I have a question about the spell Draconic Malice and the will save (harmless).
https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/d/draconic-malice/
Does that mean creatures who enter the aura need to make a will save?
Or does the spell just work automatically?
Thank you
Yes it's a very niche spell. I have a fighter with an intimidate build who wants it as a magic item 1/day. The question was would this magic item have a will save DC 14 for enemies, making it pretty useless. I see no harm in it without the save, as it doesn't even work on undead (only living creatures like oozes and vermin).
But another player was saying that it having a will save in the text means the enemies need to make one. I said it has range personal and no additional text specifying it. They say it has an aoe, just like fireball.
If there was a clear ruling to explain the difference that would be helpful. Either way, thanks for the examples!
The target of the spell is you.
Usually a harmful spell allows a target to make a saving throw to avoid some or all of the effect. The saving throw entry in a spell description defines which type of saving throw the spell allows and describes how saving throws against the spell work.
The first paragraph of the rules for saving throws state that saves are made by the target. Furthermore, the harmless descriptor specifies the save is usually beneficial, but the target can make a save if they choose. Losing immunity to fear is not a beneficial effect or harmless.
Aura of distraction does not list you as the target and specifies will negate, so that comparison is not valid.
RAW the spell allows the caster of the spell to make the choice as to whether he will attempt a will save to avoid the effect of the spell. The creatures in the area of the spell on the other hand do not get a save to avoid losing immunity to fear.