Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Shular 02-22-08, 10:16 AM	I got into a debate with one of my players about rebuking undead. Excerpts from srd: An evil cleric makes the equivalent of a turning check. Undead that would be turned are rebuked instead, and those that would be destroyed are commanded. At any one time, the cleric may command any number of undead whose total Hit Dice do not exceed his level. The issue that came up was when the characters, then second level, ran into a combination of human (2 hd) and kobold (1hd) zombies. He made a successfull rebuke check, and wanted to command a human zombie, while I ruled that he could only command two of the kobolds. Now, I could not convince him that the rules are fairly explicit that you can only command undead that have 1/2 or less hit die then the cleric (i.e. those that would be destroyed if the cleric was good). He downplayed the first sentance, and focussed fully on the second. Finally I was forced to say, "well, this is how I'm interpreting it", and he responded with, "okay, if you're going to house rule it that's fine." So, am I wrong (and, hence, crazy)? Does anyone have any suggestions on how to convince him? Is there any point?
McJarvis 02-22-08, 10:23 AM	These two points are seperate. You can only command undead if a good cleric of your level could destroy them. At any one time, the cleric may command any number of undead whose total Hit Dice do not exceed his level. Both must be true. So when you try to rebuke a single undead creature, you can only command it if your level is twice its hd. The total number of hd of undead under your command at any given time can not exceed your caster level. edit- If you want to use an analogy to convince the player... I have $1,000 in my bank account. I can take a maximum of $300 out using an ATM every day. For any given day, I can only take out $300 via ATM, regardless of how much money I have. Over many days, I can take out up to $1,000 - assuming I do not put money back in the account.
M-bark 02-22-08, 10:27 AM	These two points are seperate. You can only command undead if a good cleric of your level could destroy them. At any one time, the cleric may command any number of undead whose total Hit Dice do not exceed his level. Both must be true. So when you try to rebuke a single undead creature, you can only command it if your level is twice its hd. The total number of hd of undead under your command at any given time can not exceed your caster level. Also, when trying to command/destroy, you command/destroy the ones with the lowest amount of HD first.
Eldritch_Lord 02-22-08, 10:37 AM	I'm guessing he ignored the 1st point because the description of turning/destroying isn't in there. IF you show him the description of destroying (i.e., needs 2x undead's HD) and then show him this, he might get it. But you're right that you need both points to control undead. I don't know if this will help, but here you go: Think of it as if(cleric.hasTwiceHD()) {if(cleric.controlsLessThanLevelHD(undea d) && controlledUndeadHD-undeadHD>0) {cleric.control(undead)=true;} else {cleric.control(undead)=false;} } :D
Shular 02-22-08, 11:04 AM	Thanks guys. I think I'll leave the issue be and, if it comes up again, try to follow some of these suggestions.