Area of Effect

Area of effect refers to the creatures, volume, dimensions, weight, etc. that can be affected by a spell. Spells with an area or volume that can be shaped by the caster will, unless the spell description specifically states otherwise, have a minimum dimension of 10 feet in any direction. Thus a cloud that has a 10-foot cube per caster level might, when cast by a 12th-level caster, have dimensions 10' x 10' x 120', 20' x 20' x 30', or any similar combination that totals twelve 10-foot cubes. Combinations such as 5' x 10' x 240' are not possible unless specifically stated.

Some spells (such as bless) affect the friends or enemies of the caster. In all cases, this refers to the perception of the caster at the time the spell is cast.