Feats - Conditional Use? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Feats - Conditional Use? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Cainin
07-19-07, 10:58 AM I have a bit of an odd question. Could you still take a feat even if you can only use it part of the time?

For example, let's say that I'm a high level druid. When I wild shape, I meet the requirements to actively use the Awesome Blow feat. Could I still take the feat even if I can't use it in my base form?
DBlizzard
07-19-07, 11:15 AM Could I still take the feat even if I can't use it in my base form?

You have to meet the prerequisites to take the feat. So, I'd say no.
smerwin29
07-19-07, 11:18 AM I have seen a debate on whether the prerequisites for a feat are meant to restrict taking the feat or using the feat. I have also seen a debate on whether a temporary qualification for a feat meets the prerequisite.

But the answer for this campaign, and in most campaigns I have seen, is Yes. Unless there is a rule out there that says otherwise, you can take a feat even if you only qualify for it in certain circumstances. However, to use the feat, you obviously must meet the prerequisites at the time you are using the feat.

I think there was also an FAQ ruling on what happens when you no longer qualify for a feat/prestige class, which might contradict what I just wrote. If so, someone please let me know.

Thanks!
Tabiani
07-19-07, 11:38 AM I think there was also an FAQ ruling on what happens when you no longer qualify for a feat/prestige class, which might contradict what I just wrote. If so, someone please let me know.

Thanks!I think the FAQ pretty much supports your ruling. From page 38-39:

A feat sometimes requires you to have a certain ability
score, which is the case with Two-Weapon Fighting (it
requires Dex 15). A character has, say, Dex 13, but wears
an item, in this case gloves of Dexterity +2, and now her Dex
score is 15. Can she take the feat and have it be active only
when she wears the item?

Actually yes, she could take the feat, but she would lose the
use of the feat if, for whatever reason, she loses the bonus from the item.
DBlizzard
07-19-07, 11:45 AM I have seen a debate on whether the prerequisites for a feat are meant to restrict taking the feat or using the feat.

I think the rules are pretty clear here. They clearly state you must have the feat to take it.

I have also seen a debate on whether a temporary qualification for a feat meets the prerequisite.

This, however, has room for discussion.

I think the FAQ pretty much supports your ruling. From page 38-39:

I think there is a big difference between an item, which could be worn 24/7 and a temporary effect.

That being said, I have never had a PC (as a player or DM) run a druid that ended up with wild shape. Thus I didn't realize the duration was so long. Several hours per day should be enough to gain the feat. I'd argue about a shifter trying to gain a feat that requires them to be shifted to meet the prerequisite (as the duration is so short).

Still, don't forget Awesome Blow is locked (as it comes from the Monster Manual).

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Cainin 07-19-07, 10:58 AM	I have a bit of an odd question. Could you still take a feat even if you can only use it part of the time? For example, let's say that I'm a high level druid. When I wild shape, I meet the requirements to actively use the Awesome Blow feat. Could I still take the feat even if I can't use it in my base form?
DBlizzard 07-19-07, 11:15 AM	Could I still take the feat even if I can't use it in my base form? You have to meet the prerequisites to take the feat. So, I'd say no.
smerwin29 07-19-07, 11:18 AM	I have seen a debate on whether the prerequisites for a feat are meant to restrict taking the feat or using the feat. I have also seen a debate on whether a temporary qualification for a feat meets the prerequisite. But the answer for this campaign, and in most campaigns I have seen, is Yes. Unless there is a rule out there that says otherwise, you can take a feat even if you only qualify for it in certain circumstances. However, to use the feat, you obviously must meet the prerequisites at the time you are using the feat. I think there was also an FAQ ruling on what happens when you no longer qualify for a feat/prestige class, which might contradict what I just wrote. If so, someone please let me know. Thanks!
Tabiani 07-19-07, 11:38 AM	I think there was also an FAQ ruling on what happens when you no longer qualify for a feat/prestige class, which might contradict what I just wrote. If so, someone please let me know. Thanks!I think the FAQ pretty much supports your ruling. From page 38-39: A feat sometimes requires you to have a certain ability score, which is the case with Two-Weapon Fighting (it requires Dex 15). A character has, say, Dex 13, but wears an item, in this case gloves of Dexterity +2, and now her Dex score is 15. Can she take the feat and have it be active only when she wears the item? Actually yes, she could take the feat, but she would lose the use of the feat if, for whatever reason, she loses the bonus from the item.
DBlizzard 07-19-07, 11:45 AM	I have seen a debate on whether the prerequisites for a feat are meant to restrict taking the feat or using the feat. I think the rules are pretty clear here. They clearly state you must have the feat to take it. I have also seen a debate on whether a temporary qualification for a feat meets the prerequisite. This, however, has room for discussion. I think the FAQ pretty much supports your ruling. From page 38-39: I think there is a big difference between an item, which could be worn 24/7 and a temporary effect. That being said, I have never had a PC (as a player or DM) run a druid that ended up with wild shape. Thus I didn't realize the duration was so long. Several hours per day should be enough to gain the feat. I'd argue about a shifter trying to gain a feat that requires them to be shifted to meet the prerequisite (as the duration is so short). Still, don't forget Awesome Blow is locked (as it comes from the Monster Manual).