On the D20 webpage for Symbol of Laughter, it is stated that the spell functions as Symbol of Death. However, it goes on to say that the spell can be made permanent by a 10th level caster for 5,000gp. Since symbol of death is a rune placed on a surface, would it be reasonable to assume that symbol of laughter is also a rune? Or can it be a physical symbol, much like a holy symbol, that can be carried about? If so, can a character carry the symbol of laughter around their neck and simply make people laugh? Thanks in advance (sorry for the weird question).
Our interpretation is that the symbol is a symbol that must be inscribed on a surface, but there's nothing that keeps you from inscribing the symbol on a small metal disk or a piece of wood or something and making that permanent. And then wearing it as a necklace, or a broach, or an earring. Or, for that matter, painting it on to your shield.
Be warned; this is an immensely and possibly game-breakingly powerful effect. If you wander around with the symbol continuously exposed, then literally everyone who wanders within 60 feet of you will need to save or laugh helplessly (as they'll trigger it as soon as they read it). By contrast, if the trigger is "touch," then you just need to tap your chest and trigger the spell.
It ends up being an extremely powerful slotless at-will area-affecting save-or-suck effect. Only 5000 gp for an at-will area disable? Sign me up for three of them, please....
There is that 10-minute recharge time, but it does seem pretty powerful.
Careful with how you use it: abuse leads to the GM looking for ways to make it backfire.
Careful with how you use it: abuse leads to the GM looking for ways to make it backfire.
I very much agree with roguerouge. Using spells outside of their intended function can results in the GM doing bad stuff to return balance to the game.
That being said, it is a very clever idea. Just hope you never have to fight a guy with Symbol of Death on his shield.