When a Monk does an unarmed attack vs a level drain creature, does it automatically cause level loss, or does the creature have to actively affect him/her?
I can see the arguments on both sides, but wondered if there was a ruling anywhere applicable to this scenario.
Thanks in advance for the answers.
|
I would say no.
Unless the creature (monsters) description said that whenever it is struck (or something living makes contact with it) that it happens.
Otherwise (like many undead) it is a special attack from the creature, as in when the creature in question attacks then the level drain happens as long as it successfully hit.
The creature must hit its target with its own attack (e.g. a vampire's slam attack or natural weapon) in order to trigger its energy drain.
I would agree with that myself, but also see the other side of the argument: say it's a Fire Elemental instead of some level-drain creature. Touching it would obviously do the attacking Monk great harm.
I'm hoping though that the ruling comes down on the side of the "no."
EDIT: ninja'd by Shadow above, but we totally agree.
Level draining isn't something that a creature does because its touched, it has to consciously use that power (Ie. a vampire's slam attack vs. a vampire just delivering a touch spell). Its clear in the rules, if they'd meant it to be otherwise, they'd have said as much. There's no need for a ruling on this.
A fire elemental burns because that's its very nature.
Excellent. That works for me!