Charming the Charmed

[Neothera]

I recently came across a little conundrum during our last gaming session. The 4th level wizard in the party was considering casting Charm Person on a slave girl who's master is an evil 8th level illusionist. Unknown to the wizard she is already under the influence of the illusionists Charm Person spell. Luckily we decided to call it quits for the night before the wizard came to a decision.

If she doesn't make her save against the wizard's spell will she be under the influence of both spells? Will the new charm spell cancel the old one or will the more powerful casters spell overshadow the weaker casters spell?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated as I'm having trouble deciding what to do. The course of the adventure could be greatly affected by whether the spell works or not.

Thanks in advance!
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[serleran]

Charm person is not an automaton-creating spell, but one which causes the affected to perceive the caster as an ally or friend. A person can be allies or friends with more than one individual at any given time. However, if given direct contradictory information, or if attacked, for example, a new save should immediately be granted with either a major bonus (depending on the severity of the cause) or allowed to break the spell.

Given the limited duration (1 hour / level) it is not likely to be completely "game-breaking."
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Serl's Corner

[Go0gleplex]

I'd say, given Serl's response, that she'd be well disposed to the PC with the new charm as long as the PC doesn't ask her to do something that may harm or be detrimental to her "master." Likewise, if her master asked her to do something that would harm or be detrimental to her new "friend" she'd be at a quandry as well.

I'd say that she wouldn't raise the alarm merely for their presence, though if they were making preparations or plans to attack the master with her there, she would feel obliged to warn her master and possibly break the new charm spell. Best bet would be for them to send her about her business while they "tour the grounds" and have her gone before they start mowing down further opposition. There being no harm in them looking around she may actually leave them be, not feeling any reason to alarm the rest of the demesnes about her new friend.

Or just have her act like a computer getting conflicting data...locking up and giving the blue screen of doooooooom.
Sounds like an interesting pickle the PCs are creating for you. Enjoy it...creative players keep the game interesting.
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[Neothera]

Thanks for the quick responses, your suggestions have really helped.

I believe that the wizard is planning to use her to somehow "set a trap" for the illusionist as the party is currently sneaking around inside his stronghold. He may be in for a surprise when she is resistant to helping him with this ruse.

This is going to be interesting with her loyalties torn between the two spell casters. Although, I do kind of like the blue screen of doom scenario
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