Cleric Channeling and Birthmarks / tattoos

[Casien]

Greetings,

My friends and I are thinking of doing PFS but since we are still kinda new thought we would look a few things up first. I looked around the forums but I was unable to find an official answer for my question. So I thought I would ask.

If my cleric has a Birthmark or Tattoo of the holy symbol, do I have to present it for channeling? Does it have to be visible, do I need to shove it in someones face, or just is just having it acceptable?

I understand that Sean K Reynolds mentioned in this Post that the birthmark/tattoo would count as my divine focus to cast spells. But I was just unsure if that included channeling.

Thanks

[blackbloodtroll]

Holy Symbol is Holy Symbol.

So, it works for Channel.

[Nanomd]

It does indeed work as a holy symbol. BUT, it must be visible in order for you to channel. So having it tattooed on your forehead or your hands for example would work. Having it tattooed on your buttocks would not. Having it in any location where it's not visible would still allow you to use it as a focus for spells, but not allow you to channel.

Core Rulebook wrote:

Channel Energy (Su)

Regardless of alignment, any cleric can release a wave of energy by channeling the power of her faith through her holy (or unholy) symbol. This energy can be used to cause or heal damage, depending on the type of energy channeled and the creatures targeted.

A good cleric (or a neutral cleric who worships a good deity) channels positive energy and can choose to deal damage to undead creatures or to heal living creatures. An evil cleric (or a neutral cleric who worships an evil deity) channels negative energy and can choose to deal damage to living creatures or to heal undead creatures. A neutral cleric of a neutral deity (or one who is not devoted to a particular deity) must choose whether she channels positive or negative energy. Once this choice is made, it cannot be reversed. This decision also determines whether the cleric can cast spontaneous cure or inflict spells (see spontaneous casting).

Channeling energy causes a burst that affects all creatures of one type (either undead or living) in a 30-foot radius centered on the cleric. The amount of damage dealt or healed is equal to 1d6 points of damage plus 1d6 points of damage for every two cleric levels beyond 1st (2d6 at 3rd, 3d6 at 5th, and so on). Creatures that take damage from channeled energy receive a Will save to halve the damage. The DC of this save is equal to 10 + 1/2 the cleric's level + the cleric's Charisma modifier. Creatures healed by channel energy cannot exceed their maximum hit point total—all excess healing is lost. A cleric may channel energy a number of times per day equal to 3 + her Charisma modifier. This is a standard action that does not provoke an attack of opportunity. A cleric can choose whether or not to include herself in this effect.

A cleric must be able to present her holy symbol to use this ability.

So, having it anywhere that's under gear would not work. Having it exposed would, for the purpose of channeling. Either way, still counts as a focus for spells.

[Hakken]

hmmm I am thinking the buttocks channeling one ala braveheart type thing.

[Nanomd]

Hakken wrote:

hmmm I am thinking the buttocks channeling one ala braveheart type thing.

You can buy a kilt (20 GP) for a little extra armour and moon someone if you so choose! But, you have to be able to show the holy symbol.

[lemeres]

Nanomd wrote:

Hakken wrote:

hmmm I am thinking the buttocks channeling one ala braveheart type thing.

You can buy a kilt (20 GP) for a little extra armour and moon someone if you so choose! But, you have to be able to show the holy symbol.

So....Calistria cleric?

[FlySkyHigh]

I had a character do this in a previous campaign I ran. He had the holy symbol tattoo'd onto his palm with golden ink, so whenever he wanted to channel, he just held out his hand and did so. It was kinda awesome, very cool visual, and a good character point.