I've been searching the messageboards for clarification on the Air Elementalist wizard's 8th-level Cyclone power, specifically whether it moves with him once he's activated it, and I have found only one post that claims it doesn't move, but without offering an argument or justification drawn from the rules. So, my question: when an Air Elementalist creates a cyclone, does it stay centered on him as he moves? Or does it stay put, and if he then moves, he probably has to move through the cyclone himself? Does he get any say in the matter?
And for reference, here's the original text for the power:
Cyclone (Su):
At 8th level, you can create a vortex of turbulent wind around yourself as a standard action. This vortex has a radius of up to 10 feet and a maximum height of 10 feet per wizard level you possess. Any ranged attack passing through this vortex automatically misses. Any flying creature moving through the vortex must make a Fly skill check or immediately fall from the sky, taking falling damage (the creature cannot make a Fly check to reduce or negate this damage). Creatures on the ground cannot pass through the vortex without first making a Strength check. The DC of this check is equal to 10 + your caster level. The vortex is faintly visible and can be spotted with a DC 15 Perception skill check. You can use this ability for a number of rounds per day equal to your wizard level. These rounds do not need to be consecutive.
And while I'm at it, it looks to me like the wizard can control the radius and height of the cyclone, out to the maximum dimensions. So if he wants to make a 5' radius and 50' high cyclone, he can do that. Yes?
Let's try this again. Anyone have any help to offer?
IMO, it should. He has to spend rounds to maintain it.
If nothing else he could cancel it, move then reactivate it.
|
It seems that, since it's centered on the caster, it should move with him. The only issue I can see with that would be moving and forcing it into contact with another character. Since they have to make a strength check to pass through the cyclone, I don't think you can use it as a weapon. I can't think of any other ability that would allow you to do so, at least.
It seems that, since it's centered on the caster, it should move with him. The only issue I can see with that would be moving and forcing it into contact with another character. Since they have to make a strength check to pass through the cyclone, I don't think you can use it as a weapon. I can't think of any other ability that would allow you to do so, at least.
It would be the same if he turned it on with a landbound creature in range.
So far you're both echoing my thinking. But if you could start it, leave it on, and move, carrying it with you, you could try to sweep a bunch of flying creatures out of the sky with it by making them make Fly checks, which odds are some of them will fail. That seems to me like a reasonable thing to try to do, although by contrast it isn't clear to me what should happen to creatures on the ground that come into contact with the cyclone during the caster's movement.
|
I had this same question with a wizard about to gain this ability. But more specifically, can you create it around yourself while levitating or flying? And then can you place it vertically with yourself at any place along its height? Essentially create the vortex while you are beyond the reach of creatures on the ground, but extend it down to affect them.
If it stays "around you" then it seems you could move and maintain it around you. Essentially move it as part of your move action, as you would never choose to try to fly through it.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
I do have another question (6 years later), for how long does it last this ability?
I am about to gain this ability and I am curious about it. As a Wizard my intention is to use it as a protection from ranged attacks, not much as a "weapon".