| 5 people marked this as FAQ candidate. |
So how does an Oracle with the Bones mystery (Raise the Dead) summon a skeleton?
Does an Oracle need a target body? This makes the ability more circumstantial, but it makes the skeleton build easier to know how to do. However, it is not really summoning; it is more animating to do it this way.
Does an Oracle just summon a skeleton in the same manner a caster summons, for example, a wolf? If so, how is the skeleton summoned built? The ability says that the skeleton has two hit dice, but it doesn't elaborate on the issue of size, or stats, or natural attacks of the original form. I'm somewhat confused as to how to rule it.
You are correct in assuming that this ability works just like any other summoning spell. And since this is the case, you must use the Skeleton and Zombie stat blocks from the bestiary. All you have to do is apply any changes mentioned in the Oracle's ability.
For example, the Skeleton would not have just 4(1d8)hp anymore. It would have Xd8hp, X being equal to your Oracle level. Also, it only remains to help you for as many rounds as your Charisma modifier. Not a bad little dude to help you out when you need it, especially as a distraction or cannon fodder.
FAQing. I'm not sure that the intent is to use the Bestiary zombies / skeletons.
Probably is, but it'd be nice to know for certain.
FAQing. I'm not sure that the intent is to use the Bestiary zombies / skeletons.
Probably is, but it'd be nice to know for certain.
::EDIT::
If not that, then what are you supposed to use? The revelation doesn't have it's own stat blocks for these monsters, and the specific (bloody) skeletons and (fast) zombies are only mentioned in the bestiary. Then again, the revelation also mentions advanced skeletons and zombies, and I have no idea what that is referring to in the bestiary.
If not that, then what are you supposed to use? The revelation doesn't have it's own stat blocks for these monsters, and the specific skeletons and zombies are only mentioned in the bestiary.FAQing. I'm not sure that the intent is to use the Bestiary zombies / skeletons.
Probably is, but it'd be nice to know for certain.
Hmm... I'm not 100% sure... but didn't monsters get larget and beefier when advanced by enough HD?
So, can I just merrily slap 17HD on a human skeleton... or will I rather have to go through the whole 'Advancing Monsters' spiel?
If not that, then what are you supposed to use? The revelation doesn't have it's own stat blocks for these monsters, and the specific skeletons and zombies are only mentioned in the bestiary.FAQing. I'm not sure that the intent is to use the Bestiary zombies / skeletons.
Probably is, but it'd be nice to know for certain.
Hmm... I'm not 100% sure... but didn't monsters get larget and beefier when advanced by enough HD?
So, can I just merrily slap 17HD on a human skeleton... or will I rather have to go through the whole 'Advancing Monsters' spiel?
You could have a 17HD skeleton if you're a 17th-level Oracle. Maybe the "advanced" skeletons and zombies at 15th level refers to the "Monster Advancement" part of the bestiary, but according to HD and CR, it would advance anyway as the Oracle levels. I thought I could explain this ability, but it keeps raising more questions. Stupid Bones mystery! *shakes fist*
A creature with the skeleton / zombie template?
I guess that is all that makes sense.
1. The skeleton or zombie is summoned, not animated. As in, poof, there's a skeleton or zombie there, and (I assume) it begins acting immediately on your turn.
2. The skeleton or zombie is the human version presented in the bestiary, regardless of circumstances, location, race of caster, etc.
3. The skeleton or zombie has the same number of hit dice as the Oracle has levels. In other words, that part of the skeleton or zombie in the bestiary is changed, including all the changes that go with it, e.g. BaB.
4. If you get to summon an advanced skeleton or zombie then you just add the advanced creature template, granting +2 to all rolls, +4 to AC and CMD, +2 hp per hd, +4 to stats, and natural armor bonus of +2.
I just wish that the ability called it out specifically as a human skeleton. Or that the ability called it out specifically as animating a nearby body instead.
Generally, I look at the skeleton as a template. I only pay attention to the human skeleton as an example of how to apply the template, you know.
Anyway. I guess I'll go with the above. I doubt it will get clarified further.
Wait, so what exactly changes with HD? I know total hp will change, but what else exactly?
Wait, so what exactly changes with HD? I know total hp will change, but what else exactly?
Saves: Base save bonuses are Fort +1/3 HD, Ref +1/3 HD, and Will +1/2 HD + 2.
BAB: A skeleton's base attack bonus is equal to 3/4 of its Hit Dice.
For the fancy ones:
Bloody Skeletons Fast Healing is based on HD.
Burning Skeleton - Fiery Death (Su) increases by HD also.