Bead of Force question

[shilsen]

The description of the bead of force says that it "functions like an Otiluke's resilient sphere spell". The spell needs to be centered around a particular creature. Since the bead of force simply explodes upon a sharp impact and does damage to every creature within 10 ft, how does one choose which creature (assuming more than one are in range) is affected by the Otiluke's resilient sphere aspect? Randomly? If so, and one wants a specific creature in a group to be affected, how does one ensure that? Make sure to hit it with the bead (ranged touch?) or just hit as close to it as possible?

Thanks, in advance.

 

[Chris Nagle]

The description of the bead of force says that it "functions like an Otiluke's resilient sphere spell". The spell needs to be centered around a particular creature. Since the bead of force simply explodes upon a sharp impact and does damage to every creature within 10 ft, how does one choose which creature (assuming more than one are in range) is affected by the Otiluke's resilient sphere aspect? Randomly? If so, and one wants a specific creature in a group to be affected, how does one ensure that? Make sure to hit it with the bead (ranged touch?) or just hit as close to it as possible?

Thanks, in advance.

From the SRD

Bead of Force
Upon sharp impact this bead explodes, sending forth a burst of force that deals 5d6 points of damage to all creatures within a 10-foot radius. Each victim is allowed a Reflex saving throw (DC 16). Those who fail are then encapsulated in a sphere of force with a radius of 10 feet. Those trapped inside cannot escape except by those methods that can bypass or destroy a wall of force. The sphere persists for 3d6 minutes and then disappears. The explosion completely consumes the bead, making this a one-use item.
Caster Level: 11th; Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, wall of force; Market Price: 2,000 gp; Weight: -.

From this desctirption they all take 5d6 no save then all save DC 16 or be trapped in a Wall of Force.

 

[JimAde]

My SRD says this:

Bead of Force: This small black sphere appears to be a lusterless pearl. You can throw it up to 60 feet with no range penalties. Upon sharp impact, the bead explodes, sending forth a burst that deals 5d6 points of force damage to all creatures within a 10-foot radius.

It functions like a resilient sphere spell (Reflex DC 16 negates) with a radius of 10 feet and a duration of 10 minutes. A globe of shimmering force encloses a creature, provided the latter is small enough to fit within the diameter of the sphere. The sphere contains its subject for the spell’s duration. The sphere is not subject to damage of any sort except from a rod of cancellation, a rod of negation, disintegrate, or a targeted dispel magic spell. These effects destroy the sphere without harm to the subject. Nothing can pass through the sphere, inside or out, though the subject can breathe normally. The subject may struggle, but the globe cannot be physically moved either by people outside it or by the struggles of those within.

This description specifically says "a creature" and several times mentions the subject as a single individual.

Is my copy of the SRD out of date (or is yours)?

 

[Laman Stahros]

Is my copy of the SRD out of date (or is yours)?

Your's is current. I just checked the SRD online.

 

[shilsen]

Chris Nagle is using the 3.0e SRD. I'm talking about the 3.5 version.

 

[Thanee]

I'd say, it deals damage to all creatures within 10 feet while enclosing only the one that got hit (or at least the square it is in). If no creature is in the square, where the bead explodes, then no creature gets enclosed.

Bye
Thanee

 

[JimAde]

I'd say, it deals damage to all creatures within 10 feet while enclosing only the one that got hit (or at least the square it is in). If no creature is in the square, where the bead explodes, then no creature gets enclosed.

Bye
Thanee

I agree. In the case that, for example, two creatures are grappling in the target square, just determine randomly.

 

[Kae'Yoss]

Hm... these beads come handy when you fight big large gluttons: as soon as they swallow you whole, you bang the bead against your head. 5d6 is better than several rounds of muscle action and acit and maybe you give the thing a bad case of indigestion...