Hey all,

Just wanted to brainstorm some thoughts on what the scrying sensor does and what it means if the targets of the spell want to screw with the caster.

So, the text of the spell says "On a failed save, the spell creates an invisible sensor within 10 feet of the target. You can see and hear through the sensor as if you were there. The sensor moves with the target, remaining within 10 feet of it for the duration. A creature that can see invisible objects sees the sensor as a luminous orb about the size of your fist."

The big thing I have a question about is the " You can see and hear through the sensor as if you were there." part. It implies that things that affect a character that was there in person through sight and sound would be able to affect those viewing the situation through scrying. As long as they don't have truesight, we know the caster can be fooled by illusions around the sensor. It's also clear that the sensor can be confounded by being placed in the Darkness, Silence, or Hunger of Hadar spells, or even just holding up a sheet. So it stands to reason that they could be affected by other types of spells and effects that affect a character through their sight and hearing for the same reason: it's essentially their sight and hearing in the room, even if they are not. So, could a medusa stare at the sensor and cause the petrification glare effect? Could you blind the caster with a radiant weapon or even Color Spray, or by attacking the sensor with Blinding Smite (even if the sensor is immune to damage)? Could you stun them with Hypnotic Pattern? Would a staff of thunder and lightning be able to deafen the scryer with the thunderclap? Would the Fear spell cause the scryer to see the image of its worst fears?

Things like that. Not asking to shoot magic missiles in or out of it or anything like that, just things that would affect them through the senses that scrying essentially teleports into the room. And I know a lot of my suggestions have case-by-case differences. But what are your thoughts, folks?

The language if "as if you were there" isn't to imply you're there, it's common language choice so you understand you can see and hear from the space the scrying sensor occupies. 

It's so more people can understand how to visualise the effect in their mind.

I can see how visual effects could effect the caster, so if the DM wants to rule that way, if be fine with that.

But RAW "as if you were there" does not mean you are actually there and therefore are not in those ranges/areas of effect.

If its a blinding light or something similar, then sure.

I agree with Lyxen, DJC and Cyb3r. You cannot be targeted nor the sensor.

But spells that target a space like Darkness or Silence works just fine. And illusions like Silent Image or Major Image would also work as usual.

The only thing I might allow is an ability that reads "when you see" but does not have a range limit.  But as far as I can tell, all "when you see" include a range limit.

The closest thing I can find to an unlimited range effect is Belashyrra that stuns anyone that reads their mind or does psychic damage.   No range limit.  

But I am not sure of any long distance scry type spell that lets you read minds.