Rebuke undead question.

[NTZ]

I just want to make sure I understand what effect Rebuke Undead has. It seems pretty weak. The way it reads the only effect is: attack rolls against the undead that has been rebuked are at +2.

I don't think the PHB specifically states the effected undead are cowering, which would make a big difference since cowering is a specific condition.

Thanks,
NTZ

 

[Kae'Yoss]

A rebuked undead creature cowers as if in awe (attack rolls against the creature get a +2 bonus). The effect lasts 10 rounds.

Says it right there. Or do you say that "it cowers, but isn't cowering?"

 

[Darkness]

Commanding undead is nice.

 

[NTZ]

Says it right there. Or do you say that "it cowers, but isn't cowering?"

But Cowering has it's own specific description that does not match the description of Rebuke Undead. As you correctly quote from the PHB - the effect is +2 to hit from opponents. It that supposed to be in addition to the definition of Cowering? The following if from the SRD.

Cowering: The character is frozen in fear and can take no actions. A cowering character takes a –2 penalty to Armor Class and loses her Dexterity bonus (if any).

I guess I'm still not clear. :\

Thanks,
NTZ

 

[Darkness]

It that supposed to be in addition to the definition of Cowering?

I'd say it's a different, if less precise, way to describe the same effect (-2 AC = opponents get +2 to hit you).

 

[BogusMagus]

I wondered about this same thing a while ago, too.
(We had an Evil Cleric PC for the first time, so I looked up the Rebuke Undead for the first time.)

I just went with the Cowering condition and not using "attack rolls against the creature get a +2 bonus."

But I had a little doubt because of this:

> Commanding undead is nice. (by Darkness)

Maybe the Rebuke IS useless (than Turn), because Command is more powerful (than Destroy)?

 

[Darkness]

> Commanding undead is nice. (by Darkness)

Maybe the Rebuke IS useless (than Turn), because Command is more powerful (than Destroy)?

That's what I think too.

 

[Brain]

I think if it says cowers, they should be cowering. If it had said cringes or some other word then maybe they wouldn't be officially cowering. The way I see it, evil clerics get to walk all over undead because they are so in tune with negative energy.

 

[Tiberius]

I think if it says cowers, they should be cowering. If it had said cringes or some other word then maybe they wouldn't be officially cowering. The way I see it, evil clerics get to walk all over undead because they are so in tune with negative energy.

I concur. IMO, rebuke > turn and command > destroy. Good clerics can make undead flee or blow up. Evil clerics make them stand there, take licks, and not fight back or make them their eternal slaves. Good clerics make out better on the "keeping parties alive" front, though, with their spontaneous healing, so I think it balances out.

 

[sullivan]

I'd say it's a different, if less precise, way to describe the same effect (-2 AC = opponents get +2 to hit you).

Those are NOT always the same if you are making a ranged attack with another creature, sure as a party member, that is providing cover to the undead.