Let's say I were to create a level 5 gnome sorcerer, and they happened to pick Greater Mage Hand as a spell. Since I get to set the weight of the character, let's say they're 35 pounds, and less than 50 with gear.
The text of Greater Mage hand reads:
Target: One object or creature weighing up to 10 pounds per caster level
…
An object can be telekinetically manipulated as if with one hand.
Does this mean that a lightweight gnome could fly? If not, why not? If so, how can/should this be limited mechanically rather than by GM fiat? This is… beyond overpowered, if it is allowable.
Best Answer
Just curious, but why do you think this is overpowered?
The spell Fly is available at 5th level, since it is a 3rd level spell. Directing the Mage Hand is "a move-equivalent action", and moving under the influence of Fly is a move action. Mage Hand seems to have a far greater maneuverability, but given the duration is a lot less, that doesn't seem that out of balance.
Edit: Due to the way concentration works, you can concentrate on a spell with duration: concentration for as long as you want. Thus, Mage Hand has infinite duration- theoretically. Practically, it costs a standard action to maintain concentration, and you cannot cast spells while concentration. In combat, a wizard not casting spells and with no standard action is not in any way overpowered. Out of combat, infinite duration fly is cool- but five minutes of flight and my standard action is usually better. There may be some exploit making Mage Hand preferable, but apart from being able to roleplay "I can fly!" all day I don't know what it is.