I have a few questions I was hoping people could answer.
1. If an ability says "ally", such as in the wording of Seize the Ability from the Tactics Subdomain. Does it mean that you are able to use this ability on yourself as well?
2. Can I use the Seize the Initiative ability on multiple people at the start of a combat? Let's say I have a high Wisdom, 30. That means I can use this ability 13 times per day. There's no chance of me ever seeing 13 combat encounters in one day. So does that mean I can use it on myself, the rogue, the cleric, etc in one combat?
1. If an ability says "ally"... Does it mean that you are able to use this ability on yourself as well?
Ally isn't a defined game term, so it ends up being a DMs call if you count as your own ally.
2. Can I use the Seize the Initiative ability on multiple people at the start of a combat?
Seize the Initiative (Su): Whenever you and your allies roll for initiative, you can grant one ally within 30 feet the ability to roll twice and take either result. This decision is made before results are revealed. You can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + your Wisdom modifier.
I would say it's one use per party initiative. Since it says whenever you and your allies roll for init, that means each person's init roll isn't a separate opportunity to use the ability. So when everyone rolls init, you can use the ability and let one ally roll twice. You can do this X times per day.
I'd also say that since it makes the distinction "you and your allies" you are not your own ally, you are yourself. Therefore, you can't use it on yourself.
I'd also say that since it makes the distinction "you and your allies" you are not your own ally, you are yourself. Therefore, you can't use it on yourself.
Then, why would it not just say this:
When your allies roll for initiative, you can grant.....
I'd also say that since it makes the distinction "you and your allies" you are not your own ally, you are yourself. Therefore, you can't use it on yourself.Then, why would it not just say this:
When your allies roll for initiative, you can grant.....
Because if the inquisitor cannot act, then he can't use his ability. For example, a surprise round where the inquisitor didn't make his check and cannot act. He cannot give his fighter buddy (who made his check) this ability.
Ok, I just saw this in the FAQ. Wow, that FAQ was hard to find.
Do you count as your own ally?
You count as your own ally unless otherwise stated or if doing so would make no sense or be impossible. Thus, "your allies" almost always means the same as "you and your allies." (SKR 10/12/10)
–Sean K Reynolds (10/12/10)
...
It doesn't completely answer it though. The way I see it, is that one use of the ability gives that one ally the ability to roll two dice. Multiple uses allow you to give it to multiple allies. And it seems like to me anyways, that you would count as your own ally in this case.
Any other thoughts or views?
Ok, I just saw this in the FAQ. Wow, that FAQ was hard to find.
Ooh, good catch. The FAQ didn't pop up on my search earlier.
Because if the inquisitor cannot act, then he can't use his ability. For example, a surprise round where the inquisitor didn't make his check and cannot act. He cannot give his fighter buddy (who made his check) this ability.
If you're saying the ability uses an action, then it could never be used. The ability happens before the results of rolling initiative are revealed. If the results have not been revealed, you would not yet know if the cleric/inquisitor can act.
If you're saying the ability uses an action, then it could never be used. The ability happens before the results of rolling initiative are revealed. If the results have not been revealed, you would not yet know if the cleric/inquisitor can act.
I said the inquisitor needs to be rolling initiative, not that it took an action. That is exactly what the feat states. He asked what situations this would prevent it being used, I provided an example.
I said the inquisitor needs to be rolling initiative, not that it took an action. That is exactly what the feat states. He asked what situations this would prevent it being used, I provided an example.
Your example doesn't really make sense. If the inquisitor cannot act during a surprise round, then everyone has already rolled initiative, and he would have already used StI.
Initiative is rolled at the beginning of combat, before a surprise round. Otherwise, the surprise round could not happen in initiative order, and combat could be happening before combat has begin. So, everyone rolls initiative, but before the results are revealed, the inquisitor can choose to use Seize the Initiative and grant someone an extra roll. After initiative is settled, a surprise round may begin, in which the inquisitor may be unable to act if he is unaware or surprised.
Bump! Can Seize the Initative be used for more than one ally in a particular fight? Can it be used on oneself? Inquiring minds must know!
