Simple Raw Thread for 3.5 #28

[Jowgen]

Q 198

I've heard once that extraplanar subtype creatures from coterminous planes (e.g. etheral, shadow) can not be sent back to their home planes via banishment as such, is this true, and if yes, where does it say so?

[OMG PONIES]

A194a citation: No. The only use of Sense Motive that explicitly requires a full minute is gathering information. Reactionary skill checks (like a Sense Motive check to oppose a Bluff) take no action, as seen in the Player's Handbook under "Time and Skill Checks":

Some skill checks are instant and represent reactions to an event, or are included as part of an action. These skill checks are not actions.

You'd have to specify what other purposes you're looking at to see what kind of action they take.

A194b citation: No. From the text of the maneuver:

If your opponent strikes you on his turn, you can replace your AC with the result of a Sense Motive check as an immediate action.

Please see the above citation for 194a; since Baffling Defense happens as a reaction to your opponent striking you, the rule about reactionary skill checks being non-actions would apply. Thus, initiating the maneuver and making the Sense Motive check are subsumed in the same immediate action.

A195a citation: No. The problem with incorporeal creatures is not miss chance. From the SRD:

An incorporeal creature has no physical body. It can be harmed only by other incorporeal creatures, magic weapons or creatures that strike as magic weapons, and spells, spell-like abilities, or supernatural abilities. It is immune to all nonmagical attack forms. Even when hit by spells or magic weapons, it has a 50% chance to ignore any damage from a corporeal source (except for positive energy, negative energy, force effects such as magic missile, or attacks made with ghost touch weapons).

Since any weapon with the seeking property is a magic weapon, it has a chance to harm incorporeal creatures. But, rather than a chance for the attack to miss, the incorporeal creature has a 50% chance to ignore the damage from the attack. Miss chance only applies to whether or not the attack hits:

miss chance: The possibility that a successful attack roll misses anyway because of the attacker’s uncertainty about the target’s location. See concealment.

A195b correction: Yes. The Ring of Blinking allows one to use the blink spell on command.

On command, this ring makes the wearer blink, as with the blink spell.

Blinking imposes a miss chance against those who would attack you, but also provides a miss chance on your own attacks:

Likewise, your own attacks have a 20% miss chance, since you sometimes go ethereal just as you are about to strike.

Since we have a miss chance, the only question is whether the Seeking property negates this particular miss chance. From the description of the weapon ability:

The weapon veers toward its target, negating any miss chances that would otherwise apply, such as from concealment.

While the example miss chance provided is from concealment, the ability explicitly says that it negates any miss chance, including the one imposed on the subject of a blink spell.

A195c correction: Yes. From the description of blink:

Physical attacks against you have a 50% miss chance, and the Blind-Fight feat doesn’t help opponents, since you’re ethereal and not merely invisible. If the attack is capable of striking ethereal creatures, the miss chance is only 20% (for concealment).

A195d clarification: Yes (as long as the target is not a plant, ooze, undead, or construct). From the description of Blood Seeking:

The shooter can even fire at a target with full cover, but she must know the target is there, there must be an unobstructed path for the ammunition to reach the target, and the target still has total concealment (and thus a 50% miss chance). The blood seeking ability doesn't function against plants, oozes, undead, and constructs.

A195e correction: Yes. From the description of the seeking ability:

The wielder still has to aim the weapon at the right square. Arrows mistakenly shot into an empty space, for example, do not veer and hit invisible enemies, even if they are nearby.

[AvatarVecna]

Q199

Is there any way to qualify for the "Eye of Gruumsh" prestige class without being an orc? If so, how?

[Thurbane]

Q 200

What's the lowest CR adjusted (LA is irrelevant in this case) template that will turn a Humanoid into an Incorporeal Undead?

Q 201

If I give a Wraith levels in Warmage:

A.) Are the Warmage level HD d6 or d12?
B.) Are they "associated levels" for the Wraith, to determine CR?

[superjubei]

Q202

Stone warden ability, deep warden PC. Substitute dex bonus to AC for con bonus. Is there a max constitution bonus depending on type of armor worn?

[HurinTheCursed]

A 201 a

As I understand it you would have to take 5 hit dice of wraith using d12s, and take your first warmage level after this, using d6s.
Since there is no level adjustment, you would be wraith 5 / warmage X (12+4d12+Xd6) when you would have enough xp to reach level X+5 if you had been human.
(http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monstersAs...elofaMonsterPC)

[Curmudgeon]

A 199 Yes.

Be a Half-Orc instead.

A 202 Ask your DM.

Stone Warden is written as a replacement of CON for DEX for all mentioned armor-related game mechanics. However, the Maximum Dexterity Bonus for armor simply isn't mentioned. It will be up to your individual DM to decide if silence on this point should be regarded as inclusive or exclusive.

[AvatarVecna]

Q203

Is there any way to take levels in the "Eye of Gruumsh" PrC without being an orc or a half-orc, and if so, how?

[Thurbane]

A199 additional / A203

A Changeling with the Racial Emulation feat should also be able to qualify for the PrC.

[Khatoblepas]

A199/203 Addendum

The Savage Species Ritual of Association can give you the orc subtype for 56kgp and 2240XP. This applies to any race whatsoever.

[Curmudgeon]

Re: A 199/203 Addendum

The Savage Species Ritual of Association can give you the orc subtype for 56kgp and 2240XP. This applies to any race whatsoever.

That's not particularly helpful, seeing as (1) race and subtype are two different D&D categories; and (2) the specific benefit of the Ritual of Association is quite limited:

This minor ritual gives the character a racial subtype or type modifier ... The character gains minor manifestations of the physical appearance of that subtype (DCs for Disguise checks increase by +5), but no abilities of that monster kind. The benefit of this ritual is that the character can use items as if it were a member of that subtype.

[Reshy]

Q204

A Great Wyrm with the Multiheaded template from Savage Species gains 2HD per additional head.

Hit Dice: Each additional head adds 2 HD to the base creature’s total.

However in the rules for advanced dragons it states that:

Age Category: A standard dragon (including all the
dragons in the Monster Manual and Monster Compendium:
Monsters of Faerûn) gains one “virtual age category” for
every 3 Hit Dice it gains beyond the great wyrm stage. A
61-HD red dragon, with 21 more Hit Dice than a standard
great wyrm, has gained seven virtual age categories,
meaning its effective age category is nineteen. Abilities
that function once per day per age category or otherwise
use the dragon’s age category as part of a calculation use
this adjusted number.

Furthermore, does this work on Class levels according to RAW; since it does not specify 'Racial' hit dice, just hit dice.

[Andezzar]

A 204

No and no. A dragon with a template or class levels is not a standard dragon.

Q 205

Where does it say that dragons can take class levels? The Advancement property does not list that option.

[Reshy]

A 204

No and no. A dragon with a template or class levels is not a standard dragon.

Q 205

Where does it say that dragons can take class levels? The Advancement property does not list that option.

A205
Several Sources:


Draconomicon pg. 86 has several dragon pristiege classes and says the following:

That said, a not insignificant number of dragons, when they reach an age of some maturity (often mature adult or later), move directly into prestige classes, or adopt prestige classes after a relatively short stint in one of the standard classes described in Chapter 3 of the Player ’s Handbook. While the standard classes offer little benefit to most dragons, a dragon prestige class can give a dragon access to power that other dragons can only imagine.

Dragon Magazine 320 pg. 49 says the following:

Fostered wyrmlings who can take humanoid form (or have Polymorph Any Object cast upon them) usually prioritize developing their humanoid identities instead of honing their draconic abilities. These fostered dragons spend most of their time in their chosen humanoid form and seek training in a class. Young dragons disdain most humanoid occupations and show little interest or aptitude in learning crafts, farming, or merchant trades. Instead, fostered dragons show a ken interest in martial training, thievery, and magic. Since they tend to be too independent and arrogant to be tolerate highly structured environments, tenders would be wise to apprentice them to a patient warrior, rogue, or mage instead of enrolling them into a training academy. Many foster dragons, impatient and curious about the roads not taken, bounce from class to class, picking up no more than a few levels in each. A few temper their capriciousness with a strong despite to achieve greatness and might pursue a single calling for decades. Even if a fostered dragon does manage this level of focus, it maintains an interest in other topics as it pursues its chosen class.

[NotScaryBats]

I have +20 BAB, Multiattack, Improved Unarmed Strike, claws, a bite, a gore, and a two-handed weapon. Assuming no Str bonus, what is my Full Attack routine?

Is it +20/+15/+10/+5 with the weapon, then +18 with each of the UAS, Bite, and Gore?

[Andezzar]

A 206

No. To combine an UAS with a weapon you have to use two-weapon fighting. Without the feat of the same name, the penalties will be horrendous so I assume the character has the feat (and not ITWF or GTWF).

Since the UAS is a light weapon the routine will be +18 (weapon), +18 (UAS), +18 (bite), +18 (gore), [2x +18 (claw) if the claws are not on the appendages wielding the weapon], +13 (weapon); +8 (weapon), +3 (weapon)

With ITWF and GTWF the character would have two additional attacks with the UAS at +13 and +8 inserted into the routine.

[Reshy]

I have +20 BAB, Multiattack, Improved Unarmed Strike, claws, a bite, a gore, and a two-handed weapon. Assuming no Str bonus, what is my Full Attack routine?

Is it +20/+15/+10/+5 with the weapon, then +18 with each of the UAS, Bite, and Gore?

A206

Your manufactured weapon would be your primary attack, while all naturals would become secondary attacks.


So.

Two-Handed +20/+15/+10/+5 2d* and +18 bite 1d* and +18 gore 1d*.

You have an item in your hands so you cannot make your unarmed strike or claw attacks.

[Andezzar]

You have an item in your hands so you cannot make your unarmed strike or claw attacks.

That is wrong. Unarmed strikes can be performed by any part of the body (even for non-monks)

A Medium character deals 1d3 points of nonlethal damage with an unarmed strike, which may be a punch, kick, head butt, or other type of attack.

So being a light weapon the UAs can be used as an off-hand weapon.

Claws can be used if they are not on the appendages that wield the weapon. Since Q 206 did not specify a creature the claws could be on the legs.

[Reshy]

That is wrong. Unarmed strikes can be performed by any part of the body (even for non-monks)
So being a light weapon the UAs can be used as an off-hand weapon.

Claws can be used if they are not on the appendages that wield the weapon. Since Q 206 did not specify a creature the claws could be on the legs.

I thought you needed two hands to use a two-handed weapon. Using two-weapon fighting designates one hand to be the primary and one to be the 'off' hand. So in order to make use of the two-weapon system the weapon used would have to be able to be wielded as a one-handed weapon.


Also from my experience with the system, claws that are on the hind legs are Rakes and are manifested in the Rake EX ability; any attack that is designated as 'claws' are overridden by carrying a weapon (This is written in a couple of places I can't recall off the top of my head). I suppose you could strike with the weapon then drop it as a free action during the full-attack but.... eh.

[Andezzar]

I thought you needed two hands to use a two-handed weapon.

Absolutely true.

Using two-weapon fighting designates one hand to be the primary and one to be the 'off' hand. So in order to make use of the two-weapon system the weapon used would have to be able to be wielded as a one-handed weapon.

Not necessarily. You need to wield two weapons and the off-hand weapon must be one-handed or light. Greatsword and armorspikes and is another example of "unusual" combinations.

Also from my experience with the system, claws that are on the hind legs are Rakes and are manifested in the Rake EX ability;

No, the Rake extraordinary ability is independent from natural weapons. For example the (giant) eagle has two claws (called talons) on its feet. Claws and talons are the same type of natural weapon and neither specify location

Claw or Talon

The creature rips with a sharp appendage, dealing piercing and slashing damage.

For example the any attack that is designated as 'claws' are overridden by carrying a weapon (This is written in a couple of places I can't recall off the top of my head).

In all those places that rule refers to claws on the hands wielding a weapon.

[ben-zayb]

Re: A206 The Claw + 2H Weapon issue is a mooted point if you consider this Rules of the Game article

Adjacent Squares and Reach Weapons: There are some tricks you can use to threaten those adjacent squares when you're using a reach weapon. If you're a monk, your unarmed attacks continue to threaten the squares adjacent to you. Even if you're not a monk, you can use a smaller weapon to threaten the adjacent squares. You'll have to hold the reach weapon in one hand and wield the smaller weapon in the other hand. Since most reach weapons are two-handed weapons, you're only holding onto the reach weapon, not wielding it, and you don't threaten an area with it. Although the rules don't mention it, letting go of a two-handed weapon with one hand or putting a free hand back on the weapon is a free action for you. Drawing the smaller weapon requires an action, but if you have the Quick Draw feat, it's a free action. Note that you can take a free action only during your turn.

Emphasis mine.

[Andezzar]

Unfortunately the rules of the game articles contradict the RAW in several places. This is one of them, and even says that is does. While removing one hand from a two-handed weapon can be considered as dropping an item (the hand) and thus as a free action, there is no rule that grabbing the weapon with the previously removed hand also is a free action.

[Jon_Dahl]

Q 207

A psion 7/psychic warrior 3/pyrokineticist 2 uses Fire Lash imbued with Greater Psionic Weapon against a drow warrior (the drow warrior 1 from the Monster Manual). He succeeds hitting the AC.

Does he need to make a Manifester Level Check against the drow's Spell resistance? How does it work with the Fire Lash and the feat (Greater Psionic Weapon)?
What is the Manifester Level in this case? 1d20+2 vs. the SR?

[Harlot]

Q 208
I want to make a lich based on a lvl. 14 wizard (necromancer)
The template states that the CR is 'same as base creature +2.'

But what is the CR of one lvl. 14 wizard? (no presige classes, if that makes a difference, and he is aasimar.)

[AvatarVecna]

Q209

Can a Pyrokineticist's Fire Lash be enchanted as a normal weapon can (via purchased magical weapon enhancement and abilities)?

[Andezzar]

A 208

Most likely 14. See also Advanced Monster Challenge Rating.

A 209

Most likely not and it won't be a good idea:

A pyrokineticist gains the ability to fashion a 15-foot-long whip of fire from unstable ectoplasm as a move-equivalent action. She takes no damage from a fire lash she creates, and if she releases her hold, it immediately dissipates. The lash deals 1d8 points of fire damage to a target within 15 feet on a successful ranged touch attack. A pyro can take Weapon Focus and Weapon Specialization (if she otherwise meets the prerequisites) in conjunction with the fire lash, as well as any feats that apply to the use of a standard whip. The whip remains in existence as long as the pyrokineticist holds it.

It is unclear whether such a weapon can be enchanted while it is held. Even if it works as soon as it is released a lot of money goes down the drain.

[Niwrad]

Q 210: How does one add the spells from prestige paladin/bard/ranger to the spells of the pre-existing class? Does the first level of the prc add all the spells from the class to the list of the first class? Or does it require more levels than that?

E.g, if a 7th level cleric took one level of prestige ranger, does he become capable of casting all ranger spells 1th through 4th? Or is it just 1st level ranger spells? Or must he take additional levels before he gets ranger spells?

[Curmudgeon]

A 210

Unique Spells

The bard, paladin, and ranger spell lists contain a number of spells that don't appear on other classes' spell lists. In general, any character who enters one of these prestige classes should gain access to spells unique to that class's spell list, at the same levels indicated for the standard class.

Your 7th level Cleric/1st level Prestige Ranger would gain access to Ranger spells at the same levels indicated for the standard Ranger class. A standard Ranger 1 has no spellcasting ability, so you would not yet have access to any unique Ranger spells.

Spells: Beginning at 4th level, a ranger gains the ability to cast a small number of divine spells, which are drawn from the ranger spell list.

[superjubei]

Q211

If a beastmaster (PC) took the natural bond feat, would all those Druid levels stack for the purposes of animal companion stats. Ex 5druid/2beastmaster w/ natural bond has an animal companion like a 13druid?

[Jowgen]

Q 212

Is there any way for an extraplanar creature to basically become native, as in, a way to no longer have the extraplanar subtype while on a plane that is not one's plane of birth?

I know there is a feat that makes Baator your homeplane, but I'm looking for something more flexible/mundane.

Q 213

What are the most practical methods (not using Psionics) of reducing the degree of illumination in a limited area?