d8 damage from Detonate if it is Imbued on an arrow that hits a target a distance away?

Anyone who is within 15 feet of where the arrow landed one round later, assuming CL 5.

Imbue Arrow (Sp): "At 2nd level, an arcane archer gains the ability to place an area spell upon an arrow. When the arrow is fired, the spell's area is centered where the arrow lands, even if the spell could normally be centered only on the caster. This ability allows the archer to use the bow's range rather than the spell's range. A spell cast in this way uses its standard casting time and the arcane archer can fire the arrow as part of the casting. The arrow must be fired during the round that the casting is completed or the spell is wasted. If the arrow misses, the spell is wasted."

Detonate:
"Area 30-ft.-radius spread centered on you
Duration 1 round, then instantaneous
You flood yourself with a potent surge of elemental energy. One round after completing the casting of the spell, the energy explodes from your body.

When this spell creates the explosion of energy, choose one of the following four energy types: acid, cold, electricity, or fire. The explosion inflicts 1d8 points of damage of that energy type per caster level (maximum 10d8) to all creatures and unattended objects within 15 feet, and half that amount to targets past 15 feet but within 30 feet. You automatically take half damage from the explosion, without a saving throw, but any other energy resistance or energy immunity effects you may have in place can prevent or lessen this overflow damage caused by the explosion."

One could argue that the caster always takes half damage, since it says it happens automatically, but I think that's referring to not getting a saving throw, and assuming that the caster will be within the area. I think if the caster is not in the area, he shouldn't take damage.

[Fastmover]

I totally agree with you.

Edit: Ah, just noticed the "You automatically take half damage from the explosion, without a saving throw..." Sweet. Since I'm not in the explosion I shouldn't have to take the damage.

[Sesharan]

This is something I've been planning to do as soon as I get the spell. What me and a friend decided after discussing it is: The Detonate is centered on the arrow like any other Imbued spell. But since you shot it into the target's body, a Reflex save doesn't really make a whole lot of sense, because the origin point is inside the target's body. On the other hand, though, if they pulled out the arrow in the round before it exploded (say by making a DC 20 Heal check or something) they could throw it away from them and be safe.

[Fastmover]

I'd say no way to that. I see it more like a poisoned arrow delivering the charge. Even if removed the target would need an immidiate dispel magic or something similar. But first, know that a spell has been delivered at all.

Could you imagine a high initiative character doing this?; Surprise Round - Detonate Arrow hits target. Rolls initiative and goes first - Fires and hits a target with Imbued Arrow of Fireball or Black Tentacles.

Awesome.