does Negate Magic target ALL magic on a target (like entering an Anti-Magic Cloud) or just 1 spell at a time?

[Plane]

I was reading the description on page 123 of Book of Magic and couldn't figure out the intent here. Or even really who rolls the savings throw - is it the original spellcaster? Do they roll per their savings throw at the time they cast the spell, or at the time Negate Magic is cast?

I also can't figure out if this simultaneously targets all magical effects on a target (they all roll separate saves against 1 spell) or if you need to re-cast NM for each spell on a person you want to expire.

Assuming that's the case - are spells negated in order they were cast? Can specific ones be chosen? If the latter - how do you choose them? Do you need to know the spell you're negating? Do you need to know OF it, at least?

In many case a person might seem to have abilities that several spells could impart (there's more than one way to get MDC or fire resistance, for example) so it might not be clear which spell is buffing them, would something vague like "try to negate the magic letting them walk through that fire!" and it doesn't matter whether Impervious to Fire or Impervious to Energy is granting it?

Furthermore - what about false positives? What if there is no magic spell giving fire resistance and instead it's a super-power or a natural racial ability, or the fire is an illusion, or it's just an MDC creature in an SDC fire?

Basicaly... do you know if Negate Magic succeeds? If it actually negates a spell (or fails to) does the spellcaster know whether the savings throw was made or not? Do they just need to speculate based on what does or doesn't happen?

[russellbeckwith]

Your question about Negate Magic is very interesting! From my understanding, Negate Magic typically targets one spell at a time. This means you'll need to use Negate Magic for each individual spell you want to nullify.color block jam level

Regarding the saving throw, it usually falls to the original spellcaster to roll. The timing of the roll would likely be when Negate Magic is cast, not when the original spell was cast.

As for choosing spells, you may need to know which spell is currently affecting the target, so identifying a specific spell can be challenging if multiple effects are at play. If you're unsure, directing it at a general effect like "negate the magic allowing them to walk through fire" could be a good approach.

Lastly, if Negate Magic fails, the caster typically won't know whether the saving throw was made or not, and they'll have to speculate based on the outcome.

[Library Ogre]

I think it is supposed to be one spell at a time; it doesn't list a target, however, and is Gygaxian in its vagueness.

[Marcethus]

I think it is supposed to be one spell at a time; it doesn't list a target, however, and is Gygaxian in its vagueness.

Amen to that. That's always been my issue with Negate Magic. It is the most vaguely written spell I have ever seen.

[Warshield73]

I think it is supposed to be one spell at a time; it doesn't list a target, however, and is Gygaxian in its vagueness.

Amen to that. That's always been my issue with Negate Magic. It is the most vaguely written spell I have ever seen.

I prefer simple to vague but otherwise I agree. None of my original RMB magic players ever assumed it was more than just one spell and I've only had a few newer players ask since.