Jay R
2023-11-28, 08:24 PM
I asked this question on the RAW thread, but that allows no discussion, and I’m specifically asking for opinions. I need to make a DM judgment call, and would like some advice on the possibilities.
When myconids use their spores on the party (and the party fails their saving throws), can the members of the party communicate telepathically with each other, or only with the myconids?
The relevant passage is "Myconids do not speak, but these spores enable them to establish telepathic communication with each other and with outsiders. A successful Fortitude saving throw (DC varies; see individual descriptions) negates the effect, but it is harmless. Rapport lasts for 30 to 60 minutes with outsiders, but for 8 hours with other myconids." [Monster Manual II, pp. 154-155]
I can parse the English either way. According to the sentence structure, the myconids have rapport with outsiders, and the myconids have rapport with other myconids. But the meaning of "rapport" is a mutual understanding, which would imply that it's a single group ability, not separate ones.
Is there any FAQ, or example in a published module, that makes it clear?
And regardless of what we think RAW is, how would you rule it during a game?
The specific situation is this. The party will be escorted through the Myconid caverns as long as they agree to be blindfolded. But they have two dogs with them, one of whom is awakened, and so has human intelligence. They can't see, but they can learn a great deal about the realm because of the dogs, who sense far more with scent than with sight -- if they are in direct rapport with their dogs.
And I do not know yet whether the additional information will matter.
How would you rule it?
Thanks for any discussion you offer, even if you widen the discussion beyond this specific question. I learn more from far-ranging discussions.
When myconids use their spores on the party (and the party fails their saving throws), can the members of the party communicate telepathically with each other, or only with the myconids?
The relevant passage is "Myconids do not speak, but these spores enable them to establish telepathic communication with each other and with outsiders. A successful Fortitude saving throw (DC varies; see individual descriptions) negates the effect, but it is harmless. Rapport lasts for 30 to 60 minutes with outsiders, but for 8 hours with other myconids." [Monster Manual II, pp. 154-155]
I can parse the English either way. According to the sentence structure, the myconids have rapport with outsiders, and the myconids have rapport with other myconids. But the meaning of "rapport" is a mutual understanding, which would imply that it's a single group ability, not separate ones.
Is there any FAQ, or example in a published module, that makes it clear?
And regardless of what we think RAW is, how would you rule it during a game?
The specific situation is this. The party will be escorted through the Myconid caverns as long as they agree to be blindfolded. But they have two dogs with them, one of whom is awakened, and so has human intelligence. They can't see, but they can learn a great deal about the realm because of the dogs, who sense far more with scent than with sight -- if they are in direct rapport with their dogs.
And I do not know yet whether the additional information will matter.
How would you rule it?
Thanks for any discussion you offer, even if you widen the discussion beyond this specific question. I learn more from far-ranging discussions.