Succubus and her Kiss ability?

[AZRogue]

I can't resist. Does anyone who now has the books know the answer to the succubus argument from a while back? The one where we were wondering if those affected by her Kiss are aware that they're throwing themselves in front of her to block attacks and try to get the hell out of Dodge, or whether they are considered charmed in some way and want to stay near her?

One of the playtesters had hinted that there was an answer to the question. Now that some have the books I'd like to know the answer. I have money on this with a friend! I needs me some cash to pick up GTA !V!

 

[Rechan]

From the looks of it, either the target doesn't know, or doesn't care. In fact, the power is sustained until the succubus or her ally attacks the kissed target.

What I don't get about it is that the succubus has to make two attacks. One to hit, apparently, and then an immediate secondary vs. will.

 

[baberg]

What I don't get about it is that the succubus has to make two attacks. One to hit, apparently, and then an immediate secondary vs. will.

I'd assume the logic behind it is the first attack (vs. AC) is the kiss itself and represents the PC's ability to say "Ewww, cooties" and avoid it. The secondary attack is the charm portion, essentially the new "Save vs. Will" to make sure a lucky AC hit from a level 9 Succubus doesn't automatically dominate a level 29 PC.

 

[splotch]

I think the key question the OP was posting is whether there is anything in the MM that clarifies whether a character affected by the succubus' kiss can just run like hell away from her to avoid having to interject him or herself between the succubus and an attacker. Any information on that from people with access to books?

 

[Rechan]

I'd assume the logic behind it is the first attack (vs. AC) is the kiss itself and represents the PC's ability to say "Ewww, cooties" and avoid it. The secondary attack is the charm portion, essentially the new "Save vs. Will" to make sure a lucky AC hit from a level 9 Succubus doesn't automatically dominate a level 29 PC.

Well I understand that, I just haven't seen any other attacks in the books that have a monster making two attacks before any effect occurs.

As for "Can he run away?" All it says is "The target cannot attack the succubus, and if adjacent to the succubus when the succubus is targeted by a melee or ranged attack, the target interposes himself and becomes the target of the attack." And then it mentions how long the effect lasts.

HOWEVER. She can dominate at will, and the domination lasts until the end of her next turn. So she can say "You ain't going anywhere", and put a leash and collar on her new bodyguard.

 

[baberg]

Well I understand that, I just haven't seen any other attacks in the books that have a monster making two attacks before any effect occurs.

Oh, I see what you're saying now. It's not that there's a secondary attack, it's that the primary attack does nothing - all of the other examples of secondary attacks, the primary attack deals damage or something like that. In that case, I think you're right - the Succubus is the only creature (from a quick flip-through) that acts that way but of course I could be wrong.

As for why? That succubus power seems pretty powerful. She's going to keep her pet right by her side, rendering most direct attacks useless. I guess a Fighter could push the pet away and then everybody could focus fire on the Succubus to take her down fast, and area attacks would still work. Or would it?

Let's say I'm a Wizard and a Succubus has a PC Rogue pet right next to her. If I make a ranged blast such that the Succubus is hit but the PC isn't. I'm going to have to look up the meaning of "targetted" I think, because most of the Succubus text block revolves around that.

 

[Stalker0]

They did clean up the succubus info a bit.

For one, now that we know how dominate works, a succubus can dominate a character and have them stand next to her for some good old kissin.

Second, the succubus' charm is broken if the target gets attacked. So if your party member dives in the way to block a blow for her, he's then free of the charm.

I think the reason the kiss has 2 attack is its actually very powerful, it lasts all encounter.

As for out of combat, I think the succubus is supposed to seduce people the old fashion way, with raw skill. While she can use her powers, that breaks her cover. She's no longer a beacon of magical woo woo, she's just that damn hot.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

What I don't get about it is that the succubus has to make two attacks. One to hit, apparently, and then an immediate secondary vs. will.

The second one is tongue.

 

[Rechan]

Second, the succubus' charm is broken if the target gets attacked. So if your party member dives in the way to block a blow for her, he's then free of the charm.

No no no. The attack has to be from the succubus or her allies.

 

[chaotix42]

Second, the succubus' charm is broken if the target gets attacked. So if your party member dives in the way to block a blow for her, he's then free of the charm.

Actually the charm is only broken if the succubus or one of its allies attacks the charmed target. If the succubus is attacked by one of the PCs or anyone not allied with the succubus and the charmed target steps in the way, he's still charmed.

Ninja'd : P