Telepathy a two-way street?

[Ovinomancer]

Does telepathy allow two-way communications? Sure, if both (or all) creatures involved have it, I understand. But if only one participant has the ability, does it allow the other participants a telepathic response?

The ability as described under the coatl does allow a response from a non-telepath, but the other descriptions do not state that a response is allowed. Only that communication is possible. My definition of communication is passing a concept or idea from one entity to another in an understandable way. It does not require passage back.

Please weigh in.
Thanks

 

[Caeleddin]

To me, telepathy is the ability to pick up thoughts and project them. That means the telepath can "listen" to what you are "saying" and can "tell" you something. You, however, cannot "listen" to what he is saying UNLESS he is projecting it to you.


I hope I am clear enough? If not, gimme a kick in the shins.

 

[Jack Simth]

Telepathy (Su): A creature with this ability can communicate telepathically with any other creature within a certain range (specified in the creature’s entry, usually 100 feet) that has a language. It is possible to address multiple creatures at once telepathically, although maintaining a telepathic conversation with more than one creature at a time is just as difficult as simultaneously speaking and listening to multiple people at the same time. Some creatures have a limited form of telepathy, while others have a more powerful form of the ability.

(emphasis added)


While it doesn't specifically say it's two way, it does refer to it as a conversation at one point, and likens it to speaking and listening, so it's likely two-way in most, if not all, instances.

 

[Ovinomancer]

(emphasis added)


While it doesn't specifically say it's two way, it does refer to it as a conversation at one point, and likens it to speaking and listening, so it's likely two-way in most, if not all, instances.

yes, but when refering to a normal conversation, all parties involved must posess the ability to speak (or sign). My ability to speak does not grant another the ability to speak.

 

[Jack Simth]

yes, but when refering to a normal conversation, all parties involved must posess the ability to speak (or sign). My ability to speak does not grant another the ability to speak.

Quite true (I did use "likely" no?), but then, we aren't dealing with normal abilities - we are dealing with a supernatural one. Simply being able to tell people stuff isn't nearly so useful as being able to both tell and hear at the same time, and, like Caeleddin said, two-way fits the flavor. Turn it around; is there anywhere in the rules where it specifically states that unless otherwise specified, telepathy is one-way? Lacking such a clear statement, one way or the other, pretty much leaves it up to the individual DM's interpertation.

 

[werk]

Good Question

I was ready to chime in and say 'one way only' but after reading the description of telepathy that you posted I'm more inclined to think that they intend it to work 2-way.

Ghostwise halflings from the forgotten realms have a form of telepathy, and they can receive messages back, so it looks like that's the way they intend telepathy to work across the board.

 

[Ferret]

The description would seem to lean towards two way communication, I can't think of a good argument to the contrary. So, whilst it may stray into house rules I would let the person make a roll, with bonuses depending on whether they can see the telephathist, how long it was since the person was last commnicated etc. Of course I would handwave them for Monsters and NPCs etc.