On Sun, 16 Jul 2006 12:38:36 +1000, Mad Hamish
Post by Mad HamishPost by AnivairPost by Mad HamishPost by WerebatI don't think that's how the spell works...
"You can understand the spoken words of creatures or read otherwise
incomprehensible written messages. In either case, you must touch the
creature or the writing."
Woah. that just blew my mind. Has that always been there?
It's been there since 3.0, I'm not sure if it was in 1st or 2nd ed (I
don't recall it but back when I played them I'm not sure I'd have even
considered Comprehend Languages or Tongues)
AD&D PHB, 1st Ed:
When this spell is cast, the magic-user is able to read an otherwise
incomprehensible written message such as a treasure map (but not a
magical writing, other than to know it is "magic") or understand the
language of a speaking creature. In either case, the magic-user must
touch the object to be read or the creature to be understood, and the
spell does not enable the spell caster to write or speak the language.
The material components of this spell are a pinch of soot and a few
grains of salt. The reverse, Confuse Languages, prevents
comprehension or cancels a Comprehend Languages spell.
Post by Mad HamishPost by AnivairIs the implecation that you must be touching a creature to understand
them? Or that you must touch a creature while you cast teh spell and
for hte duration you can understand their language? That makes no
sense.
We've always ruled that it only works during contact. So, you cast it
and touch someone and then you can understand what they're saying.
Let go of them, touch someone else, understand that person. It also
makes no sense that someone can point at something and have it blow up
in a ball of fire. But, that's magic for you.