abilities with time limits that require a standard action .... when does the time clock start?

[gourry187]

There are several abilities, bloodlines powers, revolations, ect that have a time duration while requiring a standard action to start. Does the round you start the power count against the duration.

A character uses a standard action to start a power but it only lasts one round ... is the one round used up at your next initiative pass?

[partyrico]

Yes, else it would let you activate non-standard action abilities for a round infinitely in order to keep them going on others' turns.

[Are]

Yes, the duration ends just before your initiative on the next round. Those powers are primarily either for defensive use, to debuff an opponent, or to buff your allies.

[Michael Sayre]

Are wrote:

Yes, the duration ends just before your initiative on the next round. Those powers are primarily either for defensive use, to debuff an opponent, or to buff your allies.

^^ This is correct.

It makes it tricky for some characters (like a witch using Cackle, since Cackle needs to be used in the same round as an ability with a 1 round duration if you don't want it to expire before your next turn), but that is the way it works.

[gourry187]

That's what I thought which makes bloodlines powers like thunderstaff pretty much worthless at 1st level /sadface

[partyrico]

You can use thunderstaff on allies' weapons. And single turn abilities can still be used for attacks of opportunities in between turns.