0′ spell area effect template?

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  • March 7, 2016 at 5:08 am #152200
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    What template should be used for 0′ area effect spells?

    I used to use the “X’ Radius” template but then several people (including at least one GM) told me over time that it should use the “X’ Area when centered on caster” template. At ArcaniCon I saw it done both ways. Personally, I think the “X’ Area when centered on the caster” makes more sense but it is unclear which is correct.

    March 7, 2016 at 6:02 am #271802
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Example?

    March 7, 2016 at 4:34 pm #271811
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    If you have the PDF of the Main Core Rulebook, there are template examples at the back, showing all the common radius and 0′ (Radius) spell templates. 0′ and Self always have the character in the ‘center square’ and the radius extends outwards from the character.

    Basically the character takes up the center spot and the “Radius length” extends a number of squares out along the 4 axes and it is somewhat rounded on the edges with whole squares.

    March 8, 2016 at 11:22 pm #271851
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Thanks John. That’s what I thought but I saw several people applying the other template for 0′ area spells and we had a short (inconclusive) discussion during the second half of Jappa that I ran about it.

    Is this in the rulebook or errata/faq somewhere? If so, I haven’t been able to find it. If not, it should be so that everyone is on the same page.

    If the core rulebook is ever reprinted, the templates page from the pdf should really be included.

    March 9, 2016 at 1:34 am #271854
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    The key to look at is the label on the templates: one is just ‘radius’ and the other is ‘area when centred on the caster’.

    All Areas spread out from the point of origin, which must be within range. Thus a spell with a range of Self (10’ radius) would originate from the caster. Unless otherwise noted, Spells centered on the caster do not affect the caster.

    It looks possible to centre a 0′ (10’r) spell NOT on the caster, but the other clause of area spells would be a problem, as most area spells cause damage.

    Some Spells affect Areas (Range listed as Arc, Radius or Cone). Unless the number of Targets is listed, the spell affects everything within its Range, regardless of concealment.

    Tactically an option but the reduced number of squares and damaging yourself would make it rare to be done.

    March 9, 2016 at 1:39 pm #271858
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    I believe Self (X’ Radius) and 0′ (X’ Radius) are the same for all intents and purposes. I’m not sure why there exist both, but they function identically in their base format.

    0′ (X’ Radius) cannot usually be centered anywhere but on the Caster without an adaptation that allows a modification to the Range.

    John

    March 9, 2016 at 1:46 pm #271859
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Adaptation: Extended Range (ta) works on 0′ (X Radius), but requires a Self (X Radius) spell to gain a standard range through an Adaptation.

    March 9, 2016 at 9:51 pm #271863
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    The other difference is that Self spells will move with the caster (assuming they have a duration) while 0′ spells will not.

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