So, there are some spells that are unique to different races.
Seems easy enough, but I can't seem to find the rules that govern how this exclusivity works.
This causes some problems.
For example, look at the spell Blend.
For the sake of argument let's say the "(elf)" at the end of the list of classes means that only elves can know/prepare the spell.
Well, what happens if an elf alchemist makes a "Blend" extract with the "Infusion" discovery?
Can his half-orc friend now enjoy the benefits of Blend?
What about half-elves trying to use blend?
There aren't rules because some are specific to racial anatomy or magical nature, some are secret lore...and there's no actual indicator which is which.
OTOH half-elves have 'Elf Blood: Half-elves count as both elves and humans for any effect related to race.' (unless they have the dragon soul alternate racial trait) and should be fine to use blend.
I don’t think there are any actual restrictions that only the race listed can use the spell. Most racial spells are simply spells that were created by the listed race. A spell caster of another race could still learn them, but is more common to the listed race. If the spell in question specifies it can only be used on a member of the race then that is different. Paragon Surge for example list the target as personal (half-elf only) so that particular spell only works on a half-elf. Blend states they you draws on your elven link to the wilderness so you would need to be an elf or half elf to use this spell.
Its an RP excuse for the gm to restrict access.
Its an RP excuse for the gm to restrict access.
Much like racial weapons, feats, traits, and a million other things with racial perquisites.
But why can't my human who has never interacted with an elf, ever, be proficient with a curveblade without spending a feat? *whines*
So, there are some spells that are unique to different races.
Seems easy enough, but I can't seem to find the rules that govern how this exclusivity works.
Racial exclusivity matters in two cases.
1. The exclusivity is explicit. Ancestral regression is designed to ONLY work on drow.
2. The exclusivity is implicit but self-evident. Batrachian surge makes the caster's frog-like features MORE frog-like; it makes sense to be limited to frog-like casters (the grippli who "own" the spell, and maybe boggards.)
Blend isn't explicitly elven (the first line is fluff), nor implicitly (the spell works by putting a camouflage illusion on the caster.)
As such, if an elf alchemist makes a Blend extract, the half-orc can drink it and be Blended.
Also, half-elves count as elves, so they can learn Blend anyway. (:
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Spells: The spells in this section are common to spellcasting members of the race. Sometimes they only target members of the race, but often they are just the race's well guarded secrets; members of other races can learn to cast them with GM permission.
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Blend isn't explicitly elven (the first line is fluff),
You draw upon your elven link to the wilderness to change the coloration of yourself and your equipment to match that of your surroundings.
What rule do you use to decide what is fluff?
Considering that that spell is in a book about different races, under the header of a specific race, it has (elf) in the list of classes capable to cast it and that it says specifically that you use "your elven link to the wilderness" to me it seems part of the spell requirements and effects.The problem with calling a piece of a description text "a rule" or "fluff" is that most of the time what is fluff or rule is based on the interest of the one saying that, not on an objective basis.
Regardless:
Spells: The spells in this section are common to spellcasting members of the race. Sometimes they only target members of the race, but often they are just the race’s well guarded secrets; members of other races can learn to cast them with GM permission.
The GM is the one that gives permission to learn them. Unless he gives it is not possible to learn them.
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About the Elf Alchemist question:
a personal spell that can be cast only by members of a specific race works like all other Infusiond, it cast a spell on the one using the infusion.
For personal spells, the infusions work changing the target of the spell from "personal" to "the creature drinking the infusion".
With Blend the problem is "You draw upon your elven link to the wilderness ...". If the caster draw on that link, all is fine, if it is the target of the spell that has to draw on that link, it will not work.
The text of the spell isn't written in a way that allows you to reply to that question, so it is a GM decision.
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Don't want to hijack this thread, but I have an issue that I think relates.
There is a goblin spell called Mudball. Regarded by many as a crap spell, but fits the concept I'm going for perfectly. Problem is, not a goblin; and not a wizard/sorcerer. Can totally justify cultural exposure to have learned/been exposed to the spell. I'm wondering if there is a trait or feat to take to get access though. Maybe something with a bit more benefit, so I'm not feat burning for 1 sub-par spell. The ROLE-player and the optimizer are at war in me on this one. There are plenty of Paizo feats and 3rd party feats that add spells known; but I can't find any that let you cross over to other class spell lists. Really don't want to have to level dip.
As far as original post goes, I think Sandslice has the right of it.
The possibility to add spells from outside your spell list has been mostly removed by this FAQ:
New Spells Known: If I gain the ability to add a spell that is not on my spell list to my list of spells known, without adding it to my spell list, can I cast it?
No. Adding a spell to your list of spells known does not add it to the spell list of that class unless they are added by a class feature of that same class. For example, sorcerers add their bloodline spells to their sorcerer spell list and oracles add their mystery spells to their oracle spell list. The spell slots of a class can only be used to cast spells that appear on the spell list of that class.
I guess you could try to argue that extracts are not spells and so aren't limited by race, like spells are. But that probably wouldn't convince many people.
I guess you could try to argue that extracts are not spells and so aren't limited by race, like spells are. But that probably wouldn't convince many people.
I'm so glad that Paizo clearly defined the difference between spells and extracts :P
Blend isn't explicitly elven (the first line is fluff),You draw upon your elven link to the wilderness to change the coloration of yourself and your equipment to match that of your surroundings.What rule do you use to decide what is fluff?
Considering that that spell is in a book about different races, under the header of a specific race, it has (elf) in the list of classes capable to cast it and that it says specifically that you use "your elven link to the wilderness" to me it seems part of the spell requirements and effects.
Do you interpret both sides of that phrase, or only one?
That is:
1. Must the elf have a link to the wilderness? Some elves (eg, dusk elves or those with the Urbanite race trait) don't.
2. Is the spell terrain-locked to the areas of the wilderness to which the elf is linked?
- Are arctic elves limited to casting it in boreal terrains, or can they cast it to hide out in a forest or city?
- Are rangers limited to favored terrains?
If you answer no to both, then you are ignoring "link to the wilderness" and arguing that because the spell description uses the word "elven", only elves can cast it. That's more selective than calling the whole sentence fluff.
The (elf) is there to mark that only elves can freely learn the spell, whether to spells known or to spells they can prepare; the GM has discretion to limit other races (for example, allowing it freely, allowing it after some gate, or forbidding it.)
It's not the same as a (god) marker, which does require you to worship that god in order to cast it even if your class doesn't normally require a deity.
In the advance race guide it mentions the fact that elves physical appearance changes to match their surrounding over time.
However, their links to nature are not entirely driven by pragmatism. Elves' bodies slowly change over time, taking on a physical representation of their mental and spiritual states, and those who dwell in a region for a long period of time find themselves physically adapting to match their surroundings, most noticeably taking on coloration that reflects the local environment.
Blend seems to tap into that ability and hasten the effect. Considering that blend comes from the advance race guide it is a reasonable assumption that is what the elven link to wilderness is referring to. In that case only an elf (or half-elf) would be able to use the spell.
This is not an actual racial trait so taking an alternate racial trait does not mean the elf no longer has this ability.
In the advance race guide it mentions the fact that elves physical appearance changes to match their surrounding over time.
However, their links to nature are not entirely driven by pragmatism. Elves' bodies slowly change over time, taking on a physical representation of their mental and spiritual states, and those who dwell in a region for a long period of time find themselves physically adapting to match their surroundings, most noticeably taking on coloration that reflects the local environment.
Blend seems to tap into that ability and hasten the effect. Considering that blend comes from the advance race guide it is a reasonable assumption that is what the elven link to wilderness is referring to. In that case only an elf (or half-elf) would be able to use the spell.
This is not an actual racial trait so taking an alternate racial trait does not mean the elf no longer has this ability.
Ahh, makes more sense, then. Thanks! (: