Talk about stupidity

[Janos Audron]

A Psion fails his will save vs. Hold Person, however, since manifesting is a purely mental action, this isn't too much of a drawback. The psion, standing motionlessly manifests a power, using the option to negate any noticable effects (he makes his concentration check)...and provokes an AoO.

Is it me, or does this just seem completly stupid? The psion stands motionlessly for six seconds, and somehow provokes an AoO. A fighter standing motionlessly for six seconds doesn't.

So, would you give AsoO against the held psion? (and if yes, why not against the fighter)

 

[Thanee]

A mental action is still an action and being unable to take action (per hold person spell description 3.5) thus rules out mental actions as well.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Thanee]

And yes, 'realistically' a held person should automatically provoke AoO's for just standing there, all the time.

But the game system is a bit abstract and doesn't cover everything.

Bye
Thanee

 

[hong]

A mental action is still an action and being unable to take action (per hold person spell description 3.5) thus rules out mental actions as well.

No. The paralyzed condition, as caused by a hold spell, specifically allows mental-only actions. Eg casting a stilled, silent spell with no M or F components would be allowed.

 

[Majere]

Can the psi "Think on the defensive" to avoid provoking the AOO

Majere

 

[Thanee]

But the spell description says otherwise...

...cannot take any actions.

Has that been clarified / FAQ'ed to mean only physical actions?

Bye
Thanee

 

[hong]

Check the description of the paralyzed condition in the back of the DMG, which specifically mentions hold person.

 

[Thanee]

Can the psi "Think on the defensive" to avoid provoking the AOO

Casting on the defensive is a physical action, the concentration check is for vigorous motion, basically. Manifesting on the defensive would be the same.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Thanee]

Check the description of the paralyzed condition in the back of the DMG, which specifically mentions hold person.

Ok.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Hypersmurf]

Has that been clarified / FAQ'ed to mean only physical actions?

It can be read that a held person is paralyzed, and also can take no actions...

... but it's generally accepted that a held person can take no actions because they are paralyzed, which means that mental-only actions are allowed.

-Hyp.