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This item is much better than some of the other chosen items. I would have taken out the "attacks on either creature" affect both section. I would also use etherealness instead of plane shift, to achieve some of the same effects at a lower cost..... 70k is a bit much. I don't think it's "dull" at all. Kudos.
Meh, I still think RAW it works. RAI, I believe you are right. Then again, RAI I believe that the below section of rules should take care of this problem as well.... allowing the items use. Emulate a Class Feature::
Sometimes you need to use a class feature to activate a magic item. In this case, your effective level in the emulated class equals your Use Magic Device check result minus 20. This skill does not let you actually use the class feature of another class. It just lets you activate items as if you had that class feature. If the class whose feature you are emulating has an alignment requirement, you must meet it, either honestly or by emulating an appropriate alignment with a separate Use Magic Device check (see above). I am not able to use smite, but it lets me activate the item as if I had smite. What item was this rule written for? Surely there must have been a reason to write this rule? Which item is it viable for?
Where does the item say I need to activate the ability? It just says I must have the ability. I get a +2 AC against the chosen opponent. RAW, I just have to make a choice.
I think this is exactly the problem with this sort of interpretation though. Clearly, UMD was meant to work with items like this. You chould be able to gain the benefits of the item because you are "tricking" it into activating for you. Here is why I chose this item, Maouse. Because RAI, I feel as you do that the "+2 sacred bonus to AC against attacks from the chosen opponent" is referring to who you choose with Smite. However, RAW it doesn't say that. It just says "chosen opponent." not "opponent chosen with the relevant ability" Finally, I believe that RAI, UMD was meant to work with items like this. I think most people read too much into the whole "you aren't actually given the ability" portion of UMD. Really, that is just there to stop me from ACTUALLY trying to smite or ACTUALLY trying to channel positive energy. It's not there to stop me from using this item, which seems like a legitimate RAI way to use Use Magic Device.
I agree that greyflame is different. It requires you to actually channel.
I guess my point is what item does emulating a class feature actually work for if you cannot use it the way you suggested? "This armor special ability works only for good creatures with the challenge ability (such as cavaliers) or the smite evil ability (such as paladins, half-celestials, and creatures with the celestial creature template). A wearer with one of these abilities gains a +2 sacred bonus to AC against attacks from the chosen opponent." Armor works only for Good creatures (I'm good) with the smite evil ability (UMD 21). Check. A wearer with one of these abilities gains a +2 sacred bonus to AC against attacks from the chosen opponent. I choose everyone. Check.
"Use Magic Device lets you use a magic item as if you had the spell ability or class features of another class, as if you were a different race, or as if you were of a different alignment." Yeah. Read the next sentence.
Am I right that if I have UMD 21 or greater... then the champion enhancement will grant a +2 sacred bonus to AC vs.... everything. UMD is not an action.
No. I would not allow them with Fabricate/Masterwork Transformation. I would not allow them because the sword you wield after using this spell cannot be dispelled. It's no longer a spell. The Shadow Weapon is a spell. It has a duration, it can be dispelled. It would hit harder than an actual weapon because the wizard who cast it has mastered that spell to such an extent that all of his knowledge which benefits that spell... benefits it doubly so. If the wizard took weapon specialization(longsword) and then made a longsword... it would do +4 damage because even though the wizard is good at dealing damage with longswords.... he is AWESOME at dealing damage with his shadow weapon longsword.
In that case the +2 and +4 would be doubled, but the +1 for level dependent would not. Don't forget, that bonus is a set numerical bonus... which is modifying a level dependent number. Regardless, you think the original portion should be doubled. So, here is another question:
This seems plausible. That is the point that I mainly wanted to touch on, the other arguments in this thread seem obvious. My main inquiry is: Is power attack considered a set numerical bonus. the word "set" to me can mean different things... but mainly I take it to mean "fixed to something or not random, arranged in advance." In that way, power attack would be a set numerical bonus, because it is fixed to level, it's not random, and it is arranged in advance. Level dependent bonuses seem to be set bonuses to me. They are determined by outlying circumstances. Let me give another example. Allied Spellcaster.
I think this spell would benefit by spell perfection. What do you think would happen with Allied Spellcaster + Spell Perfection?
Thanks for pointing this out, improved trip would work as well. Think about using telekenesis to trip, improved trip would be modifying what you can do with the spell. Also, weapon focus(relevant weapon) seems to be stated in the description of spell perfection. Weapon Focus(Ray) is a feat that modifies your attack roll with a spell that is a ray. Weapon Focus(Scimitar) modifies your attack roll with a spell that is a scimitar. What is the difference? I think you are mentally adding limitations to the feat that aren't there. Spell Perfection:
Pick one spell which you have the ability to cast. Whenever you cast that spell you may apply any one metamagic feat you have to that spell without affecting its level or casting time, as long as the total modified level of the spell does not use a spell slot above 9th level. In addition, if you have other feats which allow you to apply a set numerical bonus to any aspect of this spell (such as Spell Focus, Spell Penetration, Weapon Focus [ray], and so on), double the bonus granted by that feat when applied to this spell. So, logic should go like this:
Then double that numerical bonus!
Necro? Let's see what others think, so that at least some more people can hit faq.
You guys should play GURPS Supers if you want to play at that power level.
Well, I thought there might be some reach and travel issues.... but I guess there aren't, seeing as it's always a single attack after you change targets. Nevermind
I'm not seeing anything for the size of the weapon it creates.... now.... I'm not trying to break the game by creating a GARGANTUAN mace, but here is my question.... Does a spiritual weapon increase and decrease depending on the size of the person casting it?
So.... an "Additional Favored Terrain" is cannot be the same one?
Some Favored Terrain Questions 1) Can you select the same terrain 2x? Like this: 1st Favored Terrain (Mountain)
Ending up with a +6 to mountain terrains. 2) Does the first choosing of favored terrain grant a +2 bonus to itself by way of the second paragraph. "In addition, at each such interval, the bonus against any one favored enemy (including the one just selected, if so desired) increases by +2." Does that count the First Interval? So Favored Terrain Forest +2 and +2 at the 1st favored terrain?
The reason it seems out of whack is.... because if you are flanking with someone, you're rogue partner can sneak attack. If you grapple that same person, from the same location, he is no longer flanked because he is not "threatened" by you anymore. (you cannot attack of opportunity). That seems a bit strange.
Oh. I thought of it more as to catch "off guard" or someone is off their guard. After all, the Scout archetype is able to treat people flat-footed that see him charge round after round after round, not because they are unaware that he can use that ability. So, I think of someone grappled as "off their guard." I just like to offer solutions to problems, that's all. The suggestion wasn't my point, I guess. Question is this: 1. Why not add being grappled to the list of people where sneak attack applies? It seems to go with the theme and similar mechanics. 2. Is there a forum where people can offer ideas and suggestions to the developers to improve upon the product and they can glance at it? 3. Are their plans for a Pathfinder 2nd Edition in the works which might implement improvements on design and cut some of the unecessary, complicated fat from the pathfinder system?
Having the grappled condition doesn't allow sneak attack.
Do you think simply saying "Grappled creatures are considered flat-footed" is a good fix? This would replace the bolded text of the grappled condition below. Grappled:
A grappled creature is restrained by a creature, trap, or effect. Grappled creatures cannot move and take a –4 penalty to Dexterity. A grappled creature takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls and combat maneuver checks, except those made to grapple or escape a grapple. In addition, grappled creatures can take no action that requires two hands to perform. A grappled character who attempts to cast a spell or use a spell-like ability must make a concentration check (DC 10 + grappler's CMB + spell level), or lose the spell. Grappled creatures cannot make attacks of opportunity. Pros:
Cons:
Also, I think there is a way to simplify and combine "squeezing" rules with "grappling" rules.
Spell perfection wouldn't double the "minimum" damage of the spell from 1 to 2, because only FEATS you possess are doubled on the spell.
Where is this false notion that spells are only spells as they are being cast???? I do say, SHOW ME! In fact, multiple rules suggest (and even outright say) exactly the opposite. Here are a few:
Timed Durations:
Many durations are measured in rounds, minutes, hours, or other increments. When the time is up, the magic goes away and the spell ends. If a spell's duration is variable, the duration is rolled secretly so the caster doesn't know how long the spell will last. From this we see that spells with durations CONTINUE to be spells, they are lasting, the don't cease to be a spell.
Knowledge Arcana Checks:
Identify a spell effect that is in place So, you can ID a spell that is already cast. Meaning that whatever spell effect is present IS still a spell."
So, AGAIN. The ray IS the spell, the flame weapon scimitar IS the spell, the illusion sword IS the spell, the mage armor IS the spell, the delayed blast fireball IS still the spell. Spell description + spell effect = the spell.
sry. acid arrow is conjuration creation.... so that might not apply. Although, the more I look at it the more I think it should.
The spell IS the sword! Anything feat that enhances the sword enhances the spell, because they are one and the same.Similarly, the RAY is the spell in Ray of Frost. It's not just a ray created by the spell. The ARROW IS the spell in Acid Arrow. The creature IS the spell in summon monster. It has already been shown in the spells description that Attack rolls made with the spell can be modified. So spells CAN be modified by such things.
"works because it is used on an attack directly caused by the spell" I am making attacks directly with my spell (which is in the shape of a sword. "Those feats are not part of the act of casting the spell (which is where Spell Perfection applies)" This is not what the feat says. The Italicized portion is separate from the bold. Spell Perfection:
Pick one spell which you have the ability to cast. Whenever you cast that spell you may apply any one metamagic feat you have to that spell without affecting its level or casting time, as long as the total modified level of the spell does not use a spell slot above 9th level. In addition, if you have other feats which allow you to apply a set numerical bonus to any aspect of this spell (such as Spell Focus, Spell Penetration, Weapon Focus [ray], and so on), double the bonus granted by that feat when applied to this spell. If what you say is true, then I shouldn't be able double Spell Penetration on a Vampiric Touch if I held the charge because it was applied after I cast the spell. Do I have the feat power attack? Yes.
@Claxon
Quote: "Also, the blade or weapon you create is not the spell, it is a result of the spell." Care to cite a source for this? Every spell creates an effect.
A good rule of thumb is, if you can dispel it gone, then it is a spell. When the spell effect is a ray, weapon focus(ray) applies and gets doubled by spell perfection. That's why it makes sense to me, that when the spell effect is a Shadow Scimitar, then weapon focus(scimitar) would apply and get doubled. You seem to think that I am using something similar to Wood Shape. Look closely at how Wood Shape is different from the things I am descibing. Wood Shape has no effect, so whatever I make with it is permanent, cannot be dispelled, aren't spells. Notice how there is no Spell Effect and the duration is instantaneus.
I don't know for sure if Power Attack would work, but the Feat specifically says that Weapon Focus would work. Am I missing something?What the OP wants is for Weapon Focus(Lonsword) to apply to Shadow Weapon (which creates the Illusion of a weapon) when he creates a longsword with it. I agree that Weapon Focus (Longsword) would apply normally to a longsword whether it is real or a shadow version of this spell and Power Attack would apply normally too. However, I don't think it makes any sense to double it with Spell Perfection because those feats in no way directly modify the spell. They modify something created by spell. Weapon Focus(Scimitar) can effect Flame Blade. Flame Blade:
EFFECT
Range 0 ft.
DESCRIPTION A 3-foot-long, blazing beam of red-hot fire springs forth from your hand. You wield this blade-like beam as if it were a scimitar. Attacks with the flame blade are melee touch attacks. The blade deals 1d8 points of fire damage + 1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10). Since the blade is immaterial, your Strength modifier does not apply to the damage. A flame blade can ignite combustible materials such as parchment, straw, dry sticks, and cloth.
Why wouldn't the same apply to a Shadow Weapon Scimitar? Shadow Weapon:
EFFECT Range 0 ft.
DESCRIPTION Drawing upon the Plane of Shadow, you shape a quasi-real masterwork melee weapon of a type you are proficient with. You may use this weapon to make attacks as if it were a real weapon, dealing normal damage for a weapon of its type. The first time you hit a creature with the weapon, it may make a Will save to disbelieve; failure means the weapon deals damage normally, success means it only takes 1 point of damage from the weapon’s attacks. The weapon only deals 1 point of damage to objects. If an attacked creature has spell resistance, you make a caster level check (1d20 + caster level) against that spell resistance the first time the shadow weapon strikes it. If the weapon is successfully resisted, the spell is dispelled. If not, the target may save to disbelieve as normal. At 5th level, the weapon gains a +1 enhancement bonus. At 10th-level, you may increase the enhancement bonus to +2 or add the frost or keen weapon property. The frost and keen properties have no effect if the target makes its disbelief save. The spell ends if the weapon leaves your possession.
Here is what spell perfection says:
If I have Spell Focus(illusion) and use it on Shadow Weapon, does that not increase the will save of the spell? Wouldn't that be doubled if I had Spell Perfection(Shadow Weapon)? I think yes. It seems to me that this blade that I create is the spell and not just some object created by it! Therefore, things like weapon specialization, weapon focus, and power attack would apply as well, since they apply to the damage of the spell.
Link please?
1) It says nowhere that the feat must affect the spell at the time of casting. 2) Shadow weapon isn't an object, that would be conjuration(creation).
Let's say you had something like Spell Perfection (Shadow Weapon) Since Weapon Focus gets doubled on similar spells.... would Power attack?
Guys, Sneak attack + Scorching ray is super dee duper powerful if it goes on every single ray. A Trickster's Damage if Ruling went the other way:
Level 15 Draconic Sorcerer 4/Rogue 3/Trickster 8 (Fire) Improved Crit (Ray) Quicken Spell Empowered Spell Point Blank Shot Quickened Sorching Ray + Empowered Scorching Ray 12d6 from 3 rays +18d6 sneak attacks +30 Draconic Bloodline +1 within 30 feat+ 36 Sniper Goggles +35 (extra from chance crit)= 207 207+1.5(207)= 519.5 damage on round 1.
So... YES..... tricksters are the best wielders of Scorching Ray (not rogues with UMD) and YES.... it could have been abused out of control).
Given that FAQ response seems to be from today, I'm not sure much thought was put into the answer.We really, really, really appreciate this sort of comment. Thanks, Sean. Appreciate the Ruling.You guys take all the hate so that the DMs don't have to. That's making our jobs easier. :-) (even though, I'm the player on this one.... *cries for his arcane trickster*)
It looks like the guy that makes the game says that they all get sneak attack. This doesn't make a lot of sense from a flavor perspective, or with regard to how other rules logic applies, but mechanically it's probably the best decision so I don't have an issue with it.The part of the FAQ about magic missile only applying the sneak attack damage to one missile suggests that only one of the scorching rays should get the sneak attack damage ("This damage is only applied once per spell").
I've got no problem with it being one sneak attack per spell.... but that doesn't follow from either of these two cases. It just needs its own faq entry. "When doing damage with a spell requiring an attack roll, precision damage and sneak attack only apply once per spell." Quote 1: That is a rule from a specific ability of a class. So no one is going to apply it to a general rule any more than someone would apply the rules for Summon Monster I (sp) of the Summoner class to any summon monster spell cast. Quote 2: It's only one attack on the two arrows. Whereas, scorching ray is a separate attack for each ray. Unless Pathfinder v2.0 is being released anytime soon and this isn't an issue? :-)
Thanks for taking an interest in this once again Sean. Do you think you might take a moment and consider adding another FAQ which deals with this a little more clearly?
By this point, you have given up much of your higher level spells in order to improve the lower ones. It opens up more floodgates than that.. other spells could then deliver 8 or 15 sneak attacks in a round simultaneously. What are you worried about?:
--Wiz 3/Rog 3/Trickster 6 is when you get 5th level spells.
--9 Attacks, dealing 1d4 (+5d6) sneak at about a +15 (+6 classes + 7 intellgence +2 random buff) to hit. --Average Armor Class of monsters is 27. --Damage = 9(20)(.45) = 81 damage at level 12. If the target has DR, this damage goes down rapidly.
1 Empowered Fireball at this for an draconic sorcerer will do (10d6+10)*1.5 = 68 damage. However, that damage can rise immensely above the Arcane Tricksters if there are multiple enemies. Let's say, 3 enemies. With 3 enemies, the trickster does... still.... 81 damage.
Both level 5 spells cast by 12 level characters (even though the sorcerer could do bigger and better things). The Arcane Trickster damage requires alot of preparation and situational factors and does only slightly better damage and only on single targets. So, Single target, flat-footed enemy that can be sneak attacked with no DR within 30 feet... sure in that case telekinesis is better,for the time being. Don't be fooled by it, telekinesis will keep getting worse and worse as monster's ACs, DR, and Immunities go up. The only way this spell keeps up with other spells is with immense amounts of gold.
"15 people marked this as FAQ candidate. Answered in the errata." When and where was this answered in the errata??
Wizards > Sorcerers by a longshot. 1) Can have EVERY spell (more options). 2) Get higher spell levels sooner - HUGE advantage... HUGE HUGE HUGE. 3) Intelligence is a better stat than Charisma. More skills vs better party face.... but the reason INT wins is that there is better versatility and more skills require INT. 4) Improved Familiar (basically another character that can do rogue-ish things, has your skills and CAN ASSIST YOU ON EVERYTHING for +2, and can cast lowbie spells through wands. Invest in a Wand of Dimension Door (or an item that can cast it 3/day). 5) Leave 1 spell slot open per level and prepare it as needed. This pretty much means out of combat you can have ANY spell of ANY level you know. 6) Wizard Schools have nice abilities, often better than bloodlines. 7) Save Metamagic Mastery for boss fight wins. Now, if you are the guy that doesn't leave any spell slots open, doesn't know what spells to prepare when you know you are going into a graveyard tonight (or all the enemies were ghosts/outsiders/humanoids), and doesn't every use your familiar's abilities..... the Sorcerer is for you.... niiiiice and safe.
Neat concept. I was adamant (har har) about not putting any mithral or adamantine golems in my game because I didn't want the players ending up with a big pile of metal worth more than its weight in gold... but with a simulacrum of the golem all they'd end up with is a pile of snow, which I'm OK with. I've known groups that would take 3-4 entire game sessions deciding what to do with all of the adamantine and travelling to cities selling it. I understand you completely, lol.
I do want to keep the same feeling of "this thing is like an adamantine golem" though. I don't want to just cop out and put a stone golem in. Perhaps I can change it up a bit... instead of needing to be destroyed by an adamantine vorpal weapon... I can just say needs to be decapitated by a keen weapon. Damage is easily halved, life and HD easily halved. I can half the DR and the fast healing.
Hey all, Just some tips on how an Adamantine Golems powers work with Simulacrum? What do do with DR/epic, fast healing 10, and indestructible ability
Well, you can prepare better than the "clone" can prepare. -You can have others there waiting to capture it.(summoned angels or allies)
- You can have spells in place that you have already saved against (but the duplicate hasn't. I just want to know what constitutes defeat. Is it capture? Removal of threat? Knock out? Death? Being Held?
Knowing someone is hiding and being able to find them are two separate things. Invisibility. Bump for interest.
Mirror of Opposition creates duplicates of people and is often used as a trap. What if it was used on Purpose? If I create a duplicate of myself in the mirror and then Dominate it.... do I have a fun little friend that I can send in before battle? What if the duplicate cannot find me? Does it wander around looking for me? If it is attacked by someone else, does it attack back? I know what counts as "Destruction" in the description... but what counts as "Defeat"? Sry, lots of questions.
You are correct. It is not only the DMs job to limit players from being overpowered... but also to limit himself. However, the fact is that I already have the limitations in place on my side. The only time you see the chains are when they are placed on you and your character making decisions. Instead you assume that a DM is unfair for placing limitations on you. Does not pathfinder society limit your game play options? are they unfair?
Bestiary 2 for the most part. Other ways that I limit myself is by not leveling my monsters with Ultimate combat/magic classes, feats, spells or special abilities. I recognize that I, too, could create a monster that is unstoppable. I'm not trying to make a game impossible to beat... I'm trying to even make it a challenge for my players! No challenge = no fun, imho
9th Level Alchemist (Blessing of Fervor by party cleric) Fast Bombs, Intelligence 28, point blank, rapid shot4 attacks (5d6+10) against a touch AC of 6 3.5*5+10= 17.5+10 = 28 Ever single touch attack hits an AC of 6 because he never rolls a 1.
.... .... that is ... ONLY the Alchemist against the Black Magga. 3rd turn a CR 15 was running from a party 6 levels beneath it.
@Dekalinder Sorry. I disagree. Rewarding xp based off merit isn't favoritism.
I'm only saying whoever takes part in the encounter should gain experience for that encounter. You are saying "gimme gimme gimme xp, don't take it away from me I need to level"<--I guess that's how I use hyperbole! @Claxon Yes, but that removes storyline experience rewards.... you know, the extra you get for completing the story a certain way or discovering hidden truths? That is extra experience that might place the PCs at a different level at different times. It also assumes that everything before that point was completed (or doesn't care if it wasn't). Because of that, it makes players' actions seem unimportant. That seems so fail to me.
This is correct.
False Idea 1: Transparency avoids conflict:
Keeping the players a little in the dark often creates mystery and the excitement of the unknown. That is actually a win for a good DM. As much as you can, you should be avoiding breaking a players enchantment. Sometimes players get bogged down with such things as experience and it's best for you to take that away from them. You can see this in your previous example where you imagined players all fighting for the experience! That's dumb. That has nothing to do with character, or story, or anything. You need to break your players from this way of thinking.
False Idea 2: Rewarding a player and not another is punishment:
Lol, you think that Mr. Silent deserves bonus experience when communication is necessary to achieve it? If he does as much to help as a dead character... then he deserves as much experience as a dead character gets. Just because the Indians win vs the Reds, doesn't mean that the Reds are being punished. Ever pass go in Monopoly? Were the other players being punished because they didn't? A players win... is just that... their win. False Idea 3: 50% less xp for not talking:
Really, the experience amount we are talking about is probably enough to change 1 level over the course of the game. They will just end up levelling a few encounters ahead of you. You will still end up where you should, level wise. There is tons of experience you never even see because you teleport past it or because you take a different path or because you don't roll random encounters. False Idea 3: I am telling you that you have to do things my way: You are free to ignore my advice.... or try it.
PS - I do believe that selecting your class for you was a bit rough though. Usually, I just let parties without healing suffer the consequences....
Things I (as a DM) have disallowed from my campaigns. Anything NOT Core Rule Book or Advanced Players' Guide.
There was once a campaign world I created where I flat out told players that Arcane Magicians would be sought out and burned at the stake because the only way to get arcane magic in this world was through demonic favors. They were, of course, welcome to play an evil character. Magic items and artifacts became extremely sought after and they started out as professional archeaologists, treasure hunter style. They had fun. Following the "rules of the game" created Pun-Pun.
I once had a player riding on the back of a gecko who complained that he wasn't able to charge attack with his lance in dungeons enough and that the rooms were too small for him to do it. He said I was doing it on purpose to limit him. (I copied them from the adventure path). My answer to a player will always be the same when they have problems with my decisions/rulings: "The good news is that a monster, NPC, or villain will never have that opportunity either!" DMs have the right and responsibility to limit their players. It's not like you are being asked to pick your class, then roll your stats 3d6 down the line. I'd like to see your tears for that oldschool style.
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