My take,
1. since the ability has a duration I assume that it is a triggered ability instead of just being continous.
2. since the ability does not specify that it is a free or swift action and it is an extraordinary ability I would assume it is treated the same as any other "normal" extraordinary ability.
3. Extraordinary abilities are specifically listed as taking a standard action to use, under the combat section.
Since it's a standard action it suggests that you really have to clinch in order to "secrete" the chemicals that produce the odor. On the plus side the combat section also says that using this ability doesn't provoke.
2. since the ability does not specify that it is a free or swift action and it is an extraordinary ability I would assume it is treated the same as any other "normal" extraordinary ability.
My rules conflict comes that is listed under "Aura" in the Bestiary, and such as other auras (like paladin, or cleric) It seems to be continous (and seems so when PCs encounter NPCs Enemies Troglodites, but)
But a Switft action is kind of "continous" controlable, For Tribal prehistoric NPCs Troglodites, stench is a form of communication, and so they "activate" it continously, but for a reincarnated other-race PC, has to make-it-out how to secrete that sweat for use the stench.
Those are my views. I came for some others to be as fairest as possible. Thanks :)
hmm.... it is true that the duration listed with stench abilities is specifically just the duration of the sickened ability. This makes it kind of ambiguous then. since I can easily find examples of some aura abilities that don't specify and others that clearly indicate that you have to "turn it on" examples of auras that must be "turned on" are Fear, Frightful presence and even the paladin's aura of justice.
So, it might be continuous. If it is I would suggest using the SR rules or holding your breath rules. In this way you can make conscious effort to "not smell" but it's taxing and if you're distracted it will resume automatically.
someone mentioned looking at giant skunk. unfortunately, it's musk ability is an actual attack that has limited uses per day. I see nothing in the monster description suggesting that Troglodyte stench is limited to so many uses per day.
Now, if you want more concrete rules you could use the 3rd party Troglodyte race. It's depowered a bit from the monster entry and gives a clear description of the stench ability, making it a limited use ability that can be triggered as a swift action.
This isn't an "official" solution but it's a way to handle a Troglodyte PC. <shrug>
I've always thought of since nothing says that Stench has to be activated or what action it is to maintain it that meant that it's a continuous effect.
One thing to look at is the Augnagar Qlippoth. Its bites are stated to give the victim the Stench universal monster ability and the only stated deviation is that even though the victim is the source of the Stench, they are sickened by it. (Unless the victim is immune to poison.)
From the way that's phrased, it seems to reinforce my thought that the universal monster rule Stench is a continuous effect and the source cannot deactivate it, without an item or spell, even if it wants to.
Edit: Just found something else to consider. Child of Yog-Sothoth does not have a Stench aura but a Stench special attack that specifically requires a swift action to activate lasting one round unless the Child of Yog-Sothoth uses another swift action to maintain it. This is limited to only doing this so many rounds a day
So I believe it's Stench aura is constant and cannot be turned off without an item or spell. Stench attack requires an action to activate.
Auras are continuous by default--a cleric can't turn off her aura of <alignment>, and a troglodyte is always stinky. The duration refers to the duration of the sickened condition.
I've heard of characters killing themselves again upon coming back as a troglodyte. : ( Finding magical means to suppress the ability (such as alter self) is a lees drastic solution.
I'm confused why this is so bad...
The check is made once per minute. Once a character saves, they are immune for 24 hours. The DC is 10 + 1/2 Racial HD + CON = 10 + 0 + CON.
So, realistically, this DC is 10-16 + CON enhancement bonuses. Let's just say that the character had 18 STR and then +4 Trog Racial... for DC 16 Stench.
Even with a +0 Fort, you have a 25% chance of succeeding. After spending 16 minutes in the presence of this creature, you would have a 99% chance of being immune to it for 24 hours. 1 hour into the day, characters exposed would have a 99.999997% chance of being immune.
Honestly, if I were GM, I'd just rule every close ally immune unless I planned on attacking them first thing in the morning.
What other issues are there really?
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Socially, I guess. I mean, the smell's still there, you've just acclimated to it. How are you gonna engage in your usual carousal at ye localle tavyrne if everybody's trying not to retch?
he could just put on a gamer t-shirt that sez "never tomorrow until I sleep and take a bath..."