So it has become something of a running issue in my group what actions can be performed while a character is paralyzed.
http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/glossary.html#paralysis
My understanding is that you could only dismiss a dismissible spell as a standard action, dismiss a spell you are concentrating on, use telepathy, cast a spell with no components, or similarly obviously non-physical actions.
Can you use any or some spell like abilities? Which ones, if only some?
Can a cleric channel? (this is the one that comes up most often). Can a cleric channel if the cleric channeled the round before and is therefore already 'presenting' their holy symbol?
As this is the rules forum, I'm only looking for RAW interpretations.
channel energy just needs you to have your holy symbol out.
A cleric must be able to present her holy symbol to use this ability.
'present' just means not keeping it hidden
if you have the holy symbol tattoo from UE on an obviously not hidden body part nothing stops you from channeling while paralyzed, just like having it worn openly on your neck. it is very hard to stop a cleric from channeling.
Haha, well this is exactly the problem in my group.
What does 'presenting' actually entail?
For me, whether you have the Birthmark holy symbol trait or the Tattoo holy symbol it still seems that some sort of physical movement is implied by the term 'presenting'; For instance, in the case of a character with such a symbol on their forehead, I imagine such a character jutting their forehead out to emphasize their holy symbol. This is how I understand 'presenting' as an English verb.
More broadly, insofar as turn undead (and therefore channel energy) is based on the classic image of a priest presenting a crucifix, it seems to require physical movement (of a rather vigorous nature). Of course, this is a purely fluff argument and has no RAW basis.
Others in my group take asthyril's point of view. As a note, however, since you need a free hand to cast a spell with a S component I always assume that handling of the holy symbol is part of the S component of a spell with a DF.
A cleric must be able to present her holy symbol to use this ability.'present' just means not keeping it hidden
Technically, you must be able to present it. If you're unable to present it, you can't channel. If the holy symbol was not presented, would you be able to present it while paralyzed? Nope. So you're not able to present it, so you can't channel. It doesn't matter if it's actually presented.
Remove "be able" from the rule and it would work as you suggest.
A cleric must be able to present her holy symbol to use this ability.'present' just means not keeping it hiddenTechnically, you must be able to present it. If you're unable to present it, you can't channel. If the holy symbol was not presented, would you be able to present it while paralyzed? Nope. So you're not able to present it, so you can't channel. It doesn't matter if it's actually presented.
Remove "be able" from the rule and it would work as you suggest.
Thank you Grick, for reminding me how absurd RAW can get!
The question still remains as to what exactly 'present' means. If a holy symbol hanging around your neck is 'presented' than a paralyzed character with such a holy symbol would be able to present it as they are constantly presenting it.
Of course, as I mentioned upthread, I think presenting is more involved than that.
The biggest problem I have with that: what about Oracles and Necromancers that don't have a holy symbol and therefore no need to present it?
Would you be able to present your holy symbol, if you had one?
If so, you can channel.
The biggest problem I have with that: what about Oracles and Necromancers that don't have a holy symbol and therefore no need to present it?Would you be able to present your holy symbol, if you had one?
If so, you can channel.
That seems to make sense, by RAW.
The issue still seems to be the definition of 'present.'
Definition of PRESENT
transitive verb
1
a (1) : to bring or introduce into the presence of someone especially of superior rank or status (2) : to introduce socially
b : to bring (as a play) before the public
2
: to make a gift to
3
: to give or bestow formally
4
a : to lay (as a charge) before a court as an object of inquiry
b : to bring a formal public charge, indictment, or presentment against
5
: to nominate to a benefice
6
a : to offer to view : show
b : to bring to one's attention <this presents a problem>
7
: to act the part of : perform
8
: to aim, point, or direct (as a weapon) so as to face something or in a particular direction
intransitive verb
1
: to present a weapon
2
: to become manifest
3
: to come forward as a patient
4
: to make a presentation
I am understanding present as 6b (also 8), 'to bring to one's attention', which is why I think it requires physical movement.
