Are astral constructs thwarted by Prot. Evil?

[Piratecat]

Summoned creatures are thwarted by the low-level spell protection from evil; they can't touch anyone who is protected by it. Does this also hold true for their psionic analogues, astral constructs? They aren't "summoned" per se, but I've got to think that they should be treated as such. Any opinions?

We're using magic/psionic transparency, incidentally; for instance, dispel magic can dispel psionic powers, too.

Thanks!

 

[Flyspeck23]

We're using magic/psionic transparency, incidentally; for instance, dispel magic can dispel psionic powers, too.

In that case: sure, why not?

OTOH, astral constructs are always neutral, right? So no astral construct could ever bypass a protection from evil (or good etc.).
That's a minor issue, though.

 

[Pielorinho]

Technically, I don't think so: astral constructs are created, not summoned. However, I'd probably treat them similarly if I used magic/psionic transparency.

In case other folks want the reference:

Astral Construct I

Metacreativity (Int)

Level: Psion 1

Display: Vi, Ma

Manifestation Time: 1 full round

Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)

Effect: One created astral construct

Duration: 1 round/level (D)

Saving Throw: None

Power Resistance: No

Power Points: 1

This power creates one 1st-level astral construct of solidified ectoplasm that attacks the manifester’s enemies. It appears where the manifester designates and acts immediately, on his or her turn. It attacks the manifester’s opponents to the best of its ability. The manifester can mentally direct it not to attack, to attack particular enemies, or to perform other actions. The astral construct acts normally on the last round of the power and dissipates at the end of its turn.

It is not necessary to learn a lower-level astral construct power before learning a higher-level version.

Daniel

 

[Zad]

Hm. From my point of view, constructs are not summoned. Indeed their very name implies they are constructed, not summoned. They share more in common with a golem in this respect than they do a blink dog or demon. They are not called from elsewhere - they're assembled on the spot from the goo of the universe.

My opinion: No, they are not "summoned" and Pro Evil will not protect you against them.

 

[Flyspeck23]

I guess P'Cat knows that astral constructs aren't summonend (in fact he said so in his initial post). It's more like "Well, I know the Psionic powers were written later than the spells from the PHB, and the Psionic Handbook talks about 'compatibility' between magic and psionic. So what about astral constructs and protection frome evil?"

Oh, and astral constructs aren't like golems. Not at all
And they're not constructed, they're rather created. But astral creation sounds rather lame, doesn't it?

 

[Piratecat]

If that's the case, Zad, doesn't that make them significantly more powerful than summoned monsters?

 

[Otterscrubber]

If that's the case, Zad, doesn't that make them significantly more powerful than summoned monsters?

I'd say so. The PHB does not really take into account psionics with regards to most of its defensive capabilities and this alone makes psionics unbalanced (IMHO) unless you either treat psionics like magic from a different source (ala sorcerers vs.wizards) or categorically update spells like prot. vs. evil to include their psionic counterparts. Obviously option #2 is a lot harder because there are many more subjective situations that would have to be reviewed, like the one that started this thread.

 

[Zhure]

Since Astral Constructs tend IMO to be substantially weaker than Summoned critters I have ruled that ACs ignore the various Magic Circles for the very rational Piratecat mentioned. They are created not summoned.

Greg

 

[der_kluge]

In my campaign, Protection from Evil (etc) only works on creatures with the appropriate subtype. So, Prot. from evil only works on creatures with the [Evil] descriptor.

Just like Detect Evil only reveals evil in creatures with the [Evil] descriptor.

Makes a lot more sense to me.

 

[James McMurray]

IME Astral Constucts are actually on par or more powerful than the comparable level summoned monsters. Prior to 3.5 this was not the case because of the seemingly random determination of what to put ont he SM lists. Now though, the AC's bonus construct hit points make up for the lack of Con, and the versatility in their construction makes up for the slightly lower stats.

Of course, I haven't done a line-by-line comparison of the two. I think I will tonight.

Also, using the Mind's Eye Advanced Construction feat gives quite a bit more versatility over the base ACs.