Can they rush in after the first two words, before you say “not”? Can they enter if they stuff their ears before they hear the final word?
Can they rush in after the first two words, before you say “not”? Can they enter if they stuff their ears before they hear the final word?
No. It is magic so they would not be able to enter partway through an answer as doing so would make it clear that the vampire knew it was really a no.
I admire your confidence
What’s the longest duration between may and not that would be valid in keeping them out?
At least 20 seconds if you yell “psych” afterwards.
We need to get Borat to test this
I imagine it’s the intent, so it doesn’t matter how long.
How long until you start questioning if it will work and invite doubt? Or will you assume defeat if the vampire fills the gap with, “why, thank you my good sir”?
My understanding of the idea with many interpretations of magic is they are all just ways of focusing your will on the world.
Ergo, the words aren’t themselves the source of power, your expectation that the words will result in a certain outcome is.
Therefore, if your intention is to deny entry is strong, there could be a fairly good gap.
But on the other hand, playing around to try and see could create doubt and uncertainty, weakening the effect.
If the vampire knows it is intended to be a no then it doesn’t matter. The person could never finish it as long as the vampire knows the real answer is no despite the words being stated not matching up.