I'd go with both succubi and medusas (medusae?) can 'switch off' their powers when they want to. Might be difficult for them both to engage in the sort of skullduggery they do. When every time you give someone a handshake or accept their kiss on your hand like lady, they shrivel up and drop dead, people start to get suspicious.
Wondering if they can choose not to have it active, or is it something they have no control over? Seems like they should be able to turn it off, otherwise it doesn't make much sense that they're the go to evil wizard squeeze.
Similarly, can medusas choose not to have their gaze attack active, or is that only if you're using the In The Company of Medusas third party thing?
The Succubus Drain Energy ability is an optional ability, most likely an Immediate action, not automatic when conducting an "Act of passion". The Medusa, Mythic Monsters Revisited states it's an always on ability and they have to deal with the ability.
Succu
I'm sure as hells going to level drain him/her if they can't even be bother to add a "b" and call me babe.
Anyway, yes, I think that Energy Drain can be turned off. Can't do infiltration if you kill the first guy you invite to spend some quality time with.
Anyway, in the future, please use the appropriate thread for all of your Succubus questions.
Free entry!
Succubi have to intentionally drain energy, while the original Medusa was cursed with the stone gaze so she can't turn it off despite some workarounds do exist.
The Succubus Drain Energy ability is an optional ability, most likely an Immediate action, not automatic when conducting an "Act of passion". The Medusa, Mythic Monsters Revisited states it's an always on ability and they have to deal with the ability.Wondering if they can choose not to have it active, or is it something they have no control over? Seems like they should be able to turn it off, otherwise it doesn't make much sense that they're the go to evil wizard squeeze.
Similarly, can medusas choose not to have their gaze attack active, or is that only if you're using the In The Company of Medusas third party thing?
And the general bestiary description further reinforces tht they can't turn it off.
Medusa lairs often have small insect and animals frozen about, since they caught an accidental glance while she stepped out. It is an obvious clue of their true nature...which you would not want to elave around (cause how else would you explain a stone bee randomly found in the woods?). Also, it tends to ruin the neighborhood, since the bees die, ruining the normal pollination cycle, making the land more barren. IE- hard to have flower gardens.
Medusa do have options though. I am pretty sure only their human eyes have that power, which means they could easily just use a cloth over their eyes and use their snakes' all around vision instead. Also, while in disguise, they can use hoods adn veils, and general attempts to avoid eye contact. But the power itself can't be willingly shut off.
Basically, think of it like this- succibi can't fulfill their story purpose if they had their power always on (seducing men for their insideous plots- hard to have a thrall if he is half dead). A medusa's story role is reinforced by their always on power- they are cursed adn outcasts.
Succubi have to intentionally drain energy, while the original Medusa was cursed with the stone gaze so she can't turn it off despite some workarounds do exist.
Not that PF/D&D Medusas have a lot in common with the Greek mythological basis ...
Either way, if it's your game, it works how you want it to work. You want Medusas to be able to switch on their safeties, then they can. Simple as that.
I think they would have to be able to, or else where would we get half-succubae tieflings?
I think they would have to be able to, or else where would we get half-succubae tieflings?
Well, there aren't any. But that is me being nit picky about specific percentages of fictional ancestry, where tieflings are like....1/4 succubi at best.
Plus, I could be nitpicky over how it could be done if the succubus was really trying. But I don't think a discussion of the birds and the kitchen implements is appropriate for this forum.