Dear fellow harpers,
I'm currently struggling with how to handle the numbers and triggers for elemental aura spells (CoM):
Elemental aura is classified as an attack type spell, so instead of rolling higher than 70 to successfully cast it, I'd only have to avoid a fumble and the elemental aura would be active, correct?
The aura is described as affecting an area with a 1 foot radius around the caster. Anyone entering the auras area of effect has to pass a resistance test (resist magic) or suffer an elemental critical. I guess, one should check the maneuver table with the total elemental aura skill roll when creating the aura and memorize the resistance roll that needs to be passed, right?
Let's say the character has 8 ranks in the elemental aura spell, good for a +40 skill points, additionally he possesses the talent lesser focused eloquence for an additional +10 with and gets +15 from is attributes for a total skill of 65. Let's say the caster rolls a 50 for a total roll of 115, requiring the intruder to reach at least 130 with his resistance check.
In a situation when the resistance check is failed, the intruder is going to suffer a "tiny elemental critical" (in the base form of the skill). How do I calculate the attack? With a 1d100 roll only, modified by the size of the attack, or based on the roll which created the aura (rather strong, considering it can hit several intruders for a duration of several rounds!).
What's the correct way to handle it?
Additionally: What events would trigger the aura? I'd guess several guards which are trying to grab the character and hold him, would all be affected by the aura.
What about attackers in a regular fight: On first thought, I'd say attackers hitting with a meele weapon won't be affected by the aura while attackers which attack with parts of their body (like zombies or animals) would be affected. Of course you could get into trouble considering how a short dagger or a kick with an armored foot would be handled ...
Unfortunately a benevolent barmaid hugging a character with an active aura from behind or a bunch of helpful healers, running for rescue might burst into flames, too ...
To cut the long story sort:
Memorizing the original result to calculate all resistance rolls during the duration of the spell?
Calculate the attack from the original result (modified by attack size) or with a simple roll?
Consider body contact (including from enemy attacks) as triggering events, but exclude contact with weapons? What about armor?
Thanks for your thoughts!