Astral Projection (as a Spell like ability)

[Winternight]

IIRC Mind Flayers and Nightmare have Astral Projection as a Spell like ability.
AFIK They don't need no gestures, Material or Vocal component. But what about the casting time? Can they do in one Standard action?

Astral Projection

To enter one, you
leave the Astral Plane, forming a new physical body (and equipment) on the plane of existence you have chosen to enter.

A death knight riding on a nightmare. The nightmare projects into the astral plane "moves thru a wall" and projects right behind the party on the same plane.
Can the death knight use his Magical equipment?

Thanks for your opinion

(Repeat:
Q1: "Casting time from Spell like abilities?)
Q2: AstralProjection. Do Magic Items work?
Q3: Can i use Astral Projectoin to move within a plane?)
)

 

[Dakkareth]

From the SRD:

A spell-like ability has a casting time of 1 standard action unless noted otherwise in the ability or spell description. In all other ways, a spell-like ability functions just like a spell.

Astral Projection
Necromancy
Level: Clr 9, Sor/Wiz 9, Travel 9
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 30 minutes

So the Astral Projection spell-like ability would have a casting time of 30 minutes.


About the equipment ... one could argue the point, but the spell description implicates, even if not explicitely states, that you take some kind of astral analoga to your equipment with you, that becomes physical once you enter another plane. So the death knight could use his magical equipment.


You can't use Astral Projection to move your physical body directly. However there's nothing preventing you from using your newly formed body on another plane to move your *real* body around.

Also you could by the spell description go back to the prime material plane effectively enabling you to act with impunity as your new body can be slain without killing your real body. Also your magical items won't be left behind.

Of course this is subject to the DM's (dis)approval.