Eberron - Action Points

[Bagpuss]

I'm just getting into this setting/rules etc. I was wondering are there any issues with some of the uses of action point related feats or the high number of action points at later levels.

Particularly Action Surge giving an additional standard action each round. So a spellcaster could effectively get an extra spell off a round, because this doesn't seem to be limited like Haste has been. Or even Action Surge in general for characters at higher levels where they can use 2 action points nearly every round of combat.

 

[saucercrab]

Action Surge is one of my favorite feats in Eberron, for exactly the reasons you mention. Making a move action & a full attack in the same round is awesome for fighter-types.

My DM has yet to ban it.

 

[irdeggman]

Action Surge has prerequisite of BAB +3. Which makes it at least 6th level before spellcasters could take the feat.


There are several feats that actually require spending APs in order to get use out of them:


And AP are not cumulative, that is to say that every levela PC gets a new set and the APs not used previously vanish.

In general we've found people tend to hold their AP until the BBEG (or what they think is the BBEG) and don't really use them evenly as time progresses.

 

[brehobit]

We've found that action points make huge difference. Action surge can help a LOT, but the 2 point cost makes it rarely used. The bonus seems to be used on saves and attack rolls. And it has turned many many a fight.

That said, I like them. But at least at lower-levels it has a significant impact.

Mark

 

[lyle.spade]

We've been playing in Eberron exclusively since shortly after the campaign setting came out, and as both player and DM, I've got no complaints with APs or associated feats, and neither does my group. We love the world, and the rules and abilities that come with it compliment it well.

Game on!

 

[Teydyn]

Or even Action Surge in general for characters at higher levels where they can use 2 action points nearly every round of combat.

Uhm, you get action points once per LEVEL, not once per ENCOUNTER?

 

[saucercrab]

Uhm, you get action points once per LEVEL, not once per ENCOUNTER?

Yes, when your character levels up, he gets a new pool of Action Points. Getting a fresh pool at the start of every encounter would make Action Surge even more of a must-have, & would make Quicken Spell pretty near obsolete.

 

[dog45]

Action Points are cool, but can lead to some abuse from spellcasters. The spell Unfettered Heroism from Races of Eberron is linked to much of the abuse. I wouldn't ban it, but check out this thread and be aware if you're players are trying to pull something over on you.

 

[Bagpuss]

I think I will ban Unfettered Heroism, that or not use the SRD action point rule about recalling spells.

Spell Recall: Spellcasters who prepare their spells in advance can spend 1 action point to recall any spell just cast. The spell can be cast again later with no effect on other prepared spells. This use of an action point is a free action and can only be done in the same round that the spell is cast. Spontaneous spellcasters such as sorcerers and bards can spend 1 action point to cast a spell without using one of their daily spell slots. This use of an action point is a free action and can only be done as the spell is being cast.

It's basically free spell casting, I cast Unfettered Heroism as an immediate spell, then use the free action point to recall it. Following rounds I cast any spell I like and recall them for free, not once using a spell slot or a action point of my own. Admittedly I waste a round setting this up, but since Unfettered Heroism is a Immediate spell, I could actually do something else that round, like a full move, or use a wand, etc.

 

[dog45]

I think I will ban Unfettered Heroism, that or not use the SRD action point rule about recalling spells.



It's basically free spell casting, I cast Unfettered Heroism as an immediate spell, then use the free action point to recall it. Following rounds I cast any spell I like and recall them for free, not once using a spell slot or a action point of my own. Admittedly I waste a round setting this up, but since Unfettered Heroism is a Immediate spell, I could actually do something else that round, like a full move, or use a wand, etc.

I vote for not using the SRD action point rules. Those were originally in Unearthed Arcana, and the AP uses for spellcasters are crazy. I like some of the ones for the feats, though. One AP to get another +1 from my dodge feat for 1 round? Thats cool, and not that uber.