I have a pretty simple question, for which I had no luck with google, or the sourcebooks. It takes an action for an Aasimar to activate their Divine Energy. What I would like to know is,, can you do this if you have time before a battle begins? For example, if you are entering a room where a battle will begin, but your opponents do not know you are there yet, can you spend a moment to start you Divine Energy, so you don’t have to use your first action in combat to do so? I am thinking because it says you enact this power “as an action”, that the rules suggest this can only be done once combat has begun. I would appreciate any clarification. Thanks in advance
I, as a DM, would allow it, depending on situation (e.g. activating the power in front of a closed door and then storm in). This could potentially cost the player 1-2 turns of duration before combat actually starts.
There is nowhere in the description of the Protector or Scourge Aasimar abilities that says they cannot be used outside of combat. They both last for one minute, so there is more than enough time to activate the power before combat starts if the enemy does not know you are there. If they do, the usual rules for Initiative will apply. A Protector might use their power just to fly around, and no combat would be involved at all.
It should be noted that the Scourge Aasimar Radiant Consumption power damages "each creature within 10 feet of you". If you have any allies, they might not appreciate that.
I am thinking because it says you enact this power “as an action”, that the rules suggest this can only be done once combat has begun. I would appreciate any clarification. Thanks in advance
So, by that logic you also think that catnap can only be cast during combat because it has an action casting time?
No. There is nothing that says actions can only be taken during combat. So feel free to cast utility spells, drink potions, take off your shield, or use racial traits outside of combat. Notably, most aasimar "divine energy" traits are meant for combat (as in they inflict negative effects/damage), but still...
Aasimars make even better sorcerers now than they used to. The ability to redistribute stats as needed, activate your aasimar ability as an action, and then quicken a spell is quite powerful. Doesn’t rely on a DM allowing prep time, you just choose when to be bad ass.
Spells can always be used outside of combat. The only spells that cannot be used at will are spells that require a trigger, such as shield, and those spells are almost always reaction spells that only last until the next round. After all, why use a light or catnap spell in combat? Or any roleplaying cantrip? Any spell or feature can be used outside of combat, so long as you meet the prerequisites.
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I have a pretty simple question, for which I had no luck with google, or the sourcebooks. It takes an action for an Aasimar to activate their Divine Energy. What I would like to know is,, can you do this if you have time before a battle begins? For example, if you are entering a room where a battle will begin, but your opponents do not know you are there yet, can you spend a moment to start you Divine Energy, so you don’t have to use your first action in combat to do so? I am thinking because it says you enact this power “as an action”, that the rules suggest this can only be done once combat has begun. I would appreciate any clarification. Thanks in advance
I, as a DM, would allow it, depending on situation (e.g. activating the power in front of a closed door and then storm in). This could potentially cost the player 1-2 turns of duration before combat actually starts.
There is nowhere in the description of the Protector or Scourge Aasimar abilities that says they cannot be used outside of combat. They both last for one minute, so there is more than enough time to activate the power before combat starts if the enemy does not know you are there. If they do, the usual rules for Initiative will apply. A Protector might use their power just to fly around, and no combat would be involved at all.
It should be noted that the Scourge Aasimar Radiant Consumption power damages "each creature within 10 feet of you". If you have any allies, they might not appreciate that.
<Insert clever signature here>
So, by that logic you also think that catnap can only be cast during combat because it has an action casting time?
No. There is nothing that says actions can only be taken during combat. So feel free to cast utility spells, drink potions, take off your shield, or use racial traits outside of combat. Notably, most aasimar "divine energy" traits are meant for combat (as in they inflict negative effects/damage), but still...
Aasimars make even better sorcerers now than they used to. The ability to redistribute stats as needed, activate your aasimar ability as an action, and then quicken a spell is quite powerful. Doesn’t rely on a DM allowing prep time, you just choose when to be bad ass.
Spells can always be used outside of combat. The only spells that cannot be used at will are spells that require a trigger, such as shield, and those spells are almost always reaction spells that only last until the next round. After all, why use a light or catnap spell in combat? Or any roleplaying cantrip? Any spell or feature can be used outside of combat, so long as you meet the prerequisites.