So my wizard just hit 9th level and I'm considering picking up this spell. Unfortunately, the targeting for the spell seems to be written in the most confusing way possible. I'd greatly appreciate some clarification on how it works, as after browsing the web for an answer everyone seems to have a different idea.
The spell states you can sense and attack anyone within a certain radius. Ok, I'm good so far. It then basically says you can only differentiate creatures if they're 4 or more hit dice apart or if one is undead and the other isn't. Which could make targeting very difficult.
However, there's then a new paragraph that states you could (not can, implying this is an alternate and not the only method) choose either a stronger or weaker creature to take over, and this is done randomly. Stronger or weaker than you I'm assuming? And judged by hit dice, I'm also assuming? What if everything has the same hit dice as you, can you not target anything?
Or is the stronger and weaker paragraph just a poorly worded way of saying that if two or more life forces are indistinguishable, determine which you possess randomly?
Thanks in advance for any clarification you can provide.
the stronger/ weaker is talking bout HD.. if you "scan" the area and get readings showing stronger/weaker life signs.. you can choose what you want to try to possess.
If all targets are the same HD or even +/- 3HD (although see below) it doesn't mean you can't target them it just means that you can't differentiate them, you choose a target randomly.
but I can't see any reason why you can't do a differential analysis so if you have 6 potential 'targets' at levels 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 you can actually put them in an order of strength based on the relative power, just requires comparing them in pairs. i.e. you can't differentiate between 6 and 8, or 8 and 10 but you can tell 6 is weaker than 10, so you can safely infer that 8 is weaker than 10. etc.
If all targets are the same HD or even +/- 3HD (although see below) it doesn't mean you can't target them it just means that you can't differentiate them, you choose a target randomly.
but I can't see any reason why you can't do a differential analysis so if you have 6 potential 'targets' at levels 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 you can actually put them in an order of strength based on the relative power, just requires comparing them in pairs. i.e. you can't differentiate between 6 and 8, or 8 and 10 but you can tell 6 is weaker than 10, so you can safely infer that 8 is weaker than 10. etc.
with enough variations ( ie 1-20) you can scan each person in relation to each other , and eventually make up and categorize each person into each lvl bracket
This. thread has a lot of good ideas for you to use more generally.
TL:DR
Normally you get a familiar or ally to reduce line of effect to the gem via a box or similar so you can pick your targets, or wade into a group of monsters whilst possessing a summoned monster. It's not a good spell to cast when you are already in combat and have no way to hide your body or differentiate friend from foe.