Functionality of ESP

[mindcontrolsquid]

Perhaps this has already been addressed elsewhere, but I was wondering: what are the limitations of the ESP spell as presented in M&M? I know that later editions greatly clarified its functions, but as presented in M&M it "allows the user to detect the thoughts (if any) of whatever lurks behind doors or in the darkness" (pg. 25). This leads me to several points of confusion:

-Does the spell only function for targets "behind doors or in the darkness," or can it be used elsewhere? If not, it is a spell with a rather specific function (albeit quite useful for anyone on any sort of dungeon expedition).

-How much of the targets' thoughts are detected, and what exactly does "detect" mean in this context? Does it (as I had previously assumed) merely detect the presence of thoughts nearby or does it provide more insight into the content of those thoughts? For example, could an ESP spell be used to glean sensitive information from a captured enemy soldier or something to that effect?

-Does the spell provide the precise locations of the creatures it detects even without visual contact? I'm assuming that it would, unless it merely gives the magic-user a vague sort of "Spider-Sense" indication of thinking minds in an unspecified vicinity around them, thus limiting its usefulness.

-Can ESP be used to potentially glean information from the minds of fellow party members? (This, incidentally, would make me even more paranoid than usual about being in the company of magic-users...)

-If the spell does, in fact, provide more coherent "eavesdropping" on thoughts, can the magic-user understand these thoughts regardless of language? Moreover, would the magic-user be overwhelmed by thoughts originating from multiple creatures simultaneously, or would he/she be able to "focus" on particular thoughts? For that matter, would the thoughts of extremely intelligent or alien creatures present any hazards to the magic-user making contact with them (similar to later-edition versions of the spell)?

[Porphyre]

"Detect the thoughts" is not "read the thoughts" nor "hear the thoughts".

Subsequent éditions did in fact make ESP some kind of Prof. Xavier-style telepathy, but, in the context of OD&D desription, I would interprete this only as some variation of the different "detect X" spells. You can "detect" that there is a "thinking" creature behind a door or around the corner. I would maybe allow some "general feeling" to be perceived (anxiety, curiosity, boredom, hunger, anger)but not precise thoughs.

If you want to "read the thoughts", the helm of télépathy is what you are looking for. (In a broader perspective, the magic of spells and the magic of magic items in OD&D is often complementary: objects often have different powers than the spells (except spell scrolls, of course). Wish or web weren't originally MU spells, just powers from rings, magic swords or staves. This became less th case when the ever expanding spell lists made them more redundant.)

"Detect evil" allows to detect hostile intentions and "evil" things, ESP allows to detect living "thinking" creatures in a broader sense.
Both spells can be complementary : "Detect Evil" won't detect a neutral party of dwarves or a purple worm incoming (purple worms are not hostile; just very, very hungry, and the only "thought" you will be detecting would be something like "nom, nom, nom" ) , ESP won't detect a room full of zombies or skeletons (that I consider as mindless drones)

[mindcontrolsquid]

This is pretty much what I had thought; it's just that the spell description is a bit vague as to the specifics of its function. I hadn't considered the helm of telepathy; yet another reason that the item is so powerful!

[Deleted]

Oct 18, 2015 22:09:14 GMT -6 mindcontrolsquid said:

-Does the spell only function for targets "behind doors or in the darkness," or can it be used elsewhere? If not, it is a spell with a rather specific function (albeit quite useful for anyone on any sort of dungeon expedition).

Oh, brother.

[howandwhy99]

I like ESP. It's basically "Detect Monster" and you can kind of get a Listen Check for free. I use direction cones for general location, but not distance. Actually there is quite a bit to the spell. OD&D relies on the Referee to determine specific design and balance for spells in each campaign. So ESP can be different for you.