Would you let a PC use Call Lightning underwater?

[say652]

the damage stays the same BUT it becomes an AREA affect spell, area-A equaling damage-D so with this handy formula a 22 md call lightning has a 22 foot globe of effect. so distance becomes key or you fry yourself also.

[TheGameMaster]

the damage stays the same BUT it becomes an AREA affect spell, area-A equaling damage-D so with this handy formula a 22 md call lightning has a 22 foot globe of effect. so distance becomes key or you fry yourself also.

I'd have to agree with this. As long as the PC has the capabilities to be able to say the incantation under water I see no reason why a lightning bolt couldn't hit in the water if it was guided by magic. Water is conductive, so it would make sense to have it do damage to an area. Once you are outside the AOE the charge is too weak to affect you, the most you'd fee would be a static shock liken wool socks on the carpet

[The Oh So Amazing Nate]

i'd spend the extra ppe to cast impervious to electricity 1st. Just in case you're in the AOE (I do agree that the lightning diffuses and causes an AOE. I'd also agree that the AOE needs to be defined and the damaged lessened the father away you were). One thing to keep in mind is that it's going inflict damage to everything friend foe or food in the AOE.

http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/sho ... p?t=199030
check out the 4th post for some interesting info.

[The Oh So Amazing Nate]

Generally the Spell caster is immune to their own spell. That is a general rule.

Not to derail the thread, but can you give me a reference on this? I asked the forum about spell immunity when I made a Palladium Fantasy Water Warlock for the fun of it. Everyone agreed that immunity was a house rule. If you cast poison fog (or whatever) and you're in the AOE that you're just as screwed as everyone else.

[drewkitty ~..~]

If you cast poison fog (or whatever) and you're in the AOE that you're just as screwed as everyone else.

This is correct.
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Side note: more people in the USA die from near miss lighting strikes then do by being struck by lighting.

[The Oh So Amazing Nate]

If you cast poison fog (or whatever) and you're in the AOE that you're just as screwed as everyone else.

This is correct.

So then by the same rule, if you cast call lightning while underwater and said bolt strikes the body of water you are in, if you're in the AOE.. BZZZZZAAP!

[say652]

unrelated but actuaully happened. a georgia right of way crew 12 tree men were killed when a 345kv line fell and all the guys in the swamp even people over 200 feet away were killed. in this case i now quite a bit about electricity and water.

[Akashic Soldier]

The rules for using lightning magic underwater is in Rifts World Book 31: Lemuria. Instead of striking down from the sky, the victim is engulfed in a 15 foot (i think?) bubble of electricity.