Ask a Simple Question 25: Welcome to DIE!

[ksbsnowowl]

Q172: Is there any spell or magical item that allows the user to determine how many levels a creature has?  Or simply whether they are at least level 2 or higher?  The intention is to determine whether they can take at least one negative level without dying, ideally without their knowing.

Detect [Alignment] spells can help somewhat, especially if they are a cleric, or an undead or outsider.  If they are just a random creature, then they can at least tell you if they have more than 10 HD or not.

A Holy Word spell could also help you determine it, indirectly.

[Agita]

Q 165:  If I am a druid who has wildshaped into a Wolverine, and I get hit for damage, does the Wolverine's rage ability prevent me from casting spells?

Q 166:  An animal is under the effects of a Haste spell.  Does it get an extra natural weapon attack (be it bite, claw, whatever)?  Note that Haste says "When making a full attack action, a hasted creature may make one extra attack with any weapon he is holding."

If the answer is no, could a wildshaped druid under the same circumstances use the extra granted attack to touch with a touch spell, and then proceed with a normal full attack (claw, claw, bite)?

Need to know these for a game I'm running tonight, thanks.

A 165

As the ability is written, there is nothing linking it to the Barbarian's Rage other than the shared name, so the ability only includes what it says. You'd still be able to cast spells, make skill checks with mental skills, and so on. It could be argued that this is because the designers didn't think far enough to notice a Druid might Wild Shape into a Wolverine, therefore the intent would be otherwise, but that's how it would work by a literal reading.

A 166

It should get the extra attack, with any of its natural weapons it chooses. Using the extra attack for a touch spell doesn't work, as little as you can substitute a touch spell for one of your attacks in a regular full attack sequence.

[The_Mad_Linguist]

Q172: Is there any spell or magical item that allows the user to determine how many levels a creature has?  Or simply whether they are at least level 2 or higher?  The intention is to determine whether they can take at least one negative level without dying, ideally without their knowing.

Cityscape probably does.

Alternatively, there some rules in Kalamar and I think Forgotten Realms on slave pricing.  An appraise check would work too.

[ksbsnowowl]

A 166

It should get the extra attack, with any of its natural weapons it chooses. Using the extra attack for a touch spell doesn't work, as little as you can substitute a touch spell for one of your attacks in a regular full attack sequence.

I'm assuming you said "no" on the touch spell because you thought I meant to cast one, and touch with it?  I actually meant to use a touch spell on which you are holding the charge.  Regardless, it doesn't really matter since it gets the extra natural weapon attack anyway.

Q 173: Does an advanced HD animal companion get stat-boosts for every 4 HD it gains?  The Animal Companion rules state they get +1 Str/Dex each category they advance, and it states they get skills and feats as normal for advancing HD, but no mention of the 1 per 4 levels stat boost.

[Agita]

A 166

It should get the extra attack, with any of its natural weapons it chooses. Using the extra attack for a touch spell doesn't work, as little as you can substitute a touch spell for one of your attacks in a regular full attack sequence.

I'm assuming you said "no" on the touch spell because you thought I meant to cast one, and touch with it?  I actually meant to use a touch spell on which you are holding the charge.  Regardless, it doesn't really matter since it gets the extra natural weapon attack anyway.

Ah, I see. That was indeed my assumption. If it's a spell you've already cast... yeah, I think you should be able to deliver one. IIRC, you can deliver one anyway with an unarmed or natural attack, though, so you could have your cake and eat it too here.

Q 173: Does an advanced HD animal companion get stat-boosts for every 4 HD it gains?  The Animal Companion rules state they get +1 Str/Dex each category they advance, and it states they get skills and feats as normal for advancing HD, but no mention of the 1 per 4 levels stat boost.

Since no specific mention is made, I'd assume that the HD follow all the normal rules for advancing HD where not stated otherwise, which would include the stat boosts, I believe.

[Ithamar]

Q174:  What is the name of those boots (I'm pretty sure from MIC) that let you always act as if you're readied / set against a charge?

[Agita]

Q174:  What is the name of those boots (I'm pretty sure from MIC) that let you always act as if you're readied / set against a charge?

A 174

Steadfast Boots. Specifically, they allow you to treat any two-handed weapon as if it was set against a charge, and gives some bonuses against combat maneuvers.

[Ithamar]

Perfect.  Thanks!

[Hasmadad]

Q175 There was a very good listing of class abilities ordered alphabetically, but my search-fu is still in bed with a flu. Halp appreciated.

-Uncle Has

[Vinom]

A 175 http://brilliantgameologists.com/boards/index.php?topic=2546.msg79484#msg79484 try this

Q 176: Besides the feats I already have (Spell Focus (Conjuration), Augment Summoning, Ashbound, Greenbound Summoning) What are ways to pimp out Summon Nature's Ally?

[heroicraptor]

A176: Half-Orc Druid substitution level 7.

[Agita]

A 175 http://brilliantgameologists.com/boards/index.php?topic=2546.msg79484#msg79484 try this

Q 176: Besides the feats I already have (Spell Focus (Conjuration), Augment Summoning, Ashbound, Greenbound Summoning) What are ways to pimp out Summon Nature's Ally?

A 176b

If you worship Elhonna, Complete Champion has a specific holy symbol that adds another hit point per HD to your summons.

[RobbyPants]

Q177) Are there any permanent magical items (preferably in Core or MIC) that allow the user to use Plane Shift?

[Unbeliever]

Q177) Are there any permanent magical items (preferably in Core or MIC) that allow the user to use Plane Shift?

A177)  Would the Cubic Gate (DMG) work?  It's crazy expensive, though.

[Epimetheus]

Q188 The Visionary Speaker's (Planar Handbook) Spell Mimic ability lets you copy spells (up to 10th lvl) 3/day. The ability says that material components and focuses must be provided, but is XP still spent?

(Note: This is unlike the Spellthief's description, where they explicitly include XP cost.)

If XP costs are not included, does staying all 10 levels (lose 5 CL) still keep you on par with your full caster buddies [as you can spontaneously copy any 9th lvl spells, especially Miracle, Wish, Genesis, etc., they use]?

Q189 Is there anything that lets you use class abilities extra times per day?

[The_Mad_Linguist]

Q189 Is there anything that lets you use class abilities extra times per day?

Squire of legend.

[Emo_Duck]

Q190
If an Illithid Savant has acquired the spellcasting class feature from a brain it has consumed, can it be advanced via prestige classes and the like?

[Sobolev]

Q191: if a race can manifest a power as a manifester of half their level, does that qualify them for feats that say "Prerequisites: Manifester level 1st"?

[snakeman830]

Q191: if a race can manifest a power as a manifester of half their level, does that qualify them for feats that say "Prerequisites: Manifester level 1st"?

Yes. They have a manifester level.

[Arz]

Question 192: Is the extra damage from a spear spikard added to the primary damage roll or considered a second damage roll for dr and other purposes?

Thought it might be fun to use a changeling, quick-loading spear spikard in an exotic campaign.