Do Area Effects Trigger Animus Mine?

[Allen Cohn]

Hello! Are there any *official* rules on whether Animus Mine works against area effects?

It says, "Any creature that uses a mind-affecting effect against you triggers the mine." But does the effect have to be targeted against you? Or can it be an area effect, such as a dragon's fear aura?

Thanks!

[Azothath]

you are talking about Animus Mine:A2 a mesmerist, psychic spell.

text:

You implant a mental mine within your psyche that triggers against anyone attempting to manipulate your thoughts. Any creature that uses a mind-affecting effect against you triggers the mine, causing psychic backlash against the offending creature. This backlash deals 1d6 points of damage per caster level (maximum 10d6) and staggers the target for 1d4 rounds. If the target succeeds at a Will saving throw, it takes only half damage and negates the staggered effect. The mine does not disrupt the mind-affecting effect that triggered the spell. You can use a swift action to suppress the trigger of your mine for 1 round to allow someone to use a mind-affecting effect on you. You can have only one mental mine active at a time.

seems like the second line answers your question. You have to be a target so it's going to depend on the spell description text.
For Confusion:E4 cast with you in it (Targets: all creatures in a 15-ft.-radius burst) I'd say yes as the caster is trying to affect you. Same for Mindlink:D1, Heroism:E3.

Monster abilities are a different kettle of fish.

Monster Abilities:

Fear (Su or Sp)

Fear attacks can have various effects.

Fear Aura (Su) The use of this ability is a free action. The aura can freeze an opponent (as in the case of a mummy’s despair) or function like the fear spell. Other effects are possible. A fear aura is an area effect. The descriptive text gives the size and kind of the area.

Fear Cone (Sp) and Ray (Su) These effects usually work like the fear spell.

If a fear effect allows a saving throw, it is a Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 fearsome creature’s racial HD + creature’s Cha modifier; the exact DC is given in the creature’s descriptive text). All fear attacks are mind-affecting fear effects.

Format: fear aura (30 ft., DC 17); Location: Aura.

Format: fear cone (50 ft., DC 19); Location: Special Attacks.
Fear Cone (Sp) and Ray (Su)

These effects usually work like the fear spell.

If a fear effect allows a saving throw, it is a Will save (DC = 10 + 1/2 the fearsome creature’s racial HD + that creature’s Charisma modifier; the exact DC is given in the creature’s descriptive text). All fear attacks are mind-affecting fear effects.

Format: fear aura (30 ft., DC 17); Location: Aura.

Format: fear cone (50 ft., DC 19); Location: Special Attacks.

so a definite maybe... they're not spells with targeting. So it is going to depend on the monster description and the details therein.

As Heroes of the Darklands is a PPC product there will be no FAQs or designer/developer comments. PFS(Paizo's sponsored campaign) has it as mostly legal(a good thing). Campaign Clarifications says, Page 20—Harmless effects that target all allies, such as a bard’s inspire courage ability, do not trigger an animus mine. They're saying it has to be a non-harmless effect but would trigger to area effects that target foes etc (even if harmless).

[Allen Cohn]

* What is "PPC"?
* Where is the Pathfinder Society ruling that you're referenceing?
* What is "Campaign Clarifications"?

Thanks!

[Azothath]

Allen Cohn wrote:

* What is "PPC"?

* Where is the Pathfinder Society ruling that you're referenceing?
* What is "Campaign Clarifications"?
Thanks!

PFS(Organized Play) for PF1 (now under legacy documents) used to be downloadable via your digital products but most links to >old< stuff is broken on the new website and I don't expect that to change. I'd ask a current Venture Captain (OrgPlay volunteer) on discord to send you a copy. Otherwise send an email to paizo customer service.

Get the PF1 Iconics, Season 10 Player Guide, Additional Resources, and Campaign Clarifications.

Discord Bay Area PFS/SFS or SVOP.

= = =
Paizo had several product lines. RPG(core), Campaign, Player Companion(PPC), Adventure Path(AP), Modules, Scenarios... Only the RPG line got heavy internal reviews, the Campaign some, and Player Companion basically none. There are more error/problems with less reviewed product.