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View Full Version : Halt Undead - spell mechanics help



kme
2011-01-12, 12:58 PM
Hi, I was wondering does anyone know the exact workings of a spell Halt Undead (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/haltundead.htm) and is there any official word on it. More specifically, does it allow saves in subsequent rounds to break the effect (like the Hold Person (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/holdPerson.htm))?

From srd:
This spell renders as many as three undead creatures immobile. A nonintelligent undead creature gets no saving throw; an intelligent undead creature does. If the spell is successful, it renders the undead creature immobile for the duration of the spell (similar to the effect of hold person on a living creature). The effect is broken if the halted creatures are attacked or take damage. If it weren't for the bolded part it would be pretty simple. Now the question is, what is meant by similar? Since the spell doesn't start with "this spell works exactly as the hold person, except" or gives any additional clarification (it is pretty important if it allows breaking away) I would assume that RAI is that no subsequent saves are allowed. The text in this case would just be to clarify the effect of immobilization, since undead are immune to paralysis and this is effectively paralysis.

I can also see the other side of the argument. Since the spells works relatively similar to hold person it would also allow the extra save as hold person does.

Starbuck_II
2011-01-12, 02:02 PM
Hi, I was wondering does anyone know the exact workings of a spell Halt Undead (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/haltundead.htm) and is there any official word on it. More specifically, does it allow saves in subsequent rounds to break the effect (like the Hold Person (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/holdPerson.htm))?

From srd: If it weren't for the bolded part it would be pretty simple. Now the question is, what is meant by similar? Since the spell doesn't start with "this spell works exactly as the hold person, except" or gives any additional clarification (it is pretty important if it allows breaking away) I would assume that RAI is that no subsequent saves are allowed. The text in this case would just be to clarify the effect of immobilization, since undead are immune to paralysis and this is effectively paralysis.

I can also see the other side of the argument. Since the spells works relatively similar to hold person it would also allow the extra save as hold person does.

No, one save at beginning not multiple but if attacked he is free.

kme
2011-01-12, 02:55 PM
OK thanks. That is how I thought it worked. If no one disagrees this thread can be closed.