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I had a general question. One of the players in a game I am in suggested that they can selectively decide who is or is not effected by spells. I was curious if this is actually the case in Palladium games, as I have not encountered it being permitted.

I assume we're talking AoE spells. It depends which PB game you are playing and your group's play style. Nightbane has a highly dynamic/customizable way of handling magic (see TtGD) that could allow mages to cast AoE spells which target specific people in the area. There's a cost to customizing spells, but it could be an interesting twist. In other PB games, I haven't seen this type of mechanic used, but I see no reason why spellcasting rules couldn't be adjusted to reflect TtGD spell customization if it adds to the fun.

In specific, the game is Chaos Earth, and the character wants to selectively allow us to notice them while under a spell that cloaks them in shadow.

No. You cannot selectively exclude targets in your AoE. you hit everyone, even if you don't want to, unless the text of the spell itself says otherwise. Mot that I can think of any off the top of my head that do, but it's possible there's one out there. either way, unless it says you can exclude targets from AoE, you cannot.

Nekira Sudacne wrote: ↑Fri Mar 29, 2024 2:25 pm No. You cannot selectively exclude targets in your AoE. you hit everyone, even if you don't want to, unless the text of the spell itself says otherwise. Mot that I can think of any off the top of my head that do, but it's possible there's one out there. either way, unless it says you can exclude targets from AoE, you cannot.

That is what I would think also...and the GM agreed.

As house rule of mine when GMing is that if the player has the gumption to state their char's intent, I might go with that intent. Thought with something that has a physical effect AoE like an exploding fireball or meteor I agree with NS. Though if it is something like chain-lightning the intent might come into play.

Intent should come more into play when using non-combat spells, like levitation. Where the player says an intent that is slightly off the spell description, but still under the 'concept idea' of the spell.

drewkitty ~..~ wrote: ↑Sun Mar 31, 2024 12:19 pm As house rule of mine when GMing is that if the player has the gumption to state their char's intent, I might go with that intent. Thought with something that has a physical effect AoE like an exploding fireball or meteor I agree with NS. Though if it is something like chain-lightning the intent might come into play.

Intent should come more into play when using non-combat spells, like levitation. Where the player says an intent that is slightly off the spell description, but still under the 'concept idea' of the spell.

That is a mighty fair house rule.

For Chaos Earth I could see a good space for a Chaos Magic spell which toggles Friendly Fire. Game mod-themed spells would be a fun niche to fill out for that setting, to be honest.

AlanGunhouse wrote: ↑Fri Mar 29, 2024 6:48 am I had a general question. One of the players in a game I am in suggested that they can selectively decide who is or is not effected by spells. I was curious if this is actually the case in Palladium games, as I have not encountered it being permitted.

In general, I agree with what most others have posted - an area effect spell affects everyone in its area. You can't decide who is affected (unless the spell states otherwise).

I have always made an exception for one spell - though it doesn't specifically state it: Wisps of confusion (PFRPG page 206, amongst others)
The spell says it affects 2D4 people. I rule that you can choose who those people are (as long as they are within range: 90ft of the caster). That, for me, is the reason this spell is such a high level and so expensive to cast.