Simple Q&A D&D 3.5 (by RAW) XXIII

[Roland St. Jude]

(This is a fairly high procedure thread; please read the entire instructions carefully before posting. Thanks.)

Ever have a simple, straight-forward rules question that you can’t figure out the answer to? Ask it here. No question is too simple. No more worrying about whether your question is “worth” starting a thread. Ask here and receive an answer. You are, of course, welcome to start a thread for your question, and if you think your question is subject to many interpretations or will start a debate, you are encouraged to start a new thread for it.

This thread will serve as a catch-all for simple, discreet questions that can be answered quickly according to the RAW (Rules As Written). This thread is for all simple RAW questions about D&D 3.5. If your question is not about the RAW for 3.5, please look in the appropriate threads in the appropriate forums.


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Here are some sample questions. “Bad” questions just mean they should be asked in their own thread where you can get many answers and opinions. “Good” questions just mean that these are the types of questions that are amenable to a quick straightforward answer (probably).

Sample “Bad” Questions:
How do I play D&D? (Great question, but not for this thread.)
What is a good 10 level TWF build? (Far too broad and requires much opinion)
What +2 LA race should I take for my sorcerer build? (Again, an opinion question)
Which is better GURPS or D&D?

Sample “Good” Questions:
Q.1. Are there any Large +0 LA races?
Q.2. As a sorcerer/rogue, do I get to add sneak attack damage to my attack spells?
Q.3. What effect would Dispel Magic have on a golem or similar construct?
Q.4. Is there a feat that allows me to get a familiar?

Please start over with the numbering. When this one reached 50 pages, please report it so that we can start a new one. Thanks.

[Flame of Anor]

Q 1

Does the "disintegrate does not affect trees" trick actually work? Someone I know said that non-plant-creature plants count as inanimate objects, hence nonliving material.

[TuggyNE]

A1: Yes. Anything not statted up as a creature lacks Wis and Cha scores; therefore, according to the Nonabilities section in Special Abilities, it is an object, not a creature. (Cows, oddly, seem to fit this category by strict RAW.) The Plant type has this to say:
Note that regular plants, such as one finds growing in gardens and fields, lack Wisdom and Charisma scores (see Nonabilities) and are not creatures, but objects, even though they are alive.

[PetterTomBos]

Q2

I remember a picture of a skull with some green gas or whatever around it. I believe it is a monster. Does anyone know which book?

[TuggyNE]

Q2

I remember a picture of a skull with some green gas or whatever around it. I believe it is a monster. Does anyone know which book?

This isn't necessarily simple, but it sounds a little like the Unbodied (http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/xph_gallery/80511.jpg). If that's not it, try opening a new thread for it.

[killem2]

Q 3: When the party and enemies in a given area are under the same conditions for viewing, do you roll that given spot distance (like under murky water it is 1d8x10) for each person or is it rolled once and that is the distance EVERYONE can see?

[Vaz]

A2 - Alternative

Tome of Magic for Acererak, found in the section detailing Vestiges.

[dysprosium]

Q2

I remember a picture of a skull with some green gas or whatever around it. I believe it is a monster. Does anyone know which book?

A2 Alternative:

Flameskull was a monster from Faerun (either Monsters of Faerun or Lost Empires of Faerun)

[SciChronic]

Q4
When using knowledge devotion, is it the same roll as used for identifying a creature? (benefiting from things such as collector of stories) or are they separate rolls?

[mattie_p]

A4: It is the same check.

Knowledge skills provide the ability to make a skill check in order to identify a creature.

Knowledge Devotion confirms that it is the same check, and provides an added benefit when you do so:


Whenever you fight a creature, you can make a Knowledge check based on its type, as described on page 78 of the Player’s Handbook, provided that you have at least one rank in the appropriate Knowledge skill.

You then receive an insight bonus on attack rolls and damage rolls against that creature type for the remainder of the combat.

Now, going back to the knowledge skill:


Try Again
No. The check represents what you know, and thinking about a topic a second time doesn’t let you know something that you never learned in the first place.

So you can't try again, you get one check against a creature that gives both benefits.

[Thurbane]

Q 005

This may not strictly be a RAW question – is Marshal considered an associated class for any monster, to determine CR?

[mythmonster2]

Q6: When using Wild Shape, Polymorph, or anything else that changes you into another creature, do you retain your own feats?

[Curmudgeon]

A 3

There are two sorts of rolls involved here. The first is the maximum encounter distance, dictated by the terrain type; that's always in a section named like "Stealth and Detection <in terrain type>". As you noted, that's 1d8 x 10' in murky water, a roll made by the DM. That sets the limiting distance for which visibility is possible. When they are within that distance, all characters (both PCs and NPCs) get individual Spot checks to determine if they can see any of the other party. An encounter will begin when at least one character has succeeded on such a Spot check, with those who haven't succeeded being surprised.

[Lord_Kuragari]

Q7: how much does a +1 to con increase your hp by?

Q8: is there any real conversion rate from cp>sp>gp?

[SciChronic]

Q7: how much does a +1 to con increase your hp by?

Q8: is there any real conversion rate from cp>sp>gp?

A7
if you mean by constitution modifier, a +1 modifier means you gain 1 additional max hp per character level thus a +2 modifier adds 2 hp to you max HP per character level (does not stack, going from +1 to +2 does not mean you gain +3 per character level). If by ability score, it depends. going from 10 to 11 does nothing whereas going from 11 to 12 changes your modifier from a 0 to +1, causing the changes stated.

A8
currency conversion uses a base 10 model. 10cp = 1 sp, 10sp = 1gp, 10gp = 1pp

[KillianHawkeye]

Q7: how much does a +1 to con increase your hp by?

A 7

A +1 bonus to Constitution will not increase your HP at all unless your Constitution score was an odd number.

To be clear, bonus HP is based on your Con modifier, not your Con score. Mathematically, your Con modifier is equal to (Con score - 10)/2 rounded down.

If at any time your Con modifier increases, then you will get an additional Hit Point per level (or Hit Die) for each point by which your Con modifier increases.






Q8: is there any real conversion rate from cp>sp>gp?

A 8

Yes. The conversion rates are as follows:

1 pp = 10 gp
1 gp = 10 sp
1 sp = 10 cp

[Jon_Dahl]

Q9

If you place a portable hole within a bag of holding, does it create a one-way gate or two-way gate?

[killem2]

A 3

There are two sorts of rolls involved here. The first is the maximum encounter distance, dictated by the terrain type; that's always in a section named like "Stealth and Detection <in terrain type>". As you noted, that's 1d8 x 10' in murky water, a roll made by the DM. That sets the limiting distance for which visibility is possible. When they are within that distance, all characters (both PCs and NPCs) get individual Spot checks to determine if they can see any of the other party. An encounter will begin when at least one character has succeeded on such a Spot check, with those who haven't succeeded being surprised.

Addition to Q 3, Thanks! Now, when we determine the max distance to be seen, is it just who ever has the highest spot check among all rolls to see how notices who first? I don't know how many will actively trying to hide or move silently.

[Keld Denar]

A3 Supplimental

Its binary. You are surprised, or not surprised. Anyone from party A who spotted anyone from party B is not surprised, and vice versa. Anyone from party A who failed to spot anyone from party B is surprised and vice versa. If EVERYONE would be surprised, that means that nobody made the check, and that the encounter distance needs to be reduced to whatever distance would allow even one person to successfully make the check (+1 per 10 feet reduced), at which point that person and anyone else with a similar check sees the opposed party and gets to act in the surprise round, and everyone else is stuck picking arrows out of their chest cavities.

So the MAXIMUM encounter distance is listed by the DMG encounter tables, but the MINIMUM distance is determined by the opposed spot check. Sometimes the max and min are the same number, but when they aren't, always use the minimum distance.

[Verditude]

Q10
Can a bloodstorm blade gain the benefits of Point Blank Shot or Rapid Shot while using his Thunderous Throw ability? For instance, can a bloodstorm blade with Rapid Shot and base attack bonus 11 make four Thunderous Throw attacks in one round by using Lightning Ricochet, or just three?

[Verditude]

A6

Yes, and you don't gain the feats of the form assumed.
Edit: An exception is Baleful Polymorph, in which case you lose your feats.

[SciChronic]

A9
I would say 1 way, as doing so sucks everything within 10ft of the bag of holding gets sucked through the gate, destroys the bag and portable hole, closing the gate in the process. And this would be a near instant process.

[Duke of Urrel]

Q 11

Can you dispel a magic trap with an area dispel, or must you use a targeted dispel? And does it make a difference whether the magic trap is a spell trap or a magic item trap?

Here's what confuses me.

The description of the Dispel Magic spell on page 223 of the Player's Handbook has this to say about the "Area Dispel":


"For each object within the area that is the target of one or more spells, you make dispel checks as with creatures. Magic items are not affected by the area dispel.


For each ongoing area or effect spell whose point of origin is within the area of the dispel magic spell, you can make a dispel check to dispel the spell.

For each ongoing spell whose area overlaps with that of the dispel magic spell, you can make a dispel check to end the effect, but only within the overlapping area."

So far, so good. But in a sidebar to the description of the Disable Device skill on page 73, there appears this text:


"Magic Traps: Dispel magic helps here. Someone who succeeds on a caster level check against the level of the trap's creator suppresses the trap for 1d4 rounds. This works only with a targeted dispel magic, not the area version."

I can resolve my confusion if I apply the sidebar text on page 73 only to magic item traps, but not to spell traps. But maybe that's cheating. Must I interpret this sidebar text so as to include spell traps, such as the Glyph of Warding spell, as well as magic item traps? And if I must interpret it this way, then must this sidebar text take precedence over the quoted passage from the description of the Dispel Magic spell on page 223 (as a case of the principle that "specific trumps general")?

[Keld Denar]

A 11

AFAICT, most magical traps are actually a specific type of Wondrous Item. That's where the "suppressed for 1d4 rounds" part comes from, as that is what happens to permanent magic items when subject to a targeted dispel. Single fire magical "traps", like a Glyph of Warding are usually spells, however, not magic items, and could probably be disabled like a spell. Both can be detected like traps, but they are not the same.

A good rule of thumb would be if it's a resetting magical trap or a single trigger magic trap. The former can be suppressed with a targeted dispel, the later can be dispelled with any type of dispel magic, assuming the dispeller succeeds at the CL check.

[Sith_Happens]

Q 12

You may designate whether the effect applies to all creatures, creatures who share your faith or alignment, or creatures who adhere to another faith or alignment.
Does the bolded mean

1. All alignments other than that of the caster

or

2. The alignment(s) of the caster's choice?

[Raendyn]

A 12

You target everyone of a specific alignment (don't believe you can pick many different) OR you target everyone of a specific faith(again probably not many different faiths).

A 10

BSB treats attacks thrown weapons as melee attacks.
Rapid shot lets you do 1 more ranged attack.
SRD:
Ranged weapons are thrown weapons or projectile weapons that are not effective in melee.

YES, 11BaB BSB do 4 attacks in a full attack when using thrown weapons if he has Rapid Shot.

[Man on Fire]

Q 13
Swordsage/Rogue in stance Island of Blades and Rogue are fighting Orcs. In which of those situations they would be granted Sneak Attack and against which Orc?

S- Swordsage
R - Rogue
Numbers - Orc

SR
12

S
R1

RS
1

SR
1

S1
R2

S1
2R

S
1R2

1234
5RS6
7890

[SciChronic]

A13

If both you and an ally are adjacent to the same creature the two of you gain the benefit of flanking that opponent. you can gain this benefit against multiple opponents at the same time, as can your allies. If both you and an ally are adjacent to the same two creatures, the two of you gain the benefit of flanking against both creatures
In D&D rules adjacent includes squares that are caddy corner to the square. So:

In all of your examples except the last, R would be able to sneak attack all the orcs are adjacent to S and R at the same time.

However the last example has Orcs that are adjacent to R but not S and Orcs that are adjacent to S but not R


1234
5RS6
7890
R Adjacency:
1,2,3,5,7,8,9

S Adjacency:
2,3,4,6,8,9,0

Orcs within both sets:
2,3,8,9

so R could sneak attack orcs 2,3,8 and 9

[Balor01]

Q14

What limitations apply when using Shatter (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/shatter.htm) spell on a common sword?

I know there may be a question of:
- Will save by the person holding the sword
- Potentially half damage, given the fact item is not of crystalline form
- Potentially question of overcoming hardness (http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Sunder)

Please, elaborate this for me.

thanks

[Chronos]

A 14:

Shatter has three different uses: Sunder a whole bunch of crystalline objects (no damage rolled, Will negates), or sunder a single object of any composition (no damage rolled, Will negates), or do damage to a single crystalline creature (roll damage, Fort half). When using it against a sword, you're using the second option. No damage is rolled, so there's no question of halving the damage or reducing damage due to hardness: The sword is simply either shattered (if it fails its save), or is not (if it makes it). The save is only allowed if the sword is attended (and is equal to the attending creature's saving throw); if the sword were just sitting in a weapon rack, it would be guaranteed to be broken. If there were a bunch of crystal goblets and a crystal golem sitting next to the sword, they would be unaffected, since you weren't using those options of the spell.

[yougi]

Q15

If a Duskblade channels a spell through a Falchion, rolls a natural 18 and confirms his critical, is the spell damage also doubled? And with an axe or a scythe, would the spell's damage be tripled or quadrupled?

[Mongrel]

Q16: Concerning rebuking undead, if the cleric controlling undead (after a successful rebuke attempt) dies, do all the undead he was controlling immediately become "feral?" So if, for instance, in the middle of a fight Kabal the Black Cleric is killed, will all of his undead minions turn on his followers? If yes, are there any specific rules for how/when this happens, or is it instantaneous?

[Curmudgeon]

A 15 No.

From page 85 of Complete Arcane:
CRITICAL HITS
Unless the spell description says otherwise, a weaponlike spell threatens a critical hit on a roll of 20 and deals double damage with a critical hit. The Duskblade's Arcane Channeling only guarantees that the spell will hit if their weapon hits. This class ability does not override the critical hit properties of the spell to match the critical hit properties of the weapon. When using Arcane Channeling with a weaponlike spell you will usually have different critical hit properties for the weapon and the spell. An attack roll which is in the threat range of the weapon but not the threat range of the spell cannot score a critical hit for the spell.

[Chronos]

Q 17:
Can normal (i.e., non-creature) vegetation live on a plane with the strong positive dominant trait, or is it subject to "death by awesome" like creatures are?

Q 18:
Complete Arcane mentions that, due to their not requiring higher spell slots, the Sudden Metamagic feats can be used with spell-like abilities. Is this also true of other methods of getting metamagic without higher spell slots?

[Curmudgeon]

A 17 Yes.

A strongly Positive-Dominant environment affects creatures. Plants, being (living) D&D objects, are unaffected.

[Clistenes]

Q 19:

Do you know of any spell that allows a wizard or cleric to grant skill ranks (temporally or not) to another character?

[Douglas]

A13 correction

The second-to-last example also contains an orc that is not flanked. Orc #2 in that one is only adjacent to R.

Also, both S and R would get +2 on their attack rolls against any applicable orc, and S would also get sneak attack against those orcs if he had it (from rogue multiclass, for example).

[babus]

Q 20:

Is the Barbarian's Rage ability a morale bonus or an untyped bonus?

[Keld Denar]

A 20

Rage is an untyped bonus because it does not specify a type.

[TheMogget]

Q 21

Can a Swordsage use Death Mark (http://dndtools.eu/spells/tome-of-battle-the-book-of-nine-swords--88/death-mark--3570/) on himself and explode without taking the damage, since it says that you're immune to the fire damage?

[Curmudgeon]

A 21 No.
When you use the strike, you channel overwhelming fiery energy into the body of your foe. In addition to dealing normal melee damage with your attack, you cause fire to erupt from your enemy’s body in a spread.
enemy

A creature unfriendly to you. You cannot be your own enemy in the D&D game, and thus you cannot use Death Mark on yourself.

[cd4]

Q22 What penalties and bonuses apply for fighting on stairs?

Q23 Where are the stats for a rabbit familiar?

[Curmudgeon]

A 22

Stairs are difficult terrain. This doubles movement cost, and precludes charging, running, and 5' steps. Unless the stairs are particularly wide, the "on higher ground" +1 melee attack bonus will apply.

[Andezzar]

Q 24

Are there any elementals that advance per class level?

Q 25

Can monsters, particularly elementals, that have INT >2 but usually advance by RHD take class levels?

[Urpriest]

Q 24

Are there any elementals that advance per class level?

Q 25

Can monsters, particularly elementals, that have INT >2 but usually advance by RHD take class levels?

A 24

Yes. A Human 10th level Elemental Savant is an example.

A 25

Yes, provided they meet the prerequisites of the class in question.

[Andezzar]

Q 26 Follow up to Q 25

So a pretty young dragon or any other monster with INT >2 could take lots of class levels before advancing HD or Age Category? Once the Age Category or HD are advanced the creature still has all the class level, right?

Q 27

Are there any rules or guidelines, when monsters advance by HD or class levels? I mean besides those monsters that don't advance by HD (elves for example)

[Urpriest]

Q 26 Follow up to Q 25

So a pretty young dragon or any other monster with INT >2 could take lots of class levels before advancing HD or Age Category? Once the Age Category or HD are advanced the creature still has all the class level, right?

Q 27

Are there any rules or guidelines, when monsters advance by HD or class levels? I mean besides those monsters that don't advance by HD (elves for example)

A 26 and 27

Monsters begin with a certain number of RHD, advanced or otherwise, there is typically no mechanism to allow them to advance over the course of the game. Dragons are the exception. While technically a Dragon that advances an age category is a new creature and thus might have completely different class levels, the rules in the Draconomicon allow a Dragon to take RHD analogously to class levels.

Rules or guidelines for when monsters advance by RHD or class levels would defeat the purpose. Some monsters can advance by RHD, some cannot, as specified in their advancement entry. Some monsters cannot take class levels, as they have Int < 2. Otherwise, an individual monster may have RHD advancement and/or class levels depending on what it takes to realize the concept.

[Andezzar]

Q 28

If you only gain a natural attack through a spell or psionic power, can you take feats that improve such a natural attack (e.g. Improved Natural Attack)?

[Curmudgeon]

A 28 Maybe.
Prerequisites

Some feats have prerequisites. Your character must have the indicated ability score, class feature, feat, skill, base attack bonus, or other quality designated in order to select or use that feat. ...

A character can’t use a feat if he or she has lost a prerequisite. If you gain a feat through level advancement, your character must have the temporary natural weapon at the time the DM awards you XP sufficient to gain the next level. Level advancement is immediate (see Player's Handbook on page 58), so there is no preparation time to allow for temporary feat qualification. If your character has a long-lasting temporary natural weapon you may qualify when you go up a level; otherwise you will not.

[Kred]

Q29
Does elven character automatic proficient in Elven Thinblade Sword (races of the wild)?

[Andezzar]

A 29

No, an elf is only proficient with the weapons mentioned in their race description (e.g. longsword, rapier, longbow, and shortbow for High Elves or hand crossbow, the rapier, and the short sword for Drow). So unless you find a subrace that grants proficiency with the thinblade, the weapon is handled exactly as any other exotic weapon.

With the Improved Weapon familiarity Feat you can treat all racial weapons as martial weapons instead of exotic ones. This does not make you proficient with them unless you are proficient with all martial weapons.

[Ninja PieKing]

Q30: Is there a way for undead to achieve immunity to positive energy?

[Lateral]

Q 31 a:

Does a Warforged in its composite armor that does not have proficiency in light armor suffer nonproficiency penalties?

Q 31 b:

Does a Warforged with the Adamantine Body feat that does not have proficiency in heavy armor suffer nonproficiency penalties?

[TuggyNE]

A30 partial: There is a spell in I believe Libris Mortis, called I think life ward, that acts like the reverse of death ward. Presumably this includes the immunity to positive energy in general.

[Curmudgeon]

A 31 Yes and yes.

Warforged plating is not natural armor, and as such it has the usual characteristics of other manufactured armor. These include ASF (Arcane Spell Failure) and nonproficiency penalties.
Warforged characters with this feat do not gain the benefit of any class feature prohibited to a character wearing heavy armor.

[heavyfuel]

Q 32

Since Protection from Evil creates a 1 foot barrier, can an evil creature attack me with a dagger or similarly small weapon?

It makes sense that they can attack me with a sword that has a longer blade, but a dagger's blade would be barely touching me if the enemy's hand is standing a foot away from me.

[Curmudgeon]

A 32 Yes.

The Evil creature can attack you without interference by this spell.

Firstly, in the simplified combat model of D&D, all parameters of a melee attacker are adjudicated in the attacker's space. (For ranged attacks, all effects are adjudicated in the defender's space.) Thus no parts of the attacker or their possessions are effectively outside their space, and it's the attacker's "natural reach" property which lets them attack nearby squares. The actual size of the attacker's arms or the weapons they hold are irrelevant.

Secondly, you get only the results stated in any spell's description. Protection from Evil does not stipulate any hindrance to manufactured weapon attacks.
Third, the spell prevents bodily contact by summoned creatures. This causes the natural weapon attacks of such creatures to fail and the creatures to recoil if such attacks require touching the warded creature.

[Crinias]

Q 33
The text for the Whirlwind Attack feat states that it allows you to make "one melee attack at your full base attack bonus against each opponent within reach". Does this mean one makes a single melee attack vs the individual AC of all creatures within reach or one melee attack per creature?

[Flame of Anor]

A 33

One per creature. The word "each" means that the items in a set are to be taken individually. If it had meant the other thing, it would have said "against all opponents within reach". And even that would have been a bit ambiguous.

[Khedrac]

A 32 Yes. Continued

Fourthly, the spell does not prevent bodily contact from evil creatures, just summoned creatures (and all non-good ones at that). Thus a non-summoned evil creature is free to attack you with its natural weapons.

[Andezzar]

Q 34


Fourthly, the spell does not prevent bodily contact from evil creatures, just summoned creatures (and all non-good ones at that). Thus a non-summoned evil creature is free to attack you with its natural weapons.

Does that mean that you hinder summoned creatures but not called ones?

[Flame of Anor]

A 34

Yes.

[Gnome Alone]

Q35
I'm playing a duskblade with a salt mephit familiar. I know that otherwise a familiar shares its master's skill ranks unless his own ranks are already better, but I just hit level 14, and the PHB Familiar table says that my familiar's Intelligence is now 12; so, since his INT modifier is a finally positive now, a bonus +1, do I thus get 14 new skill points for him?

[Andezzar]

A 35

You completely misunderstood how the skills of familiars work. A familiar never levels up so it never gets any skill points beyond that what the base creature (in your case the salt mephit) already has put into skill ranks as per its description. It can however use its or its master's skill ranks and always uses its own ability bonuses.

[Gnome Alone]

A 35

You completely misunderstood how the skills of familiars work. A familiar never levels up so it never gets any skill points beyond that what the base creature (in your case the salt mephit) already has put into skill ranks as per its description. It can however use its or its master's skill ranks and always uses its own ability bonuses.

Okay, I get it, but I wouldn't call that "completely" misunderstanding; I basically said exactly that. And I know they don't level up, I was just wondering if increasing its Intelligence score would increases its own skill points as a base creature. But you're saying that its nature as a familiar overrides that, which makes sense. So I guess the only thing having a INT bonus does for him now is makes him 1 point better at any skill governed by INT. Thanks.

[Zombimode]

Q 36

Under what circumstances can an invisible creature be flanked?


Q 37

Is the invisibility provided by the Ninja's Ghost Step ability broken if the Ninja attacks?


Edit: and another one regarding invisibility:

Q 38

It takes a Listen DC 20 to pinpoint an invisible creature that fights (DC 0 for "detecting" it +20 to pinpoint).

Let creature A be an invisible creature, like an Invisible Stalker, and creature B Joe the Human Fighter.
A full attacks B and then takes a 5-foot step. Is A still considered "fighting" for B's Listen check?

If so the "take a 5-foot step to conceal my position AFTER my attack"-tactic doesn't seem to work.

[Andezzar]

A 36

If two creatures threaten him from opposing sides. Anyone that can perceive the invisible creature can get into a threatening position.

A 37

No.

[Raendyn]

Q 38

A full attacks B and then takes a 5-foot step. Is A still considered "fighting" for B's Listen check?

If so the "take a 5-foot step to conceal my position AFTER my attack"-tactic doesn't seem to work.

A 38

Yes, It is still considered fighting.

No, your logic is flawed as the tactic works wonders.
Because when A attacked everyone pin pointed it, but after the 5' step, they need to do so again, and its not easy.

But in general this "tactic" only works once per 2 rounds to begin with.

[Andezzar]

Q 39
But in general this "tactic" only works once per 2 rounds to begin with.Why is that? an invisible creature does not necessarily need actions to remain invisible. Improved Invisibility would be one such option the aforementioned Ghost step would work as well, as you get a swift action every round. So it could go Full Attack, 5 ft step every round.

Q 40

Can you put the shadowstrike special ability (or any other x/day special ability) more than once on a weapon/armor?

[Khedrac]

A 37 dissent
The problem with this is that it is not defined.
Most of the boards users will say something like "it does not say that it is ended by an attack therefore it is not".
However a few (like me) say "the PHB spell invisibility is the default rules for invisibility. Virtually all the things that grant greater invisibility (such as Pixies) state that it is not ended if they attack. In the absence of such text the default rules apply - the spell - and it is broken if they attack."
Although I hold that by RAW their invisibility is ended, it is such a weak class that that ruling otherwise makes a lot of sense.

This one has to go to DM's call (as the RAW are unclear) but both rulings are fine.

[AxeD]

Q41

If you are an Incantatrix and you are capable of applying metamagic to "persistent spell effect that is already in place", does this include the Haste effect from boots of speed (or from a spell)? Also, would you be able to apply the Persistent metamagic to this effect?

[Raendyn]

Q 39Why is that? an invisible creature does not necessarily need actions to remain invisible. Improved Invisibility would be one such option the aforementioned Ghost step would work as well, as you get a swift action every round. So it could go Full Attack, 5 ft step every round.
A 39
After you Full-attack and 5' step back, next round you cant touch them unless u have reach(in which case we wouldn't be talking about this), so next round you have to 5' step towards them to full attack, so in round 3 you full-attack and 5' step back.

Q 40

Can you put the shadowstrike special ability (or any other x/day special ability) more than once on a weapon/armor?
A 40
Even if you could, it would have no effect. Same source applies the same ability so it doesn't stack and later applications override the former. Even if you put 10 times the same x/day ability you can only have it x/day.

On the bright side, in case this come from a spell and not from a weapon enchant your enemy cant supress this with dispel, unless he suceeds on all applications.:elan:


A 37 dissent
The problem with this is that it is not defined.
Most of the boards users will say something like "it does not say that it is ended by an attack therefore it is not".
However a few (like me) say "the PHB spell invisibility is the default rules for invisibility. Virtually all the things that grant greater invisibility (such as Pixies) state that it is not ended if they attack. In the absence of such text the default rules apply - the spell - and it is broken if they attack."
Although I hold that by RAW their invisibility is ended, it is such a weak class that that ruling otherwise makes a lot of sense.

This one has to go to DM's call (as the RAW are unclear) but both rulings are fine.

Invisibility, is a spell with a text explaining its use and rules.
Invisible, is a condition that has little conection to the spell's mechanisms.
The fact that if you are invisible because of the spell invisibility you stop being affected by the spell, and therfore loose the condition, when you take an offensive action. This doesn't mjean that unless stated otherwise every time u are invisible you stop being when you take offensive actions.

This ability just states that you gain the condition, as it is described in page 309 of PH. And its only for 1 round, not to mention the meh suddenstrike that demands it...

A 37 dissent
The problem with this is that it is not defined.
Most of the boards users will say something like "it does not say that it is ended by an attack therefore it is not".
However a few (like me) say "the PHB spell invisibility is the default rules for invisibility. Virtually all the things that grant greater invisibility (such as Pixies) state that it is not ended if they attack. In the absence of such text the default rules apply - the spell - and it is broken if they attack."
Although I hold that by RAW their invisibility is ended, it is such a weak class that that ruling otherwise makes a lot of sense.

This one has to go to DM's call (as the RAW are unclear) but both rulings are fine.

I can understand your tent to minimize, or if you prefer, don't let it get out of control. Because this type of thinking "If doesn't forbids me to do Blah blah, so I can do it" is what creates laughable monstrocities. But don't swipe everything as if it the same cheesy type of optimization. Its a freakin Ninja, Rogues laugh at him and his in ability to use his extra dice attack. We all knwo that Sneak attack > Sudden strike. If it was working as you suggest then no ninja would EVER do more than 1 Sudden strike per round, if not per 2 rounds provided concealment...

As a last hint, on your "Virtually eny greater invis-like effect states it is not broken". NO, in fact very few such effects state it, and they do it just cause they usually say "as if affected by the invisibility/geater ivisibility spell", and that a reason to clarify, because you use the spell as an example.
Every other thing that gives you the condition and does not include the spells in their description don't bother, and shouldn't, clarify.


Q41

If you are an Incantatrix and you are capable of applying metamagic to "persistent spell effect that is already in place", does this include the Haste effect from boots of speed (or from a spell)? Also, would you be able to apply the Persistent metamagic to this effect?
A 41
Assuming that you are talking about the "Metamagic Effect" that the class provides, since your quote is from that class ability.

YES. You could persist the haste from the HASTE SPELL, not the effect of the boots.
The check is 18+3x(3+6)=45, it needs some effort TBH.

[KillianHawkeye]

Re: 37

Raendyn is right. The Ninja's ghost step ability does not reference the invisibility spell and is not based on it in any way. Therefore, it does not end when the Ninja attacks and its duration is, as stated, one (entire) round.

[Andezzar]

A 39
After you Full-attack and 5' step back, next round you cant touch them unless u have reach(in which case we wouldn't be talking about this), so next round you have to 5' step towards them to full attack, so in round 3 you full-attack and 5' step back.You can also go 5 ft sideways and still threaten the target.
It would look like this, the empty space is the initial position of the attacker, the numbers are the squares where the attacker will be after the full Attack and 5 ft step, T is the target:

1 2
7 T 3
6 5 4
Of course the attacker could also double back at any point. A larger target would just take longer to go around.

[Raendyn]

You can also go 5 ft sideways and still threaten the target.
It would look like this, the empty space is the initial position of the attacker, the numbers are the squares where the attacker will be after the full Attack and 5 ft step, T is the target:

1 2
7 T 3
6 5 4
Of course the attacker could also double back at any point. A larger target would just take longer to go around.

I had in mind smaller corridor and that your opponent has 2-3 attacks do he can check 2 or 3 squares towards your direction. But lets stop this dialogue in this thread. If you wanna discuss it start a new thread about invisibility tactics, or if you want to chat about it with me, send a pm.:smallwink:

[123456789blaaa]

Q 42

What is the longest improvised weapon? The longest so far that I can find is a silk/hemp rope for 50 ft.

[Mongrel]

Reposting:


Q16: Concerning rebuking undead, if the cleric controlling undead (after a successful rebuke attempt) dies, do all the undead he was controlling immediately become "feral?" So if, for instance, in the middle of a fight Kabal the Black Cleric is killed, will all of his undead minions turn on his followers? If yes, are there any specific rules for how/when this happens, or is it instantaneous?

Also, a new question:

Q43: I'm trying to find a specific prestige class, but can't remember its name or what book it's from. The class centered around a "primal shout" ability that granted some buffs and also gave you a bite attack for a while. Anyone have any idea what this class is?

[Raendyn]

Reposting: Q16

Also, a new question:

Q43: I'm trying to find a specific prestige class, but can't remember its name or what book it's from. The class centered around a "primal shout" ability that granted some buffs and also gave you a bite attack for a while. Anyone have any idea what this class is?

A 16
They follow the last order the cleric gave them, and try to accoplish it at the best of their ability. after that they just dont do anything. anything at all, they stand still, and only defend themselves.

TBH, many different things can be done about it, since it is too poorly dealt with in the books. DM could say otherwise, but as it is atm they do as mentioned above.

A 43
I don't think that this is a simple question. You should make a new thread for it. Here you will find the answer after several replies who will only hurt this thread. And that, only if you find it..

A 42
Quite same as A 43.

A broken wizard abusing and missreading every rule in his favor ending up with 100-200 STR and Colossal++ size, and excluding the otherwise legal "craft your own spells", and dragon magazines. This wizard can uproot any huge tree longer than 50ft not to mention that he might have his followers craft him a custom pole appropriate for his C++(+) size.

There can be more answers like this. :smalleek:

[Mongrel]

Q16 cont.: What about for non-mindless beings that are rebuked due to a special domain ability? For example, a cleric with the Cold domain rebukes an Ice Giant, then dies.

Also, I answered my own question with a bit of digging:

A43: It's the Wildrunner from Races of the Wild (in case anyone else was curious)

[GernifTheBard]

Q 44

The Necklace of Natural Weapons from Savage Species states that "The enhancement bonuses on this necklace are applied to attack and damage rolls involving one or more of the wearer’s natural weapons." If I have 4 slams (from 4 tentacles) and 1 bite on a full attack, does that count as 2 natural weapons or 5?

Q 45

The Serpentflesh Golem (Serpent Kingdoms 81) lists advancement by HD in its entry, but does not state the price of advancing it by 1 HD. Is it still possible to advance it, and if so, what would the cost be?

[Raendyn]

A 44

I can't understand the question very well. But the neck will apply to all tentacle attacks if that serves you.

[Curmudgeon]

A 44 5.

Savage Species is pre-3.5 content, so I'll answer this question about the 3.5 updated item: Necklace of Natural Attacks here (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/fc/20060707a).
Market Price: 600 gp, plus the cost of the enhancement bonuses, times by the number of natural weapons affected. It's the number of natural weapons, not the number of types of natural weapons.

[Piggy Knowles]

Q46: If I have the Bane of Infidels feat from Power of Faerun, which grants me a favored enemy that specifically works against followers of an opposing deity, could I then take the Extra Favored Enemy feat from Ghostwalk/MotW and pick up a new favored enemy?

Q47: The Ascetic Hunter feat gives you a bonus on the save DCs of your stunning fist equal to the one half the bonus damage granted by your favored enemy. If I have Ascetic Hunter and then take the Nemesis feat, which deals an additional +1d6 damage versus evil favored enemies, does this also increase the save DCs of my stunning fists against evil enemies?

[Curmudgeon]

A 46 Yes, with restrictions.

Bane of Infidels is specific to a Faerûn campaign, as it directs you to Player's Guide to Faerûn for a list of opposed deities. Also you could not reference the Masters of the Wild version of Extra Favored Enemy in a 3.5 game; instead you must use the version in Ghostwalk plus the changes in the GHOSTWALK UPDATE FOR D&D V.3.5 booklet on pages 2-3. Finally, your deity must have enough listed opponents to allow you to pick an additional deity's followers as the extra favored enemy.

A 47 No.

Nemesis grants an additional damage bonus against particular favored enemies. It does not change the actual favored enemy bonus.

[HurinTheCursed]

Q 48
If a standard of courage's appearance is changed by a hat of disguise, does the effect the banner still apply ? If the standard is not changed but used on a lance disguised as a walk staff, does it apply ?

Standard of courage
For the standard of courage to be effective, it must be affixed to a two-handed hafted weapon such as a halberd or a lance. The bearer of the standard and any allies within 30' of the item gain a +4 moral bonus against fear effects.

My DM believes it's no to both questions, but the only condition for the item to work seems to be a question of distance. At the opposite, the bard songs apply within a distance but only if one can hear the songs. Here, no line of view.

What's your mind on this by RAW ?

[AugustNights]

Q 49

Does proficiency with exotic weapons gained through character class count as a Feat (such as Exotic Weapon Proficiency [X])?
A rogue's proficiency with hand crossbows, or a bard's proficiency with whips, for example?

[Raendyn]

Q 48
If a standard of courage's appearance is changed by a hat of disguise, does the effect the banner still apply ? If the standard is not changed but used on a lance disguised as a walk staff, does it apply ?

Standard of courage
For the standard of courage to be effective, it must be affixed to a two-handed hafted weapon such as a halberd or a lance. The bearer of the standard and any allies within 30' of the item gain a +4 moral bonus against fear effects.

My DM believes it's no to both questions, but the only condition for the item to work seems to be a question of distance. At the opposite, the bard songs apply within a distance but only if one can hear the songs. Here, no line of view.

What's your mind on this by RAW ?

The hat disguises the standard only if you want to. Moreover I agree with your DM about the fact that the standard must be painted into something "inspiring" after all. Also it must be seen, you cant "disguise" it into something that doesn't look like a banner. Also you can't hide its magic aura unless you use a spell that does that.

But you COULD disguise it so it looks like the local tyrant's banner! So you escape the enemies and get the benefits it provides.:smallwink:

A 49

No they don't.

Unless the class feature gives you the feat itself of course.

Can you imagine a wizard with 1 lvl of fighter using dark shuffle to swap ALL those weapon proficiency feats?:smallbiggrin:

[Flame of Anor]

The hat disguises the standard only if you want to. Moreover I agree with your DM about the fact that the standard must be painted into something "inspiring" after all. Also it must be seen, you cant "disguise" it into something that doesn't look like a banner. Also you can't hide its magic aura unless you use a spell that does that.

But you COULD disguise it so it looks like the local tyrant's banner! So you escape the enemies and get the benefits it provides.:smallwink:

Is that, uh...is that really RAW?


A 49

No they don't.

Unless the class feature gives you the feat itself of course.

Can you imagine a wizard with 1 lvl of fighter using dark shuffle to swap ALL those weapon proficiency feats?:smallbiggrin:

A 49 additional

You appear to be right, but the fact that the game would be unbalanced if you were wrong is not very good evidence.

Also, I should add that—unlike weapon proficiencies—armor proficiencies do count as bonus feats. For example:


Fighters, barbarians, paladins, clerics, druids, and bards automatically have Armor Proficiency (medium) as a bonus feat. They need not select it.

[questionmark693]

A 49 Contention

Technically, you don't have the feat, but you do have the virtual feat, for purposes of qualifying for things.

[Humble Master]

Q 50
If a PrC (Specifically Master Thrower) calls for Weapon Focus (any thrown weapon) do I have to take the Throw Anything feat for the weapon I pick before getting the class? If I remember right I could just throw a greatsword as an improvised weapon.

[questionmark693]

A 50

You have to have proficiency with a weapon to take weapon focus, so you need the feat throw anything to be able to take weapon focus. Unless you choose weapon focus (throwing knives) or something that doesn't require specific proficiency.

[Lateral]

Q 51

Does a Dragonfire Adept that takes a level in a PrC that gives +1 level of spellcasting gain access to new levels of invocations?

[Andezzar]

A 50 contention.

I don't think that Throw Anything would let you take Weapon Focus (any melee weapon) to qualify for master thrower.

The feat only lets you throw the weapon as if it were a ranged weapon (i.e. reduce penalties). It does not allow you to treat the melee weapon as a ranged/thrown weapon for any other purpose. Those other purposes include fulfilling prerequisites for PrCs.

[gr8artist]

Q 52
Is there any feat/item/spell that increases a fighter's effective level when qualifying for feats?
I have one level in fighter in a multiclass gish-type build, level 12. I want to select weapon specialization, but I don't want to dump 3 more levels into fighter. I'm hoping for a feat similar to Practiced Spellcaster, but for fighters.

[Curmudgeon]

A 52 No.

I'm pretty sure there's no such thing.

[Raendyn]

Q 51

Does a Dragonfire Adept that takes a level in a PrC that gives +1 level of spellcasting gain access to new levels of invocations?

A 51

YES.

+1 lvl of spellcasting and +1 lvl or arcane spellcasting work towards this.

[HurinTheCursed]

A 52 Complement
To my knowledge, the only similar feature is the warblade's weapon aptitude and it is a big stretch to most people to call the warblade a gish.

[Eldest]

Q 53 A Wizard uses time stop, then reverse gravity on an area including somebody, then opens a gate above them. The gate would be pretty much death if the person goes through, albeit a slow one. There is nothing for the person to grab onto, and so the reflex save is not allowed. He keeps concentrating on the gate, and will stop concentrating instantly when the person falls through, sealing them inside. When does the person fall through the gate (end of the time stop, start of their turn, etc) and would that person be able to use Boots of Teleportation quickly enough to not fall in? And were any of the Wizard's acts against RAW?

[Raendyn]

Q 53 A Wizard uses time stop, then reverse gravity on an area including somebody, then opens a gate above them. The gate would be pretty much death if the person goes through, albeit a slow one. There is nothing for the person to grab onto, and so the reflex save is not allowed. He keeps concentrating on the gate, and will stop concentrating instantly when the person falls through, sealing them inside. When does the person fall through the gate (end of the time stop, start of their turn, etc) and would that person be able to use Boots of Teleportation quickly enough to not fall in? And were any of the Wizard's acts against RAW?

A 53 NO

Stop concetrating is a free action. But you cant take it during an other's turn.

You also can't Ready a free action RAW. edit: my mistake, Ruules Compendium>SRD.

You also couldn't use immediate actions cause you are concetrating on the gate.

[Curmudgeon]

A 53

Just because you've lined up the gravity doesn't mean your attack will go where you want it. Things and creatures don't fall where you want them to unless you succeed on an attack roll, and your scenario does not entail any such roll. While your Wizard is sped up for several personal rounds, you've lost any information from the other person's turn. Perhaps they were moving at the end of their turn. The snapshot nature of D&D turns does not capture velocity or acceleration from turn to turn, but your DM is free to (and actually encouraged to: see Dungeon Master's Guide on page 136) incorporate those to give the person some chance to move laterally as they lose contact with the ground.

You cannot "instantly" cease concentrating on a spell; you can only do so when you can use a free action.
Concentration

The spell lasts as long as you concentrate on it. Concentrating to maintain a spell is a standard action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity. Anything that could break your concentration when casting a spell can also break your concentration while you’re maintaining one, causing the spell to end.
Cease Concentration on Spell
You can stop concentrating on an active spell (such as detect evil) as a free action.
You can perform one or more free actions during your turn. You could Ready a free action, but using Ready requires a standard action, meaning you would have already failed to concentrate on the Gate spell and it would have ended before the Time Stop expired.

Finally, the other person is free to use any resources at their disposal both before and after they would fall up through the Gate. Falling does not take any action, so they have as much time as the DM allows them before and after they would transit the Gate. They might, for instance, fall through the Gate and then use their full round of actions to launch themselves back from the other side with enough lateral movement to end up outside the radius of the effect upon their return. Or they might use a move action to retrieve some stored object and a standard action to activate it before falling through the Gate. It's all up to your DM.

[Clistenes]

I have heard this several times, but I'm not sure it's canon

Q 54: When you buy/find/wish for a scroll of Simulacrum or Ice Assassin...can the creature you are going to duplicate be already included in the scroll? Like, you can buy/find/wish for a Scroll of Solar Simulacrum or a Scroll of Succubus Simulacrum or whatever?

I always assumed that all scrolls of Simulacrum are "base" scrolls, and you have to add the piece of the creature afterwards.

[Sgt. Cookie]

A54: Yes, in fact, you can only get Simulacrum/Ice Assassin scrolls of creatures. This is because the Material Components for Simulacrum/Ice Assassin, in this case, the piece of the creature, is included in the creation of the scroll.

Relevant quotes:


Some piece of the creature to be duplicated (hair, nail, or the like) must be placed inside the snow or ice.


Some portion of the creature to be duplicated (hair, nail, and so on) must be placed inside the ice statue as it is constructed.


Activating a scroll spell requires no material components or focus. (The creator of the scroll provided these when scribing the scroll.)

[Eldest]

A 53

Just because you've lined up the gravity doesn't mean your attack will go where you want it. Things and creatures don't fall where you want them to unless you succeed on an attack roll, and your scenario does not entail any such roll. While your Wizard is sped up for several personal rounds, you've lost any information from the other person's turn. Perhaps they were moving at the end of their turn. The snapshot nature of D&D turns does not capture velocity or acceleration from turn to turn, but your DM is free to (and actually encouraged to: see Dungeon Master's Guide on page 136) incorporate those to give the person some chance to move laterally as they lose contact with the ground.

You cannot "instantly" cease concentrating on a spell; you can only do so when you can use a free action. You could Ready a free action, but using Ready requires a standard action, meaning you would have already failed to concentrate on the Gate spell and it would have ended before the Time Stop expired.

Finally, the other person is free to use any resources at their disposal both before and after they would fall up through the Gate. Falling does not take any action, so they have as much time as the DM allows them before and after they would transit the Gate. They might, for instance, fall through the Gate and then use their full round of actions to launch themselves back from the other side with enough lateral movement to end up outside the radius of the effect upon their return. Or they might use a move action to retrieve some stored object and a standard action to activate it before falling through the Gate. It's all up to your DM.

So, to sum it up, DM arbitration if he goes through the Gate (as I stuck it right above his head, I'd hope that goes in my favor, but I would hope that regardless), DM arbitration to say when he falls and when he can use his actions during that round, and I cannot end the Gate until my turn. Ok, thank you.

[Verditude]

A 53 addendum


You could Ready a free action, but using Ready requires a standard action, meaning you would have already failed to concentrate on the Gate spell and it would have ended before the Time Stop expired.

There is a way around this, if you take the Swift Concentration skill trick from Complete Scoundrel, and you roll higher than a 1 on your d4 for time stop. The timeline goes like this:
1. Cast Time Stop.
2. Cast Reverse Gravity.
3. Cast Gate.
4. If this is the last round of time stop, use swift concentration to maintain concentration on Gate and ready an action to stop concentrating when your enemy goes through.

Regardless, it's feasible that your enemy gets his set of actions before falling through the Gate, and it's essentially up to your DM as to whether he gets to do anything particularly problematic for the trick. You could prevent some of the tricks by also casting Forcecage or a sculpted Wall of Force while in the Time Stop, but you'll only get enough rounds of apparent time for that if you roll a 3 or 4.

[Kred]

Q55
Can i metamoprhose (psionic power) into a drow?

[Andezzar]

A 55

Sure, why not? Drow (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/elf.htm#drow) are humanoid. They are neither constructs nor elementals nor outsiders nor undead. Those are the only types forbidden by metamorphosis (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/powers/metamorphosis.htm).

[powerdemon]

Q 56

What special materials exist that a piece of cloth armor could be made out of, such as padded armor, or Gnome Twist Cloth?

[HurinTheCursed]

The hat disguises the standard only if you want to. Moreover I agree with your DM about the fact that the standard must be painted into something "inspiring" after all. Also it must be seen, you cant "disguise" it into something that doesn't look like a banner. Also you can't hide its magic aura unless you use a spell that does that.

But you COULD disguise it so it looks like the local tyrant's banner! So you escape the enemies and get the benefits it provides.:smallwink:
Is that, uh...is that really RAW?
So the two people who answered the question seemed to disagree, what is the RAW answer ?
By the way, in the second case, the standard is unchanged, but the weapon used to show it is a lance disguised as something else.

[Flame of Anor]

So the two people who answered the question seemed to disagree, what is the RAW answer ?
By the way, in the second case, the standard is unchanged, but the weapon used to show it is a lance disguised as something else.

RAW says this:


all allies of the standard-bearer within 30 feet of the standard receive the indicated benefit for as long as they can see the standard.

and this:


For a standard of courage to function, it must be affixed to a two-handed hafted weapon, such as a lance or halberd.

So it all depends on whether you still are counted as "seeing" something if that thing is disguised. I would tend to say yes, as I've never seen a rule to say otherwise.

[Humble Master]

Q 57 What book is Soul Eater in?

[eggynack]

A 57

They're in the Book of Vile Darkness, page 66.

[TaiLiu]

A 57 It is in the Book of Vile Darkness. Do note, however, that the book and the class are 3.0, not 3.5...

Addendum: Swordsage'd

[Verditude]

Q 58

Is the regeneration of a malebranche (MM2 pg 67) bypassed by a +1 holy weapon? Is its damage reduction bypassed by this weapon?

[Nettlekid]

Q 59
Does the Suggestion effect from an Epic Bluff check have a Will save DC to resist, or is it automatic so long as your Bluff beats their Sense Motive?

[NeoPhoenix0]

A 58

The malebranche was updated in the 3.5 update (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dnd/20030718a) because monster manual II is still 3.0. Its regeneration is bypassed by acid, holy weapons, and holy damage. Its DR is bypassed by good and a holy weapon counts as good. So a +1 holy weapon would get through both its DR and regeneration.

A 56

The only materials that come to mind are leafweave and thistledown from races of the wild. I'm not sure they can be applied to twist cloth though.

[TuggyNE]

A59: No save. The skill usage does not describe a save; since it calls the result "identical to the effect of the suggestion spell", it's reasonable to assume it bypasses the save, which is not part of the spell's effect.

[Kred]

Q60
If i metamorph into a new race (dwarf, elf, human etc.), what will be the new HD and Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution scores?

And will i get spell resistanse from a new form?

[Raendyn]

A 60

Your HD wont change.

Your Abilities will be as the average ability scores of whatever you changed into as seen in the monster manual (for example as a drow you will have 13 STR 13 DEX 10 CON).

You wont take Spell resistance. At least until you trasform into somethign that doesnt have it under the extraordinary qualities (Ex.)tab, which metamorphosis states you don't take.

edit:
Beware my incredibly noobish questions! lol'ed hard!:smallbiggrin:

[gr8artist]

I'm sure this has been asked a hundred times, but my internet search abilities escape me now.
Q 61
Assuming I have Point Blank Shot (PBS), Ranged spell specialization (RSS), Weapon specialization (WS), Sneak attack 1d6 (SA), and I crit at x2 (crit), which of these spell effects are eligible for which of the mentioned bonuses? And, if other than obvious, what type/element/descriptor does the bonus count as?
(Assume each effect comes from a ray, and the creature has no resistance/immunities to worry about)
A) Ability damage
B) Ability drain
C) Penalty to an ability score
D) Negative levels
E) Elemental damage (cold, fire, etc.)
F) Miscellaneous penalties (such as attack rolls, saves, or skills)

I know some of these effects deal some types of bonuses as negative energy damage to HP, but I'm not sure which ones, and which bonuses are converted. For simplicity and efficiency, if the bonus applies to the effect of the spell (ie if WS deals +2 ability damage when used with abilty damage effects, you can just put "applies as normal". Please note that there's a difference between precision damage and non-precision, so if an effect is considered precision damage, then it does not apply as normal.

Example: E) Elemental damage

A 61.E PBS applies, deals +1 elemental precision damage. RSS applies, deals +2 elemental precision damage. WS applies as normal. SA applies, dealing +1d6 elemental precision damage. Crit applies, double the total non-precision damage

Q 62
If I hit with a ray that normally doesn't deal damage, but allows me to add my SA damage to it, can I apply WS and RSS because the spell now deals HP damage from SA?

If I should just start a new thread, let me know.

[Raendyn]

A 61

Only E would qualify. the dmg is the same as the source. But not only elemental typoe. any type of ray/ranged touch attack that deals dmg.

ie: your scorching ray (or crystal shard power for non-elemental)would do +1 fire dmg from point black shot if shot within 30ft. sneack attack would add 1d6 fire dmg if you meet the SA prereqs etc..

Also one mistake in your quote
Crit applies, double the total non-precision damage
it just doesnt apply to extra dice dmg. +1 precision dmg gets doubled, +1d6 doesn't.

A 62

AFAIK you can't add SA dmg to a ray that doesn't deal dmg in the first place.

edit: If you wanna know the reasons only E applies those effects, then you should start a new thread.

[Chronos]

A 56 addendum:
There's also Shadow Silk, from Tome of Magic. It repairs itself in shadowy illumination, and grants the wearer +2 to Hide and Move Silently.

A 61 correction:
For spells which deal negative levels or ability score damage, the negative levels or ability score damage are multiplied on a crit, just like any other damage. If extra damage (such as from Sneak Attack) is applied to such spells, the extra damage is negative energy hit point damage. The relevant rules for this are found under "Weaponlike Spells", on page 86 of Complete Arcane.

[Jack Zander]

Q 63

If I craft a wondrous item that let's me cast celerity x times a day, is it still being cast as an immediate action? If not, is there a workaround?

[Urpriest]

Q 63

If I craft a wondrous item that let's me cast celerity x times a day, is it still being cast as an immediate action? If not, is there a workaround?

A 63

The Wondrous Item in question will specify the action required. The default is Command Work activation, which requires a Standard Action, but an item that casts Celerity will probably be designed to have an Immediate-Action activation.

Note that if there is no wondrous item that already exists that casts Celerity x times a day, your character cannot simply invent one. Rather, you and your DM must design and fully stat out the item, deciding on price and activation details using the guidelines in the DMG and MiC. Then your character (or potentially anyone else) can craft it, just like any other homebrewed magic item that you and your DM have decided to use.

[Yora]

Q64: Where does it say how augmentation of psi-like abilities work? (I know a creature can augment as if it uses a number of power points equal to its ML, but where is that written?)

[Piggy Knowles]

Q65: If a character has an ability that allows her to crit undead enemies, does this allow her to deliver a coup de grace a helpless undead? Would the undead still have to make the requisite Fort save versus 10 + the damage dealt?

[powerdemon]

Q 66
If I wanted to add the Gloryborn weapon template to an existing weapon, what means exist besides a Wish spell (and possibly limited wish)?

[Curmudgeon]

A 65 Yes and yes.

Assuming you have an ability which makes undead subject to (your) critical hits, you would follow the regular rules for making coup de grace attacks.

A 66 None.

The Dungeon Master's Guide II weapon templates are rules for making the environment in which a weapon is initially crafted affect its properties. You can't even guarantee that you can reproduce that effect anachronistically via Wish or Miracle.

[Khedrac]

A 65 Dispute - Yes and No

If you have the ability to land a critical hit on an undead creature then you can deliver the coup de grace attack, however the undead does not have to make the fortitude save as they are immune to any effect requiring a fortitude save that does not affect objects.

[Jack Zander]

Q 68

If I have enchanted robes conferring an armor bonus similar to mage armor or the bracers of armor, can I cast Magic Vestment to enhance this bonus further?

[Curmudgeon]

Re: A 65 Dispute - Yes and No
If you have the ability to land a critical hit on an undead creature then you can deliver the coup de grace attack, however the undead does not have to make the fortitude save as they are immune to any effect requiring a fortitude save that does not affect objects.
Coup de grace is an attack, not an effect. As such, that particular Fortitude save exception does not apply.

A 68 Maybe.

Magic Vestment can be cast on "an outfit of regular clothing". An ordinary robe which has an armor bonus added using the "common item effects" rules (Magic Item Compendium, pages 233-234) by a crafter using Craft Magic Arms And Armor does not keep this robe from still being an outfit of regular clothing, and it's eligible for the spell. However, if you start with a Robe of the Archmagi, that's officially a wondrous item from the start rather than a regular garment; while your DM may also treat such a wondrous item as regular clothing, that's not guaranteed.

[nyjastul69]

Q69
What is the definition of an effect in D&D.

[Curmudgeon]

A 69

There is no official definition of effect in D&D (though Rules Compendium does have an entry for "effect (of a spell)"). Instead, we can only produce a list. A D&D "effect" is something which specifically uses that word. Thus we know a spell is an effect because the Magic chapter of the Player's Handbook says so, repeatedly. The coup de grace definition (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/glossary&term=Glossary_dnd_coupdegrace&alpha=C) says it's "a full-round action that allows an attacker to attempt a killing blow against a helpless opponent." Because that definition lacks the term "effect", we can't add coup de grace to the list of things categorized as effects.

[Deaxsa]

Q 70
can you cast antimagic field (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/antimagicField.htm) on another creature? the range is, after all, 10 feet. (and it does not specify a target)

Q 71
while using the trip maneuver of Confound the Big Folk (http://dndtools.eu/feats/races-of-the-wild--84/confound-the-big-folk--415/), do you accrue size penalties, or is every size penalty thrown out the window?

[eggynack]

A 70
No. Antimagic field is an emanation centered on you. It doesn't have a target to change at all, because it just exists as your personal bubble that follows you around.

[Curmudgeon]

A 71

Confound The Big Folk's Unsteady Footing maneuver lets you use your choice of either a Strength or Dexterity check when making a trip attempt, but does not specify new rules for those checks. It also specifies that the opponent's Strength or Dexterity check is "as normal". As such, you follow the standard rules for the Trip special attack, which includes size modifiers and stability modifiers.

[Matticussama]

Q 72

Does spell damage count towards the Crusader's Steely Resolve delayed damage pool, or does spell damage bypass the delayed damage pool like it bypasses DR?

[Deaxsa]

Q 73

can you voluntarily end an antimagic field?


Q 72

Does spell damage count towards the Crusader's Steely Resolve delayed damage pool, or does spell damage bypass the delayed damage pool like it bypasses DR?
A 72
yes.
and since when do spells automatically bypass DR?

[Curmudgeon]

A 73 Yes.
Duration: 10 min./level (D)
(D) Dismissible

If the Duration line ends with "(D)," you can dismiss the spell at will. It's in the spell header.

[Draz74]

Q 74

Is it actually a rule that Familiars act on the same initiative count as their masters, or is that a houserule I used unknowingly when I played a Wizard? Where is this (or something contrary) stated in the rules?

[TuggyNE]

and since when do spells automatically bypass DR?

Since always*.
A creature with this special quality ignores damage from most weapons and natural attacks. Wounds heal immediately, or the weapon bounces off harmlessly (in either case, the opponent knows the attack was ineffective). The creature takes normal damage from energy attacks (even nonmagical ones), spells, spell-like abilities, and supernatural abilities.

*I assume it was the same in 3.0, but if not, "always" means "dawn of 3.5" at the very least.

[Curmudgeon]

A 74

That would appear to be a house rule. Familiars have their own ability scores and hence their own initiative modifiers. They're NPCs, and like all other NPCs they are under the control of the DM. This house rule creates a limitation of the DM's actions in controlling the familiar, and thus adds additional complexity beyond what's specified in the RAW.

[Crasical]

Q 75

Are there any other non-offensive weapon enchants, IE Smoking, Warning, that benefit the wielder even if they aren't actively using the weapon to attack?

[Curmudgeon]

Re: Q 75

I'm afraid that isn't a simple question, as any number of weapon enhancements might fit. For instance, Acid Washed weapons have a bonus to saving throws made against acid, rust, or disintegration; this benefit to the wielder isn't at all dependent on them making attacks. I suggest you create a separate thread where you can define what "benefit the wielder" means in somewhat less broad terms.

[Flame of Anor]

Since always.

damage reduction rules

Q 76

What if you're attacking with a supernatural ability that uses a weapon? I expect that applies to a good few class features.


Q 75

Are there any other non-offensive weapon enchants, IE Smoking, Warning, that benefit the wielder even if they aren't actively using the weapon to attack?

Well, a lot of them glow, which I believe is free.

[Andezzar]

Q 76

What if you're attacking with a supernatural ability that uses a weapon? I expect that applies to a good few class features.


A 76

Not sure if there are many SU abilities that deal damage in addition to the weapon damage, but if they exist, the weapon damage will be reduced by DR, everything else won't.

[SciChronic]

Q77
If i want to go into a PrC at level 9, but it has a feat requirement, can i take that feat as my CL9 feat choice and go into the PrC at the same time?

[Andezzar]

Q77
If i want to go into a PrC at level 9, but it has a feat requirement, can i take that feat as my CL9 feat choice and go into the PrC at the same time?

A 77

No. The first step of level up is to select a class. To select a PrC you must fulfill all the prerequisites. If you do not have that required feat you do not. Only once you have selected a class you can select the feat for that level.

[TuggyNE]

Q 76

What if you're attacking with a supernatural ability that uses a weapon? I expect that applies to a good few class features.

Such as? Class features like Smite Evil merely modify ordinary melee attacks, and so are subject to DR. Others would probably depend on specific wording.

[Thurbane]

Q 078

What is the largest variety of Yugoloth (including advanced HD examples)?

[Flame of Anor]

Such as? Class features like Smite Evil merely modify ordinary melee attacks, and so are subject to DR. Others would probably depend on specific wording.

Yeah, I thought that would be the answer. Thanks.

[Silverbit]

Q 79
Does a Sorcerer with the Heighten Spell Metamagic always benefit from reserve feats that grant their benefit if a [descriptor] spell of a certain level is available to cast if they have a spell slot of that level and know an appropriate [descriptor] spell?

[Chronos]

A 79:
Yes. I'm not even sure how else a reserve feat could work for a sorcerer.

[Silverbit]

Ok, just qualifying. Thanks for the helpful response :smallsmile:!

[mattie_p]

A79: (clarification) The Heighten spell metamagic will not have any effect on the reserve feat, barring the ability to prepare the heightened spell in a higher slot.

Sorcerers and other spontaneous spellcasters do not apply metamagic until casting the spell. So just having heighten spell metamagic feat will not impact the reserve feat.

For example, if you have the acidic splatter reserve feat, and know acid arrow, you can use the feat with a 2nd level spell slot, assuming that you have the 2nd level slot available. If you are able to cast 3rd level spells, you cannot use the acidic splatter reserve feat with a 3rd level slot, even if you have heighten spell, unless you have a 3rd level acid spell known (with slot available) or if you have a feat like Arcane Preparation (PGtF) that allows you to prepare the spell with metamagic in advance, and such spell is actually prepared.

[Urpriest]

Q 078

What is the largest variety of Yugoloth (including advanced HD examples)?

A 78

A Voor (MMIV) can advance to Gargantuan size.

[Flame of Anor]

Q 80

What book are "weapon crystals" from, and are they standard RAW or a variant thing?

[mattie_p]

A 80: Weapon augment crystals can be found in the magic item compendium.

[Demonic_Spoon]

A 80 Additional: They're standard yes

Q 81 Can you polymorph any object someone into a dead version of themselves?

[Flame of Anor]

A 81

Yes. Whether it would be permanent depends on if a dead body is still in the "animal kingdom", which is not a thing defined in the rules.

[Chronos]

A 81 extension:

Also note that you could restore such a person with a mere Dispel Magic.

[Larkas]

Q82: If I use a weapon that has Dex to damage with two hands (say, an Adaptive Greatsword with the Shadow Blade feat), do I increase the damage bonus in half, as I'd do with Str normally? For example, would a Dex 14 character get +3 in his damage?

[Curmudgeon]

A 82 No.
Benefit: While you are in a Shadow Hand stance and attack with one of the discipline's preferred weapons, you can add your Dexterity modifier as a bonus on melee damage for attacks made with the weapon. You get just the stated benefit of the Shadow Blade feat. Note that you're still getting your STR modifier as well, and will add 1½ times your Strength bonus with a two-handed weapon.

[Redi]

A82

While you are in a Shadow Hand stance and attack with one of the discipline's preferred weapons, you can add your Dexterity modifier as a bonus on melee damage for attacks made with the weapon.
You only multiply the strength modifier (or what is replacing it, i think ?), not bonus damage gained from feats or spells, so you get 1.5STR+DEX to damage

Q83
What happens if a vampire become incorporeal and get cast Ectoplasmic Enhancement on himself, affecting One incorporeal undead/level. Would he keep the day-long buff after the first effect end ?

[Larkas]

Q82 Continued: Hmmmm... Just to get things straight, does that mean that I get full Dex on an offhand attack made with a Shadow Hand weapon if I have the Shadow Blade feat?

[Curmudgeon]

A 82 Continued: Yes.

Yes, you always add your DEX bonus if you meet the stance and weapon requirements.

[evil-frosty]

Q 84

Does the 1.5 strength bonus you get from wielding a two handed weapon apply to both attack and damage rolls or just damage rolls?

[nyjastul69]

A 84
It only applies to damage.

[powerdemon]

Q 85
If at 0 HP and you try to attack, do you fall unconcious before or after the attack?

[Curmudgeon]

A 85 After.
Disabled

A character with 0 hit points, or one who has negative hit points but has become stable and conscious, is disabled. A disabled character may take a single move action or standard action each round (but not both, nor can she take full-round actions). She moves at half speed. Taking move actions doesn’t risk further injury, but performing any standard action (or any other action the game master deems strenuous, including some free actions such as casting a quickened spell) deals 1 point of damage after the completion of the act. Unless the action increased the disabled character’s hit points, she is now in negative hit points and dying.

[Venger]

Q 86

In the incarnate handbook, when discussing the lucky dice, the author mentions rolling every round even with essentia invested since luck bonuses stack with themselves.

Is this accurate?

I thought only dodge and circumstance bonuses stacked. Does luck? are there others?

[Andezzar]

A 86

Not according to the SRD (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/theBasics.htm#luckModifier).

[Thurbane]

A 86b

Player's Handbook page 171 expands on the SRD a bit, and adds Racial bonuses to the types that stack, but still not Luck bonuses.

[Bakkan]

Clarification 86

The Lucky Dice entry does not mention luck bonuses stacking with themselves. What it says is


Becase lucky dice can be rolled every round, it's possible for the soulmeldd toprovide bonuses to moe tahn one type of check during a given round.

So you can have the bnonus from Lucky Dice applying to both saves and skill checks at the same time, for instance. There's no stacking involved.

[Vaz]

Q87; Is there anyway for a Sorcerer to gain more flexibility with it's casting, without taking Arcane Disciple (Spell)? I know of Drake Helms, and Knowstones, etc, but I'm talking about Spellwise (that I specifically can cast) or Feat wise?

[Chronos]

A 87:

Many methods exist. This is a sufficiently-broad question that it probably warrants its own thread.

[Depa91]

Q 88
Q.1 You need to be lawful to learn Aura of Perfect Order (ToB 6th level stance)?
Q.2 Casting Share pain psionic on a barbarian reduce the damage to him thanks to Damage Reduction?

[Curmudgeon]

A 88 No.

When a maneuver or stance has an alignment requirement for the martial adept to learn it, the text specifies that. Example:
Prerequisite: One Devoted Spirit maneuver, evil alignment Aura of Perfect Order does not have an alignment requirement for the martial adept. Instead, the [Law] descriptor specifies when you can use the capabilities of this stance. From page 12 of Tome of Battle:
As a Devoted Spirit crusader, some of your maneuvers function only against creatures with opposed alignments. You can use Aura of Perfect Order against creatures with chaotic alignments. You'll need to ask your DM if they think the text of this stance would allow it to also be used against non-chaotic foes.

A 89 No.
You take half damage from all attacks that deal hit point damage to you, and the subject takes the remainder.
Damage Reduction

A creature with this special quality ignores damage from most weapons and natural attacks. Share Pain is a psychic power, not a weapon or natural attack, so a Barbarian's DR will not be useful against that psychically applied damage.

[Venger]

Q 90What is the duration on necrocarnate's necrocarnum soulshield ability? None is given. One is implied since it's usable 1/2 class lvl times per day.

[Lateral]

Q 91 When grappling, can one use a ranged attack?

Q 92 If you have improved grab and are grappling a creature while taking -20 to not be considered grappled yourself, what happens if you pin that creature?

[powerdemon]

Q 93

I recall reading of a bow, or an enchantment that would allow the composite part of a bow to adapt to the wielder's strength score. Can anyone tell me what it was?

Thank you.

[Curmudgeon]

A 91 No.

The "If You’re Grappling" rules specify only a few attack options, of which the following lists all the non-spell possibilities.
Attack Your Opponent

You can make an attack with an unarmed strike, natural weapon, or light weapon against another character you are grappling. You take a -4 penalty on such attacks.

A 92 Ask your DM.

The -20 penalty to Improved Grab lets the character act outside of the limited list specified in "If You’re Grappling". However, the "If You’re Pinning an Opponent" rules aren't inside that section of the rules, but in their own following section. As such, your DM will have to decide whether this parallel rules hierarchy makes "not considered grappling" apply to pinning as well — or not.

[TuggyNE]

A93 partial: Bow of the Wintermoon (MIC) does this, I believe, but it's a relic; Hank's Energy Bow (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ask/20061227a) also works for this.

There may be others, but those are the two I know of.

[hokorippoi]

Q 94

Withdraw is a full-round action, but by the PHB it can be used as a standard action if you only can do a standard.
A person who is Disabled (0 HP) can do a half move fine, but will start dying if she does a standard.
In RAW does it say anywhere if Withdraw can be done as a move in that case?

[Cybris75]

Q 95

Can I add armor enhancements (like e.g. Fearsome) to Bracers of Armor?

[Curmudgeon]

A 94 No.
Restricted Withdraw

If you are limited to taking only a standard action each round you can withdraw as a standard action. In this case, you may move up to your speed (rather than up to double your speed). There is no move action version of Withdraw. Moving up to your speed is the most basic move action; if you can Tumble as part of that movement you can avoid attacks of opportunity while leaving threatened squares.

A 95 Yes.

Arms and Equipment Guide first created rules specific for adding non-numerical enhancements to Bracers of Armor; see page 130. Magic Item Compendium regularized the rules for armor enhancements for items in Arms (existing example: Bracers of Armor) and Body (existing example: Robe of the Archmagi) slots; see pages 233-234. Starting with an Arms or Body slot item, once you add the minimum +1 armor numerical enhancement you can add non-numerical armor special abilities.

[Cybris75]

Q 96a
Does the Ring of Force Shield grant a shield bonus to AC? The SRD just says +2 AC.
http://www.d20srd.org/srd/magicItems/rings.htm#forceShield

Q 96b
Can I enchant the Ring of Force Shield for a higher bonus?

[TuggyNE]

A96a: Yes. More specifically, it says it gives a +2 bonus to AC as a heavy shield.

A96b: Maybe. You'll need to use the custom magic item creation guidelines to do so, though.

[St Fan]

Q97
A changeling (Races of Eberron) with the Racial Emulation feat can emulate any humanoid subtype.

97a
Does that mean the changeling would suffer the disadvantages of the subtype as well as the advantages? For example, if a Ranger with the appropriate Favored Enemy targets such a changeling?

97b
The feat allows the changeling to take prestige classes, racial levels, or a racial paragon class of the subtype emulated. But what of the class features (especially from racial paragon) that are increase of normal racial abilities (which a changeling doesn’t have, even with Racial Emulation)? For example, if a racial bonus is increased, would the changeling get the full bonus, only the increase, or none at all?

[powerdemon]

Q 98
Is there a way, magical or otherwise, to change the str bonus on a composite bow after it is made?

[Urpriest]

Q 99

What is the base Spot DC to see someone who is not Hiding?

[Mando Knight]

Q 98
Is there a way, magical or otherwise, to change the str bonus on a composite bow after it is made?
A? 98

Nope (at least, not that I'm aware of). The strength bonus on a composite bow is determined when the bow is constructed.

(Though I suppose that a DM may allow someone to develop compound bows, which would theoretically allow you to change the bow's strength by swapping out the cams...)

Q 99

What is the base Spot DC to see someone who is not Hiding?
A? 99

None is given.

(Based off of the "People talking" Listen DC (0) and the bonus to Hide from being Invisible (+20, the same value as the DC 20 Spot check to generally become aware of an invisible creature), I would say that it is 0, modified by the kind of concealment and/or cover provided by other objects.)

Q 100

What happens when an intelligent undead or construct gains Barbarian levels and attempts to Rage?

[Andezzar]

A 100

They get +4 STR and all the drawbacks of Rage for 3 rounds. The lack of a CON score and immunity to mind-affecting effects removes the other benefits as well as the increased duration. At the end of the Rage the characters will not be fatigued.

[powerdemon]

Additional 98
What about the polymorph spell?

[Andezzar]

A 98 Additional

Polymorph (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/polymorph.htm) would not work, but Polymorph any Object (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/polymorphAnyObject.htm) should work.

[powerdemon]

98 That is what I meant. Thank you.

[Phelix-Mu]

Q101

Can you plane shift or otherwise instantaneously move via magic between non-dimensional/extradimensional spaces such as portable holes, rods of security, mordenkainen's magnificent mansion, and the like. Does any form of transport work? How about planar ring gates (Planar Handbook)?

Thanks.

Q100 Follow Up

So undead can rage despite being immune to morale effects? Or is it only the bonus to Will saves that is a morale bonus? I may be misremembering some 3.0 stuff, but clarification would be appreciated.

[Curmudgeon]

A 99

The base Spot DC to see someone Large who is not hiding is 0; see Table 4–3: Difficulty Class Examples in Player's Handbook on page 64 and also here (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/skills/usingSkills.htm#tableDifficultyClassExamples). The size modifier opposing Spot when creatures are hiding is +/- 4 per size step (see here (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/combat/movementPositionAndDistance.htm#tableCreatureSizeA ndScale)). It's not explicitly stated that these would apply as penalties to Spot rather than bonuses to Hide when the creature is in plain sight, but I find no other guidance in the rules. After adjusting the Spot DC for size, apply the usual -1 penalty for each 10' of distance. Putting these together as an example, you would see a Medium creature at 30' if you had a Spot score of 7 or better.

A 101 No.
Demiplanes

This catch-all category covers all extradimensional spaces that function like planes but have measurable size and limited access. Only extradimensional spaces which are stated to "function like planes" can be transited via magic like Plane Shift. Thus you could access the result of a Genesis spell with Plane Shift or the like, but there is no stipulation in the description for a Portable Hole or a Rod of Security that these spaces function like planes. Mordenkainen's Magnificent Mansion explicitly disclaims access via such planar transit spells:
Since the place can be entered only through its special portal, outside conditions do not affect the mansion, nor do conditions inside it pass to the plane beyond.

[Andezzar]

A 100 Follow Up

The STR and CON bonuses are unnamed bonuses. Only the save bonus is a morale bonus. Activating the Rage ability is not forbidden by being undead/a construct. The CON bonus of course is irrelevant because CON Ø +4 is still CON Ø.

[Kornaki]

Q 102
Inspired by question 101... if I cast genesis I have a 180 foot radius demiplane. If I plane shift to that demiplane, I arrive 5 to 500 miles off of my intended destination. So..... where am I?

Q 103
This is a stupid one.

http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/planeShift.htm


From the Material Plane, you can reach any other plane, though you appear 5 to 500 miles (5d%) from your intended destination.
Does this mean that if I'm not on the material plane I can target myself perfectly? I kind of suspect in an actual book it's worded differently

[Curmudgeon]

A 102
Once your demiplane is created, you can travel to it using astral caravan, plane shift, or some other power or permanent link that you arrange for separately. Because the power says you can travel to the demiplane using one of these effects, you can.

A 103 No.

It doesn't mean that you can arrive perfectly at your destination if starting from somewhere other than the Material Plane; it just means that if you start elsewhere there is no specification of how far off you arrive. You'll have to ask your own DM how far off they want you to to arrive for other planar starting points. Personally, I use the same off-target formula for all planes, as that makes my job as DM easier.

[Kornaki]

Q102 follow up
OK I accept that I'm on the plane, but if my plane is 5 square feet of land and the rest is lava, should I feel confident in my plane shifting abilities or is a levitate spell called for before casting?

Also, remarkably, that wording doesn't appear in the wizard version of the spell (although that's not totally relevant to the discussion)

[Sugashane]

Q. 104

If someone has a +5 buckler while using a greatsword, does that magic enhancement still get added to their AC?


Thank you for the answer Tuggyne

[TuggyNE]

A102, continued: Levitate or fire resistance is suggested, since there seems to be no guarantee where you'll end up.

A104: No. The enhancement bonus is an enhancement bonus to the shield bonus, and cannot be separated from it. This is also why +5 full plate and +5 buckler stack for a total of +19, rather than their enhancement bonuses overlapping.

[Verditude]

Q 105

If I have the Maximize and Invisible Spell metamagic feats, along with Practical Metamagic for both, can I cast a maximized invisible Fireball in a fourth-level slot?

[Raendyn]

Q 105

If I have the Maximize and Invisible Spell metamagic feats, along with Practical Metamagic for both, can I cast a maximized invisible Fireball in a fourth-level slot?

A 105 No

[Flame of Anor]

A 105 dispute

I believe you can. The text of the feat says:


When applying the chosen metamagic feat to a spontaneously cast spell, the spell uses a spell slot one level lower than normal for the applied metamagic feat, to a minimum of one level higher than a spell's normal level.

You would apply Maximize Spell first. This would make it three levels higher (sixth level), but Practical Metamagic makes it "one level lower than normal for the applied metamagic feat" so it is instead a fifth level spell.

Now you apply Invisible Spell. Now, fifth level would be "normal for the applied metamagic feat" in this case. With Practical Metamagic, you get to go "one level lower than" that, which is fourth level.

The big question mark in here is, of course, the "minimum of one level higher than a spell's normal level". But this would only prevent you from casting an Invisible Fireball as a second level spell, not the trick you want to do. The reason? Well, the "normal level" for a Fireball is third. If you apply Maximize Spell before Invisible Spell, the level of the Fireball never goes below fourth.

The important thing to remember here is that, no matter what Maximize Spell does, the minimum spell level imposed on Fireball by Practical Metamagic is always fourth!

- - - - - - - - - -

Here's another way of looking at it. Consider these three values:

X = the original, PHB level of the spell.
Y = the level of the spell right before applying Invisible Spell.
Z = the level of the spell right after applying Invisible Spell.

Here are the rules we have to follow:


Normally for Invisible Spell, Z = Y, because there is no spell level modification.
With Practical Metamagic, Z = Y - 1.
Restriction: it must never be the case that Z < (X + 1).


The second point, Z = Y - 1, forbids using Practical Invisible Spell without other metamagic, because without other metamagic, X = Y. That would mean that Z = X - 1, which would mean Z < (X + 1), which must never be the case.

But if we apply Practical Maximize Spell first, then Y = X + 2. We can then apply our equation Z = Y - 1 to get Z + 1 = X + 2, which tells us Z = X + 1. Since X = 3 for Fireball, Z = 4. So you can indeed cast it as a fourth level spell.

[Raendyn]

IMO you cant decide the applying order.

Thats why youc ant say "its maxxed 1st and then invis" cause its maxed and invis at the same time.

Thats why you can't persist + extend for 48hours.

Just look at the PHB empower + max example. Both apply to the original unmodified spell. otherwise Empower would have no effect if maxed was applied 1st, and dunno about the other way arround.:elan:

[Andezzar]

I'm pretty sure there is a rule that says you can choose in which order you apply benefits. I can't find it at the moment though.

Concerning the metamagic spell slot reduction this is irrelevant though. Neither use reduces the spell slot below the normal slot +1, because 4 is 3 (original spell level)+1. Both metamagics and reductions are applied simultaneously resulting in a 4th level slot.

[Mongrel]

Q106: What action is it to activate a Bracelet of Friends? The description describes grasping a charm and speaking the name of the one it's keyed to. Since speaking is a free action (as is, I assume, simply gripping something) does this make it a free action? If so, could I grab all the charms on the bracelet at once and speak each name keyed to them in order to summon all people the charms are keyed to in one round? Would I then get my normal action allotment for the turn?

If this doesn't work, are there any other items or spells that let you summon multiple people to you?

Q107: What is the carrying capacity of a Carpet of Flying? There are three sizes, so we'll just say the biggest one (10ft. by 10ft.). Is it only four (one medium sized creature per 5ft. square)?

[danzibr]

Q108

Are the spikes given by binding Manticore Belt to your totem considered natural weapons? I ask this for the purposes of Necklace of Natural Weapons.

Q109

When you loose a "volley" of spikes using Manticore Belt, is it technically considered a volley attack? Though MoI uses the word volley, I was under the impression a volley attack only needs one attack roll, whereas with Manticore Belt you need an attack roll for each spike.

[powerdemon]

Q 110

Are there any rules for a creature with more than two arms using a bow and getting a higher strength to damage?

[killem2]

Q 111: Do Aasimars have tails? :smallconfused:

[TuggyNE]

Just look at the PHB empower + max example. Both apply to the original unmodified spell. otherwise Empower would have no effect if maxed was applied 1st, and dunno about the other way arround.:elan:

That's actually not an example, it's rules text that makes an exception to how it would normally work. The exception that proves the rule, in fact. (If it weren't for that Special section in Empower and Maximize, an Empowered Maximized spell would do 1.5 times max damage, exactly.)

[Curmudgeon]

A 106

The default activation for wondrous items in the Dungeon Master's Guide is either command word or use activation. Speaking the name of a keyed individual into a Bracelet of Friends is a command word: a standard action.

[Ruethgar]

Q 112 Anyone know how long it generally takes to get a response from [email protected]? Do I have to wait for another FAQ to come out or will they just message back?

My apologies, a more proper query then, the one that I posed to WotC.

Q 112 A When a Shapeshift Druid uses Predator Form to shapeshift into a panther, is it an accurate statement to say that they have taken the form of a panther?

Q 112 B Are the shapeshift druid transformations similar to polymorph, or is changing your shape into that of another creature nothing like polymorph?

[mattie_p]

Q 112 Anyone know how long it generally takes to get a response from [email protected]? Do I have to wait for another FAQ to come out or will they just message back?

A 112: This is not a RAW question. I recommend you start a new thread to discuss your original question (or post it here) and to discuss WoTC's askdnd system.

But to answer your question, I don't know.

[Metahuman1]

Q 113: Is there a RAW way for a character that starts at level 1 as a crusader to Enter Ur-Priest at level 2 and Ruby Knight Vindicator at level 3?

[KillianHawkeye]

Q 112 Anyone know how long it generally takes to get a response from [email protected]? Do I have to wait for another FAQ to come out or will they just message back?

Do they even still answer questions about D&D 3.X? :smallconfused:

[Curmudgeon]

A 111 No.

From page 209 of Monster Manual:
Aasimars are humans with some trace of celestial blood in their veins, and tieflings have some fiendishness in their family tree.

There is no “typical” aasimar or tiefling. They do not have their own societies or cultures, instead blending into existing ones.
Graced with a touch of the holy, aasimars are usually tall, good-looking, and generally pleasant. Some have a minor physical trait suggesting their heritage, such as silver hair, golden eyes, or an unnaturally intense stare. From page 105 of Races of Faerun:
Genasai are regarded with suspicion, seen as little better than the genie-worshiping Cali****es, but aasimar are often mistaken for elves or half-elves.
Wizards of the Coast artwork for Aasimars does not show any of them having tails:
http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/boed_gallery/tn_75092_jpg.jpg (http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/boed_gallery/75092.jpg) http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/chainmail/Aasimar_Cleric_200.jpg http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/DQ_Minis_x/AasimarFighter.jpg https://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/ab_gallery/283.jpg

[danzibr]

Is it okay to repost my question from the last page? I think it got overlooked. If this is taboo, my apologies.

Q108

Are the spikes given by binding Manticore Belt to your totem considered natural weapons? I ask this for the purposes of Necklace of Natural Weapons.

Q109

When you loose a "volley" of spikes using Manticore Belt, is it technically considered a volley attack? Though MoI uses the word volley, I was under the impression a volley attack only needs one attack roll, whereas with Manticore Belt you need an attack roll for each spike.

[Kuulvheysoon]

Q 114

Can a character take Martial Study as a first level feat, even if they technically don't meet the prerequisites (their IL is only 0.5, and you need an IL of 1 to learn 1st level maneuvers), or is this a case or specific > general?

[Bakkan]

A113 No, because Base Save Bonuses only come from class levels, the Ur-Priest Requires a +3 Fort and Will and the Crusader does not meet that requirement at 1st level.

[KillianHawkeye]

A113 No, because Base Save Bonuses only come from class levels, the Ur-Priest Requires a +3 Fort and Will and the Crusader does not meet that requirement at 1st level.

Re: 113

Note: There is not ANY class that provides a +3 base Save at 1st level. That is not how classes were designed.

[Curmudgeon]

A 114 No.

A level 1 character who is not a martial adept does not have an initiator level of 0.5; they have an initiator level of 0.
Rounding Fractions

In general, if you wind up with a fraction, round down, even if the fraction is one-half or larger. Unlike some other game numbers, there is no "minimum 1" exception for IL.

[Zombimode]

Q 115

The feat Flay (PHB2) works on targets without an "armor bonus". Looking into the SRD for bonus types, I see "armor bonus" and "natural armor bonus" listed as distinct type.
Am I correct in the assumption that the Flay feats is only prevented by an actual armor bonus?

[nyjastul69]

A 115:
Yes.......

[killem2]

Q 116: What is NOT considered fixed range when talking about spells?

[Ruethgar]

A 116 Fixed range would be when something has a single, unchanging range such as anything cast as an Ocular Spell. Spells that do not have a fixed range most often have a range that scales with level(30ft+5ft/lvl) or has a range that is variable based on reach(touch).


Do they even still answer questions about D&D 3.X? :smallconfused:
No, they do not.

[Flame of Anor]

Q 117

Why wouldn't Touch or Personal count as fixed-range? It's not like they change.

[nyjastul69]

A 117

Range: Personal is considered a fixed range. Range: Touch is not a fixed range as it varies based upon the size of the caster.

[Ruethgar]

A 117 Generally speaking, you only need to define it for Persisting which specifically calls out Personal as viable. Reach can be altered with a size change, a feat, a spell, racial ability, class ability, or your being bound thus making touch range spells variable. Some DMs rule that they are applicable, but most touch spells that have a duration also have charges and would not benefit greatly from persisting.

[123456789blaaa]

Q 118

If someone is wielding a Spool of Endless Rope (unwound to 500 ft) as an improvised weapon and has Enlarge Person cast on them, does the rope double in length to 1000 ft?

[mattie_p]

A 118: Sadly, no.

From Enlarge Person (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/enlargePerson.htm):


All equipment worn or carried by a creature is similarly enlarged by the spell. Melee and projectile weapons affected by this spell deal more damage. Other magical properties are not affected by this spell. Any enlarged item that leaves an enlarged creature’s possession (including a projectile or thrown weapon) instantly returns to its normal size. This means that thrown weapons deal their normal damage, and projectiles deal damage based on the size of the weapon that fired them. Magical properties of enlarged items are not increased by this spell.

The length of the rope created by Spool of Endless Rope is a fixed magical property, and therefore not affected by Enlarge Person. However, the rope would still weigh 8 times as much, per the RAW.

[Lathund]

Q119

Can a character who throws stuff (e.g. knifes) profit from both Two-Weapon Fighting and Rapid Shot in the same round, for 2 bonus attacks?

[TuggyNE]

A119: Yes. Rapid Shot works with any ranged weapon; Two-Weapon Fighting works with any weapon you can wield with one hand at all.

[danzibr]

Q 120

Can all weapons be categorized by type? To make my question clear, let me give an example:

A wolf makes an attack roll and bites someone. The bite would fall under the broadest category of natural weapon, then in the subcategory of bite.

A fighter makes an attack roll and smacks someone. The smack would fall under the broadest category of manufactured weapon, then in the subcategory of whatever he happens to be wielding.

A wizard casts Scorching Ray and makes an attack roll. The weapon in this case, the spell, would fall under the broadest category of ranged touch attack/ray (I suppose), then no subcategory.

In other words, are there any generic weapons which don't have a label like natural weapon, manufactured weapon?

[GreenSerpent]

Q121

If an Evil character takes the Willing Deformity, Deformity (madness) and Deformity (tall) feats and then is changed to a Good alignment (via Emissary of Barachiel or similar) do they lose the feats/benefits of the feats?

[Andezzar]

A 121

The character cannot use the feats as long as he is not evil:
Only intelligent characters of an evil alignment can use vile feats.
He does not lose the feats themselves.

[The Viscount]

Q 122

If a 3.0 class that has not been updated gives DR/+2, does it change to DR/magic when used in 3.5 rules?

[Curmudgeon]

A 120 Yes.
Weapon Categories

Weapons are grouped into several interlocking sets of categories. There is no "uncategorized" status for any weapon.

A 122 Ask your DM.

Here's the general rule regarding older material lacking official 3.5 updates, from page 4 of the 3.5 Dungeon Master's Guide:
This is an upgrade of the d20 System, not a new edition of the game. This revision is compatible with all existing products, and those products can be used with the revision with only minor adjustments. Your individual DM will provide the "minor adjustments".

[Miss Disaster]

Q 123

The 3 Imps in Fiend Folio (Bloodbag, Euphoric & Filth) are on pg. 97-100. I noticed they were not added to the Devil section of the book along with the Paeliryon and Xerfilstyx Devils. Yet the intro section of the Imps starts off with a sentence "implying" they are Devils ... as you'd expect from the Monster Manual entry for the standard Imp which *IS* included with the Devils.

This is further confusing in that the 3 Fiend Folio Imp variants are listed with having Outsider Traits, but not Baatezu Traits. FF's Errata doesn't change any of this either. I'm thinking that the missing Baatezu Traits listing is an oversight on WotC's part since these creatures are clearly Devils.

So for RAW, do the 3 Fiend Folio Imps have or not have the Baatezu Traits?

[Ruethgar]

Q 124 If you use one of the Shapeshift Druids shapeshifting abilities to change into a panther, is it an accurate statement that your form is now that of a panther?

[Curmudgeon]

A 124 Only partly.

Here are the normal limitations of Wild Shape:
Alternate Form

A creature with this special quality has the ability to assume one or more specific alternate forms. A true seeing spell or ability reveals the creature’s natural form.
...
The creature retains the type and subtype of its original form. And here's what the Shapeshift Druid specifies:
You always retain your type and subtypes, regardless of the nature of the form assumed. That's just a sample related specifically to your form, but there are many other parallels. Given the obvious similarities between Wild Shape and the characteristics of the Shapeshift Druid, most DMs will likely look to Alternate Form in case there are any ambiguities with the variant, such as whether True Seeing ("sees the true form of polymorphed, changed, or transmuted things") also discerns the Shapeshift Druid's original form.

So your form will look like a panther (except, probably, to True Seeing), but your type and subtype won't match the form.

[KillianHawkeye]

Q 123

The 3 Imps in Fiend Folio (Bloodbag, Euphoric & Filth) are on pg. 97-100. I noticed they were not added to the Devil section of the book along with the Paeliryon and Xerfilstyx Devils. Yet the intro section of the Imps starts off with a sentence "implying" they are Devils ... as you'd expect from the Monster Manual entry for the standard Imp which *IS* included with the Devils.

This is further confusing in that the 3 Fiend Folio Imp variants are listed with having Outsider Traits, but not Baatezu Traits. FF's Errata doesn't change any of this either. I'm thinking that the missing Baatezu Traits listing is an oversight on WotC's part since these creatures are clearly Devils.

So for RAW, do the 3 Fiend Folio Imps have or not have the Baatezu Traits?

A 123

You seem to have stated yourself that, as written, they do not. Perhaps you need to start a thread about the RAI rather than asking here in the RAW thread?

[Thurbane]

A 123

The list in the Fiendish Codex II (p.158) that lists Devils from all official sources does indeed include the 3 new Imps from Fiend Folio.

[LordChaos13]

Q125: Can poison applied to a weapon be recovered and reused in any way other than stabbing someone?

[Khedrac]

A 123 expansion.
Remember that if you go by the books and not the SRD devil]/b] does not equal [b]baatezu, though 90% of devils are baatezu. Presumably they are devils, just not baatezu.

[Zombimode]

Q 126

I feel a bit embarrassed to ask this question since Cleave is such an old and basic feat, but anyway: what, exactly, is carried over to the extra attack?

It just says "with the same attack bonus".

Lets say some with the Cleave feat uses Steely Strike and enhances this attack further with a Smite Evil. This attack drops the foe and Cleave kicks in. Would the cleave attack in this case get the +4 of Steely Strike and/or the +cha of the Smite? And what about the damage?

[Andezzar]

Q 126

Whether it makes sense or not, the same AB is the same AB. So by RAW this also includes flanking (even if the target of the cleave is not flanked), Maneuvers, smites, True Strike etc.

[Zombimode]

Q 126 continued

Ok, thats cool. But I take that the damage is not automatically carried over, right?