Quick Harpy Question

[just__al]

Does a harpy have to end it's captivating song to club you over the head? Or more appropriately, does it clubbing you over the head end it's captivating song?

 

[MichaelH]

I was asking myself that very question about an hour ago. The ability is not written as clearly as I might like. Normally, supernatural abilities require a standard action, but does the harpy's captivating song require a standard action each round to maintain the song's effect, much like concentration to maintain a spell does? Also, what does it mean that a captivated victim standing within 5 feet of the harpy offers no resistance? Is the victim helpless? Can the harpy execute a coup de grace in this situation?

 

[just__al]

Anyone else?

And I have one more question. Any idea of the DC on a listen check to wake up when the singing is heard? The Harpies will attack at night.

 

[MichaelH]

The DC should be 0, the same as people talking. The last sentence of the Listen skill in the PH says sleepers may make a Listen check at a -10 penalty and awaken with a successful check. Don't forget to add the +1 per 10 feet of distance to the DC.

 

[Wikid Klown]

It does take a standard action, but focusing on a spell requires all of the caster's attention. Unless the harpy was worried about hitting a note sharp or flat, singing shouldn't affect it attacking, since most of the time people don't have to focus on singing. It's a question of oppinion more than anything. Do you prefer a realistic affect or rules that may make the action seem more fake. If you're looking for a more realistic game, then attacking shouldn't affect it's singing (except for it's movement possibly throwing off it's pitch).