Cloud of Smoke VS Blinding Flash

[darthauthor]

Does the spell "Cloud of Smoke" protect those inside of it from the spell "Blinding Flash"?

[drewkitty ~..~]

If the char is inside the 10 foot radius effect area, no. It is not a point source, its everywhere in the effect area. But it is effectively and illusion because it can be save vs magic to avoid being blinded.
Used the PFPRG 2nd ed Core book as my reference of the spell's text.

If the spell created real light, there would be no save vs magic, and would have a similar save profile as a Flash-Bang.

[Nekira Sudacne]

^

What Drewkitty said. The mechanism of action for the spell should be read to inform interactions.

For further evidence, the Combat Mage spell Flare Burst fires physical light at the target. it may be dodged but has no save vs. magic and will always blind the target it hits unless said target has some form of protection against blindingly bright lights like a polarized helmet.