Protection Devotion feat -- how's an "aura" work?

[aboyd]

I do not know if the 30' radius of the Protection Devotion feat (from Complete Champion) works as a one-time effect that hits everyone within 30' and stays with them even if they move elsewhere, or if it's a continual area affect which requires allies to stay within the 30' to get the benefit.

I looked in the Player's Handbook for a description of how auras work, and I couldn't find anything. I did find under "Duration" on page 176 that "area" spells require allies to stay within the area or effect, while "effect" type spells cover the designated area and then subjects can move freely while retaining the effect. The Protection Devotion feat does in fact refer to itself as an effect. However, my gut instinct is that the author of the feat was merely being sloppy with his terms. Here is the feat text:

Once per day as an immediate action, you can activate a protective aura. While it is active, you gain a +2 sacred (if your deity is good or neutral) or profane (if your deity is evil) bonus to AC, as does every ally within 30 feet of you. This bonus increases by 1 for every four character levels you possess (maximum +7 at 20th level). This effect lasts for 1 minute.

What do you think?

 

[Theroc]

Hrm... IMHO, I'd say the aura follows the source of the aura and allies gotta stay close to him for it.

Granted, that MIGHT be my experience from World of Warcraft Paladin's talking as well... >.>

Though, from how it's worded, that'd be my interpretation.

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

I also think it only benefits allies while they are within 30 ft of you, much like the Paladin's "aura" giving a +4 on saves against fear.

 

[aboyd]

That paladin aura is very helpful, thanks! Are there other auras I could refer to, to help cement my opinion?

 

[Theroc]

Dragon Shaman(PHBII) has Draconic Auras.

Draconic Aura +N – You and all allies within a 30’ radius Emanation gain benefits from one of the following Auras. Activated, suppressed, or swapped as a Swift
Action. Only one Aura may be active at a time. No duration, though you must be conscious. The number of Auras you have access to is based on your level
(up to all seven aura at 9th level):
Energy Shield – if any subject is struck with a Natural Attack or a non-reach weapon, the attacker takes (2 * N) damage of the same type as your Breath Weapon.
Power – subjects melee attacks do +N damage.
Presence – subjects gain +N on Bluff, Diplomacy, & Intimidate checks.
Resistance – all subjects gain Resistance (5 * N) to the energy type of your Breath Weapon.
Senses – subjects gain +N on Listen, Spot, & Initiative checks.
Toughness – subjects gain Damage Reduction (N) / magic.
Vigor – subjects gain Fast Healing (N) when below ½ normal hit-points.

 

[aboyd]

That is sweet. Thanks Theroc!

So the Draconic Auras are listed as emanations -- and that is defined in the PHB as, "An emanation spell functions like a burst spell, except that the effect continues to radiate from the point of origin for the duration of the spell." So again that seems to tie into what I suspected and what others suggested. The aura moves with the caster and allies must remain close to the caster to get the benefits. That's good, because it slightly reigns in a very good feat.

Thanks everyone.

 

[Theroc]

No problem, glad I could help.