Two Questions About Harpies

[The ShadowShackleton]

We all know that harpies captivating song requires a standard action to start as a supernatural ability but what kind of action is required to maintain it? Free action as many GMs rule? Standard action each round as per the default for supernatural abilities? Makes a big difference to the likelihood of a TPK.

Is a captivated victim considered helpless when he is within 5 feet of the harpy who captivated him? The text seems contradictory on this point.

[Jiggy]

A relevant point in this discussion (one which I've not seen addressed by anyone yet) is that the Song lasts for 1 round after the harpy stops singing. If it's a free action to maintain (ergo, no reason to ever stop while the victim's still alive) then there's no point to that extra round at all.

[Caderyn]

Technically there are multiple ways to stop someone singing (silence, stunned, paralysed, dead, unconcious) and in most of these the 1 round lag time would be relevant to the harpy (you could argue that dead wouldnt really be relevant for the harpy although the PC cant act for a further round still).

I clicked FAQ as well btw for this one

[The ShadowShackleton]

Yep even once you are deafened you will continue to be fascinated for a round. One way of looking at it. Make that 3 questions about harpies! ;p

[The ShadowShackleton]

Situation: harpy has you walking towards a cliff face. Harpy dies of arrow wounds. You fail your save for a threatening situation and in the round after the harpy has stopped singing you walk towards it as required and fall to your death? What a way to go!

[The ShadowShackleton]

Anyone?

[Jiggy]

For those interested, James Jacobs says it's supposed to be a standard action each round, luring the victim in, then stop singing and use that 1 extra round to attack.

[Matthew Morris]

Jiggy wrote:

For those interested, James Jacobs says it's supposed to be a standard action each round, luring the victim in, then stop singing and use that 1 extra round to attack.

Since they seem to hunt in packs (flocks?) that makes sense.

[Jiggy]

"Gaggles," of course. ;)

[TetsujinOni]

Jiggy wrote:

For those interested, James Jacobs says it's supposed to be a standard action each round, luring the victim in, then stop singing and use that 1 extra round to attack.

Wow, he read a clear rule and got a clear answer supported directly by the underlying system. And used the same logic that Jiggy and I did coming up with that position.

Reverting to my RAW-reading, easier on the players ruling.

[M. Balmer]

Jiggy wrote:

"Gaggles," of course. ;)

I think a 'murder' of harpies would be a more appropriate term.