Question about the Domain ability "Nimbus of Light"

[André Bérubé]

This is a question about Nimbus of Light (ability in the Sun domain).

I asked on the PFS facebook page but could not get a definitive answer. The text for the ability read like this (question follows):

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"At 8th level, you can emit a 30-foot nimbus of light for a number of rounds per day equal to your cleric level. This acts as a daylight spell. In addition, undead within this radius take an amount of damage equal to your cleric level each round that they remain inside the nimbus [...]"
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So the question is, WHEN do undeads take the damage ? On my turn ? On their turn (and if so, at beginning or at the end) ? Or something else ?

Thank you for your replies.

[Nohwear]

It is my understanding that there are a number of similar situations. Usually, this is something that the GM has to interpret. Hopefully there will be an FAQ response that will settle things.

[James Risner]

When you activate the ability with a standard action, turning on the light. You'd have to deactivate it with another standard (dismiss).

They would take damage if they are within the radius when activated.

They would (Ask your GM) also take it when they enter after cast if they have not already taken it.

[GreySector]

James Risner wrote:

When you activate the ability with a standard action, turning on the light. You'd have to deactivate it with another standard (dismiss).

They would take damage if they are within the radius when activated.

They would (Ask your GM) also take it when they enter after cast if they have not already taken it.

Undead will definitely take damage multiple times, not just once. "each round that they remain inside the nimbus..." not just once.

IMO those are all valid times to take the damage. My personal ruling would be at the end of the undead's turn, since then they are 'remaining' inside the nimbus.

[TwoWolves]

You spend an action to activate the nimbus, and free actions to maintain it each round (free action to dismiss it AFAIK). Seems clear that the damage occurs on your turn as you spend that action.

[André Bérubé]

Ok. But since it's an offensive aura, what if I activate the aura, then aggressively move around and MAKE undeads enter the area ?

[dragonhunterq]

I was sure I read somewhere that any saves due to auras and similar ongoing effects happened at the beginning of the controlling characters turn. Can I find a citation now? nnnnnnnoooooooo!

[My Self]

I'd say one round after they first enter it. So if you turn on the aura, then cozy up next to a skeleton, if the skeleton is still in the aura by the beginning if your next turn, they get hurt. But let's say a zombie assaults you one round after you turn on the aura. They move into your aura on their turn. You get to do whatever on your turn. By the beginning if their next turn, if you haven't moved away, they take damage.

[André Bérubé]

My Self: seems rational and well thought ! Thanks.

[Ashram]

Yeah, my interpretation is that they get damaged when you activate it, and since it says that they have to remain in the aura, I'd say they take the damage at the beginning of their subsequent turns if they're still getting shined on.