Some noob questions from a noob (noobie).

[kablammo]

Hello there.

I've been playing D&D 3.5 for a couple of months now (had played AD&D a long time ago, and arrogantly assumed I wouldn't need much of an introduction). Instead of simply doing the work and reading through everything, I figured I'd simply ask some lingering questions. I'd appreciate any and all help.

- when trading in hit points for damage (the spell blade of blood for example), how do temporary hit points from something like a barbarian's rage, or an aid spell resolve?

- when a spell is listed as a second level ranger spell from the divination school, does this mean the spell is only available to rangers, or can a wizard (or any other caster capable of dipping into divination) learn the spell as well?

Thought I had more, maybe I will, later.

Thanks!

 

[Rhun]

- when trading in hit points for damage (the spell blade of blood for example), how do temporary hit points from something like a barbarian's rage, or an aid spell resolve?

I would probably just take them from the temporary hit points for ease, but I don't think that is how the rules actually state it should be handled. I'll have to take a look and get back to you if someone else doesn't answer first.

- when a spell is listed as a second level ranger spell from the divination school, does this mean the spell is only available to rangers, or can a wizard (or any other caster capable of dipping into divination) learn the spell as well?

Casters can only learn spells from their own spell list (though I believe there are feats that allow taking spells from other lists). So no, normally a wizard cannot learn a spell that is on the ranger's spell list (unless it is also on the wizard spell list).

 

[Ranger19k]

- when trading in hit points for damage (the spell blade of blood for example), how do temporary hit points from something like a barbarian's rage, or an aid spell resolve?
Thanks!

Extra HP from a Barbarian's rage are not temporary HP, they are HP granted from the bonus to Con. You can freely use those HP or any HP you want to fuel the Blade of Blood spell, but it doesn't change the fact that when the rage is over, your CON will drop back down, and you will loose 2 HP / level from your total HP.

So no, you can not pull the HP cost from Blade of Blood from the Rage extra HP without any later repercussions.

Aid, on the other hand, does grant temporary HP. These are a bonus pool, and are the first HP you loose when you take damage. At the end of the spell, if you've already taken the temporary HP in damage, you don't loose any additional HP. So if you cast Blade of Blood after being affected by an aid spell, the 5 HP cost would come directly from the Aid's temporary HPs.

 

[kablammo]

Thanks for the help guys -- especially the part about there being a distinction between temporary and non temporary hitpoints. Good to know.

I have another question!

Suppose I'm playing a skirmisher, and I'm succesfully hidden. If I want to cast something along the lines of sniper shot, or guided shot, which (I believe) are both swift action spells with only a verbal component, will the verbal part blow my cover?

 

[Axel]

Suppose I'm playing a skirmisher, and I'm succesfully hidden. If I want to cast something along the lines of sniper shot, or guided shot, which (I believe) are both swift action spells with only a verbal component, will the verbal part blow my cover?

If you've successfully hidden, you're entitled to a surprise round where your opponent can't react to a single standard action of yours. Essentially it happens before the normal combat sequence starts.

Casting, or making any sort of offensive action, when you're hidden will reveal your position. You can hide again using a move action to hide again in the same round, but you will take a -20 penalty.

Ambushes are pretty good for the surprise round and prepared ground. That's about the end of it, otherwise PCs would never survive (since they are always ambushed in games I play).

 

[Rhun]

Ambushes are pretty good for the surprise round and prepared ground. That's about the end of it, otherwise PCs would never survive (since they are always ambushed in games I play).

Indeed. I continuously ambush PCs in my games. It helps keep them on their toes.

 

[Axel]

Indeed. I continuously ambush PCs in my games. It helps keep them on their toes.

When DMing I've found that an ambush by a half-dozen brigands (level 1 rogues) with crossbows in nicely prepared positions usually puts paid to any recent comments about how crappy rogues and/or crossbows (or ranged weapons in general) are. Many PCs on the receiving end have now realised that Uncanny Dodge is, in fact, an awesome class ability and should never be underestimated.

 

[gorfnab]

- when a spell is listed as a second level ranger spell from the divination school, does this mean the spell is only available to rangers, or can a wizard (or any other caster capable of dipping into divination) learn the spell as well?

If your wizard takes levels in the Unseen Seer prestige class than you can pick up that spell with Advanced Learning. Hunters Eye is a Ranger divination spell, however you mainly see it used in builds dealing with sneak attack based spellcasters with levels of Unseen Seer.

 

[kablammo]

I'm back with another question!

My character died and I'm making a new one. I've done quite a bit of research but haven't been able to figure this out. There are two fighter variant classes that I'd like to combine, for one level. In Drow of the Underdark, you can substitute heavy and tower shield proficiency for a +2 on initiative and the ability to add your Dex modifier to damage rolls against flat-footed opponents. In unearthed arcana, there is a fighter variant allowing you to substitute your bonus feats for Rogue sneak attack progression.

Can you squeeze both into one class, and if not, why not?

 

[Rhun]

My character died and I'm making a new one. I've done quite a bit of research but haven't been able to figure this out. There are two fighter variant classes that I'd like to combine, for one level. In Drow of the Underdark, you can substitute heavy and tower shield proficiency for a +2 on initiative and the ability to add your Dex modifier to damage rolls against flat-footed opponents. In unearthed arcana, there is a fighter variant allowing you to substitute your bonus feats for Rogue sneak attack progression.

Can you squeeze both into one class, and if not, why not?

Certainly, as long as your DM allows it. The DM is always the final arbitrator of what is allowed in his games. I personally would have no problem with you playing a character that combines these two classes' features into a single fighter-type class. He would be much more dangerous than a fighter in sneak attack situations, but weaker than a fighter in up front combat.