Hi!
What kind of action if any does activating the Domain powers, especially the 8th level ones, take?
In the SRD, under "Monster Types, Subtypes, and Special Abilities", it says:
"Using a supernatural ability is a standard action unless noted otherwise."
Under "Domains" (PRPG, p. 69), it also says:
"Unless otherwise noted, these abilities are activated by
using a standard action."
Thus, using one of these abilities requires a standard action. But is this intentional?
Most 1st level abilities state that it takes a standard action (complete list below*) or melee touch attack to activate them, but except for the Rune and Weather Domains, there's no such thing for the 8th level powers.
Is this...
... a pure redundancy in those cases where it's stated explicitly?
(=> Remove either the abstract rule under "Domains" or the mentioning in the ability descriptions.)
... a hint that those without an action type stated are supposed to be able to be activated freely?
(=> Clarify that.)
From a design standpoint, I'd suppose that some powers were better as free actions, e. g. the Strength Domain's 8th level strength-check bonus , as the need to spend an action forbids the use on "passive" checks, i. e. those initiated/planned not by you, or the Protection Domain's 8th level Feat power, as spending a standard action seems pretty "expensive" for such a relatively minor effect.
*Air Domain (p. 69), 1st level power,
Animal Domain (p. 70), 1st level power,
Community Domain (p. 71), 1st level power,
Earth Domain (p. 72), 1st level power,
Fire Domain (p. 73), 1st level power,
Glory Domain (p. 73), 1st level power,
Good Domain (p. 73), 1st level power,
Healing Domain (p. 73), 1st level power,
Law Domain (p. 74), 1st level power,
Liberation Domain (p. 74), 1st level power,
LuckDomain (p. 75), 1st level power,
Magic Domain (p. 75), 1st level power,
Nobility Domain (p. 76), 1st level power,
Protection Domain (p. 76), 1st level power,
Rune Domain (p. 77), 1st AND 8th level power,
Strength Domain (p. 77), 1st level power,
Water Domain (p. 78), 1st level power,
Weather Domain (p. 79), 1st level AND 8th level power.