[OOC] Constables of the 14th Ward

[Scotley]

It is getting on into evening now by my count. Say 7:30 pm? Does that sound about right to you Leif?

 

[Leif]

You're asking Speedy what time it is???

It is getting on into evening now by my count. Say 7:30 pm? Does that sound about right to you Leif?

uh, yeah, let me check my "game watch": yep, 7:28:03 pm As usual, I'm a minute or two behind you.

 

[Leif]

Interesting Point, for Those Who Care...

In regard to our previous academic discussions of Monks using open hand attacks against monsters with paralasis touch attacks, etc., I, for one, was relieved to find that this subject has, indeed, been dealt with in the DMG. Specifically, on page 293, under the heading Energy Drain and Negative Levels, in the third paragraph down it says, "Most energy drain attacks [and by extension paralysis attacks, et al.] require a successful melee attack roll -- mere physical contact is not enough. Monks, for instance, can pound such creatures with their fists without risking their life energy." [emphasis added.]

 

[Maidhc O Casain]

So the rationale is that it's not enough for an energy draining creature to touch a character, they have to touch them with the conscious intent to drain energy. Makes sense. Also works the other way - a spellcaster with a touch attack spell prepared has to hit his target with the intent to discharge the spell. It's not enough for an opponent to touch them when they have the spell prepared, unless it's one specifically designed for such (Fire Shield, e.g.)

 

[Leif]

I'm not sure how applicable the word "conscious" is to a wight, wraith, etc., but, yeah, that's the idea, as I read it.

 

[Leif]

Pathfinder/Thea Fenris/Jonas

P/T: If Thea is going to go back and search before bedtime, why don't you go ahead and fix your latest post to reflect her gathering up some help and then the search, and leave off the going to sleep stuff for now. There'll be plenty of time later to post about her hitting the hay. Sorry to be so picky, but it'll be easier for ME to understand, at least, if you do one thing at a time.

F/J: enWorld has been working better for several hours now, and still no promised post from Jonas.

 

[pathfinderq1]

All fixed

 

[Leif]

Yes, I saw that! Excellent job with the embellishment, too. Bravo, Thea!

 

[Fenris]

F/J: enWorld has been working better for several hours now, and still no promised post from Jonas.

I didn't promise nuttin'

Gimme a break I had to write two exams today!

 

[Maidhc O Casain]

So the rationale is that it's not enough for an energy draining creature to touch a character, they have to touch them with the conscious intent to drain energy. Makes sense. Also works the other way - a spellcaster with a touch attack spell prepared has to hit his target with the intent to discharge the spell. It's not enough for an opponent to touch them when they have the spell prepared, unless it's one specifically designed for such (Fire Shield, e.g.)

The remaining logical flaw (other than those that require the 'willing suspension of disbelief' in the first place) is in encounters with creatures who do damage simply because of the composition of their bodies - a creature made of an acidic substance who does damage simply by being in contact with an opponent, for example.

I think if I were DMing a d20 game in which a Monk was being played, I'd consider a house rule that unarmed attacks against such a creature would also do some minimal damage (maybe the minimum it would be possible to roll on the damage dice) to the attacking character until s/he gained the Ki Strike (Magical) enhancement. At that point, I'd rule that the Ki enhancement also protects the Monk against such incidental damage.