Ghost Questions

[apesamongus]

OK, a few questions on ghost abilities...
#1 How long does Malevolence last? It says it's like Magic Jar, but doesn't list a caster level equivalent (like it does for the Telekenesis power).
#2 Does non-weapon/non-armor ghost equipment function while using Malevolence? For instance, does a ghost version of a +2 Int item function when you take control of someone?
#3 What about a ghost version of a magic weapon? You can use it while manifested and get a 50% miss chance, but if you malevolence someone, can you manifest it while in their body and wield it (with the same miss chance, obviously)?

 

[Jack Simth]

OK, a few questions on ghost abilities...
#1 How long does Malevolence last? It says it's like Magic Jar, but doesn't list a caster level equivalent (like it does for the Telekenesis power).

Assuming SRD ghost, yes, it does:

Malevolence (Su): Once per round, an ethereal ghost can merge its body with a creature on the Material Plane. This ability is similar to a magic jar spell (caster level 10th or the ghost’s Hit Dice, whichever is higher), except that it does not require a receptacle. To use this ability, the ghost must be manifested and it must try move into the target’s space; moving into the target’s space to use the malevolence ability does not provoke attacks of opportunity. The target can resist the attack with a successful Will save (DC 15 + ghost’s Cha modifier). A creature that successfully saves is immune to that same ghost’s malevolence for 24 hours, and the ghost cannot enter the target’s space. If the save fails, the ghost vanishes into the target’s body.

(Emphasis added)

#2 Does non-weapon/non-armor ghost equipment function while using Malevolence? For instance, does a ghost version of a +2 Int item function when you take control of someone?

Not specified. DM call, either way. Yes makes Malevolence a little bit stronger for a PC, no makes it a little bit weaker for a PC. However, another question: Does the ghost benefit from the possessed's boosting equipment and buff spells? If they get their own, they shouldn't reasonably get the creatures, and if they don't get their own, they should reasonably get the creatures. Not listed directly (as far as I am aware, anyway) in RAW.

#3 What about a ghost version of a magic weapon? You can use it while manifested and get a 50% miss chance, but if you malevolence someone, can you manifest it while in their body and wield it (with the same miss chance, obviously)?

I'd say no, for the simple reason that that would be a tad abusive (especially with Ghost Touch weapons).

 

[apesamongus]

Assuming SRD ghost, yes, it does:
(Emphasis added)

I have no clue how I missed that every time I read that damn thing. Wow.