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The spell "Sheltering Force" found in the book, "Book of Magic" page 114

The spell says it keeps rain out.

There is no mention of any conditions upon Which the tent need to be cast on dry land or any particular surface.

The spell creates a dome shaped tent, that in my imagination can be turned upside down to float on a lake or ocean.

I want to know if it is out of bound for a play or I as the GM to use the spell in such a way as an improvised emergency lifeboat?

Lasts 1 hour per level.

"Keeps rain out" isn't the same as "keeps the sea at bay." I'd say no.

Assuming it could work, you don't necessarily need to turn it over as suggested, some tents come with "floors". Though flipping it over likely is the best option for floating, nothing indicates you can or cannot do it.

The real question though is if it would float (regardless of orientation, assuming you could reorientate it). As suggested above the FF might not be solid barrier, it might have gaps at some scale that could cause water to "leak" in, possibly even seams (entry ways) that could leak (it might be a slow leak, but you'd still be taking on water). The FF might have to have those "gaps" in order to let in breathable air (assuming the magic doesn't "recycle" the air for use).

Looking at the Ocean Magic listing, it doesn't have an FF-life raft spell or even Sheltering Force as part of its inventory from the Wizard's List (which Shelter Force is from). Which IMHO means Sheltering Force cannot be used this way.

I love it when spells or psionics are used in creative ways.

IF I don't ask the answer is NO.

There isn't anything wrong with using abilities (gear) in creative ways per say, but it is worth considering how you see the ability in question working as that could give even a partial answer. A FF might not be the best way to create a lifeboat/raft depending on how you see it working, which could vary by GM.

There's a Space Magic spell which I'd would qualify, even if it doesn't say it floats.

Do you remember where to find it or what it is called?

Space Magic is in DB13: Fleets of the Three Galaxies (back of the book).

There are a few options like "Magic Escape Bubble" (limited to space) or "Magic Reentry Bubble" (it can land) on pgs116-7.

There are likely a few other improvised options available, like "Float on Air" or "Fly" (enchants wooden object), "Float on Water" (Elemental), "Air Bubble (IIRC, Elemental), "Energy Field", but in these cases duration is likely more of an issue as opposed to will it float.

I picture Sheltering Force as something that doesn’t move.
No flipping, no floating off.

I might allow it to be cast on water, going with the assumption of floors, or even underwater with the interpretation it’d made a bubble of sorts.

Thanks Killer-cyborg,

You have some imagination there casting the spell underwater.
I had not thought of that.

I did think of casting the spell on an existing wooden skiff and on a life-raft but your idea is better.