Eberron: Dragonmark When do I get to choose which ability to use?

[smetzger]

Hi,

The Least Dragonmark of Finding has the following abilities...
identify 1/day, know direction 2/day, or locate object 1/day,
and +2 search

When do I get to choose which ability to use?
1) When taking the feat you must choose one of the abilities.
2) At the begining of the day.
3) Whenever you want to, its spontaneous.

I believe its #3, but I just want to get some confirmation.

Thanks,
*:> Scott

 

[FireLance]

We play it as (1) in our Eberron game. This is strongly implied by the text of the Dragonmark Heir PrC "She can select a second spell-like ability associated with the least dragonmark for her house, or she can use the least dragonmark spell-like ability she already possesses one additional time per day." and the statistics of the sample NPC.

 

[DanMcS]

You pick when you take the feat.

 

[Plane Sailing]

option 1 - you pick when you take the feat, for the reasoning provided by Firelance

 

[shilsen]

What they said.

 

[Enforcer]

Another vote for number 1.

 

[Knight Otu]

It's (1)

For one, each of the dragonmark feats says "You gain a xxx dragonmark and the use of one spell-like ability...".
Also, there is the text on page 63 of the ECS, the second paragraph of Marks:
"If more than one spell-like ability is mentioned for a specific mark, a character chooses one that he possesses permanently thereafter."

 

[Spatula]

The answer is #1. See pg 63 of the ECS, 2nd column, 3rd paragraph.

 

[vulcan_idic]

Vote for Number One... sort of...

I vote for number one. sort of... but I like to interpret it as the power associated with the dragonmark is "selected" the first time in the characters life that it is actually used. This may be before the beginning of the campaign, or may occur during it. The very first time in the character's life it is used they may select which use (i.e. they suddenly have a dire need to know direction and the mark awakens tingling as the magic in their blood quickens and a preternatural awareness surges into their mind like electric fire) but once the "pump is primed" in such a way, so to speak, the ability associated with it remains fixed forever... unless the mark continues to develop and adds powers (as per feats/prestige classes) - but the already selected power(s) do not alter.