Neutralizing acid

[Pielorinho]

Acid Arrow
Conjuration (Creation) [Acid]
Level: Sor/Wiz 2
Components: V, S, M, F
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Long (400 ft. + 40 ft./level)
Effect: One arrow of acid
Duration: 1 round + 1 round per three levels
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No
A magical arrow of acid springs from your hand and speeds to its target. You must succeed on a ranged touch attack to hit your target. The arrow deals 2d4 points of acid damage with no splash damage. For every three caster levels (to a maximum of 18th), the acid, unless somehow neutralized, lasts for another round, dealing another 2d4 points of damage in that round.
Material Component: Powdered rhubarb leaf and an adder’s stomach.
Focus: A dart.

What does the bolded text mean? Is there anything in the core rules that can neutralize this acid?

I made an ad-hoc ruling that a creature fully submerged in water took half damage from melf's acid arrow, as the water diluted it. I'm not completely happy with the ruling; at the same time, it does seem to me that being submerged in water might help to dilute the acid, if not outright neutralize it. Is there anything in the core rules that would apply?

Daniel

 

[HeavyG]

Maybe they mean soap, but I think they mean dispel magic.

 

[buzzard]

What does the bolded text mean? Is there anything in the core rules that can neutralize this acid?

I made an ad-hoc ruling that a creature fully submerged in water took half damage from melf's acid arrow, as the water diluted it. I'm not completely happy with the ruling; at the same time, it does seem to me that being submerged in water might help to dilute the acid, if not outright neutralize it. Is there anything in the core rules that would apply?

Daniel

A base will nuetralize the acid. If you happen to have some lime (the mineral, not the fruit) to put on it, this will do the trick. However I cannot imagine people traipsing around carrying ground lime in case of acid attack. Lime is the only base I can picture being common in olden times.

As for dilution, you are correct, but I would also make the damage end after only one round since it would quickly diffuse into the surrounding water. Water will not, however nuetralize acid.

buzzard

 

[Christian]

R-O-L-A-I-D-S

 

[Tellerve]

Yep, water won't neutralize acid, although it would dilute it. Only with a base can you neutralize acid. You could also use ammonia, but again, not things an adventurer would carry.

Tellerve