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Thread : Magic Resistance vs a Summoned Elemental
Started at 07-17-05 04:37 AM by dndgameupdate1
Visit at http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=465705
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[Post 1]
Author : dndgameupdate1
Date : 07-17-05 04:37 AM
Thread Title : Magic Resistance vs a Summoned Elemental

Even us 20 year DM'sometimes can't find the simple answer so here's the dumb question: 

Specifically, does the Roper's 80% magic resistance apply to a summoned lava elementals attacks?

 Or once the lava monster is summoned, is it not subjected to magic resistance rolls, or is it? 

My on the fly ruling was it was subject to MR but I told the player I'd look it up and get back to him after the game. I didn't find the specific answer but I know you old 2E folks can help. 

Please specify page and book so I can see it for myself, it helps me remember, I know the player loves to cast "lava monster", which I think is a homebrew spell but it is ok by me, it's just a lava elemental that attacks foes then goes away after the spell is over.

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[Post 2]
Author : ozbirthrightfan
Date : 07-18-05 01:15 AM

Specifically, does the Roper's 80% magic resistance apply to a summoned lava elementals attacks?

My answer is "NO".  Read the sections in Chapter 9 of the 2nd edition DMG under the heading "Magic Resistance":

It can be effective against both individually targeted spells and, within limits, area-effect spells.

and later,

Magic resistance applies only if the successful casting of a spell would directly affect the resistant creature or item

In the case of a summoned creature, the MAGIC itself brings the summoned creature(s) - in your case a lava elemental - from another place (and/or plane) and in most cases binds it to do caster's bidding for the duration of the spell.  The creature so summoned is not magical for the purposes of determining magic resistance as it is NOT an "individually targeted spell" or an area-effect spell on the roper you talk about.  

Also the casting of the summon elemental spell does not "directly affect" the roper.  Yes, it does affect the roper, but the spell (ie. the magical energy chanelled by the caster) does not do so directly.  If you summon a "natural creature"  eg. a bear or lion and set it to attack an enemy, how is the magic directly affecting the target?  It is the bear's (or lion's) claws which do the damage and they are not magical.

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[Post 3]
Author : dndgameupdate1
Date : 07-18-05 03:18 AM

I'm inclined to agree, anyone else?

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[Post 4]
Author : weasel fierce
Date : 07-18-05 01:07 PM

Agree. only spells or distinctly spelllike effects are covered, IMO

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