More deep thoughts by Lawgiver...

[Lord Eldred]

When something becomes antibiotic resistant, scientist develop new antibiotics to kill it. So just because there is the name magic resistant, doesn't mean all magic. Just like antibiotic resistant doesn't mean all antibiotics!

[Sellenus]

Fair enough Lord Eldred...

But as far as 3rd ed:

Spell resistance (No Magic Resistance in 3rd ed) prevents a spell or spell-like ability from AFFECTING OR HARMING the resistant creature... (dmg 83)

We've gone by affecting as the key word, since it is written seperate from harming in the rule.

However,

A creature can voluntarily lower its spell resistance. Doing so is a standard ation that does not provoke an attack of opportunity. Once a creature lowers its resistance, it remains down until the creature's next turn... (dmg 82)

We've ruled that you can lower your resistance to receive a beneficial spell, but you leave yourself open to harmful spells until your next turn as well.

[Lawgiver]

Orginally posted by Lord Eldred
When something becomes antibiotic resistant, scientist develop new antibiotics to kill it. So just because there is the name magic resistant, doesn't mean all magic. Just like antibiotic resistant doesn't mean all antibiotics!

Thus 40% resistence means 60% of the time the spells still get ya!

[Arlen Blaede]

got it right on the nose. No magic can freely pass through unless the possessor of the spell resistance drops his/her/its guard. Then they are open until they have another action with which to raise their defenses.

[Lord Eldred]

I like that interpretation because it allows for the good spells to still have affect if it is wanted! I also like how during that time you are vulnerable to harmful spells.

Cool.