Snake Fangs allows the caster to Swallow Whole, sending the target to an extraplanar space resembling the inside of a snake's stomach. So it's not the caster's real stomach. Can damage dealt to the stomach still affect the caster, or does it only matter for Rupturing the stomach?
I'd say that since the spell doesn't say it's you that swallows and that you take that damage, you don't take it.
Well, it does say that you are the one doing the swallowing. It's just that the swallowed creature is going to an extraplanar space.
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I'd say that since the spell doesn't say it's you that swallows and that you take that damage, you don't take it.
It does say that you use the Swallow Whole ability. It even gives a Rupture value that increases with the Heightened Rank of the spell.
I would rule that the swallowed creature does do damage to the caster.
GMs are allowed to not be program interpreters. The victim is not inside the caster. The spell does not say the damage transfers to the caster. Therefore it does not.
I have to chuckle a bit at the inconsistency.
So I am allowed to not be a program interpreter - I can use my own logic and reasoning.
Except where it supports any other conclusion. If the spell does not say that the extraplanar space is still connected to the caster, then it must not be. And if the spell does not say that the Rupture damage transfers to the caster then it must not. No exceptions.
It couldn't possibly be that the extraplanar space is co-located in the caster's stomach.
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Well as I read it, Rupture is damage that must be dealt to the creature using Swallow Whole, which in this case would be the caster.
Plus, wouldn't we need to use the caster's own Athletics DC for Escape, and their AC and resistances (if any) for the Rupture? Because it's either that or doing it out of thin air.
Which makes me think the interdimensional space is linked to the caster and the caster will take damage.
If the extradimensional space came with it's own set of statistics it would be different, but that's not the case.
Well as I read it, Rupture is damage that must be dealt to the creature using Swallow Whole, which in this case would be the caster.
Plus, wouldn't we need to use the caster's own Athletics DC for Escape, and their AC and resistances (if any) for the Rupture? Because it's either that or doing it out of thin air.
Which makes me think the interdimensional space is linked to the caster and the caster will take damage.
If the extradimensional space came with it's own set of statistics it would be different, but that's not the case.
That's how I read it too. You follow the normal rules for Swallow Whole because the spell does not provide overriding rules.
The writer probably should've clarified that (or other RAI) when introducing extraplanar elements. IMO those were added to justify issues of volume...to make the spell function, not necessarily to protect the caster. To protect the caster the spell would need to note the change, not require extrapolation (however reasonable when fleshed out).
Funnily enough, last night I was designing a monster w/ a similar extraplanar shunting w/ Swallow Whole (never having seen this spell). I figured it'd be too unfair if the swallowed couldn't cut their way out and that such cutting would in some way have to involve the monster taking damage. Much as Finoan referred to, that would involve some magical-woohoo colocation going on, which syncs with how the rules are presented with this spell.
The one detail nagging me though is how there's no mention of cutting an opening in the caster. Arrgh. Damn you, elusive RAI!
It couldn't possibly be that the extraplanar space is co-located in the caster's stomach.Exactly. If it is, it isn't extraplanar. Which are things with a lot of known properties in the game.
Like, not being connected physically with the Universe. When all interactions demand being able to interact with other planes. Which Strikes are not.
The one detail nagging me though is how there's no mention of cutting an opening in the caster. Arrgh. Damn you, elusive RAI!Yep. "It appears in a space adjacent to you"! Extremely scary and damaging for the caster! Surely the result of taking a lot of damage from the inside.
Why are you only restating the points that agree with your position rather than addressing the counterpoints?
What about balance considerations? If one way is significantly overpowered or underpowered, that could signify RAI.
But I don't know of any spell quite like this. Are there any other game features that let PCs use Swallow Whole?