Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 pukunui Oct 14, 2014 17:10:05	Hi folks,   The simulacrum spell states that, aside from only having half the original creature's max hp, it "uses all the statistics of the creature it duplicates." Do you reckon that means that the simulacrum of a legendary creature would be able to use its legendary and/or lair actions, as well as gaining its legendary resistance trait?   Cheers, Jonathan
#2 Noctaem Oct 14, 2014 18:02:40	I'm wondering personally if the word "statistics" includes spells, abilities and legendary actions if any for example.  I think I would apply statistics to be ability scores, speed, half the hp, resistances and other things revolving around race for example.  But I don't think I would include Legendary Actions because you're no longer talking about statistics at that point.  I'd say ETV for sure and open to DM fiat.
#3 Dragoloth Oct 14, 2014 19:29:45	Well, it definately gets spells, at least your prepared ones, but as the spell description states it has no way to regain spell slots. I would say that a legendary dragon's simulacrum could use legendary actions, because they are in it's stat block. Lair actions on the other hand I'm iffy on.
#4 pukunui Oct 14, 2014 19:52:50	Yeah, a simulacrum definitely gets spells. I can see them not getting lair actions, but it's really the legendary actions I'm wondering about.   The reason I ask is because I'm running a modified Legacy of the Crystal Shard campaign, in which I've beefed up the main antagonist, the Ice Witch, so she's a legendary monster (being the Chosen of Auril and all that). The PCs are about to meet one of her simulacra. In the original Next playtest file, her simulacra has all her capabilities, it just has half her HP and is worth less XP. Of course, in the original version, she hasn't got any legendary powers, so I don't know if her simulacrum should have them or not.   The legendary actions I've given her are:   Cantrip (1 Action). Based on the lich's action of the same name. Freezing Burst (2 Actions). Based on the solar's "Searing Burst" action. Cast a Spell (3 Actions). Based on the sphinx's action of the same name.    I asked Greg Bilsland about this on Twitter, but he's just passed me on to Jeremy Crawford. If I get a response, I'll post it here.
#5 lawrencehoy Oct 14, 2014 22:32:33	I'm not sure how a simulacrum warrants spellcasting abilities in the first place; but, since the spell description specifically implies that it does, I wouldn't ban Legendary Actions either. I would only allow a number of Legendary Actions equal to the number that the original creature gets per turn (since spell slots don't renew, I wouldn't allow Legendary Actions to renew either); and allow the simulacrum to spend those Legendary Actions throughout its existence.
#6 pukunui Oct 14, 2014 23:04:09	That sounds reasonable.
#7 mellored Oct 15, 2014 5:21:47	Legendary actions are at-will, and runs into the same catagory as sneak attack, so IMO they should be fine.   However, i wouldn't allow any recharge abilities to recharge.  1 dragon breath and that's it.  Since that's similar to spells. Likewise, i wouldn't allow any other short rest or long rest ability to recharge.  So your simulacron fighter has 2 action surges period.
#8 Timborama Oct 15, 2014 5:46:59	pukunui wrote:
#9 mellored Oct 15, 2014 5:44:08	Timborama wrote:
(Reply to #9) Timborama	mellored wrote:
#11 pukunui Oct 15, 2014 13:00:57	To be honest, I'm not too fussed about the lair actions, as the PCs won't be encountering the Ice Witch's simulacrum in her own lair. They'll be encountering it in the old lair of Icingdeath, the great white dragon. The simulacrum will also be raising Icingdeath as a skeletal dragon, but neither of them will be able to use any lair actions, since the dragon's lair has been out of action for so long.   And yes, the Ice Witch is an NPC, so I can do whatever the hell I want ... like have her cast a 7th-level spell when she's only a 9th level spellcaster. (Auril's obviously giving her the power to do that, just like she gives the Ice Witch the power to animate the dragon's bones.)
#12 pukunui Oct 21, 2014 16:57:47	Finally got a response from the devs on this. Jeremy Crawford says: "Yes, assuming you spend the 1,500 gp, and the legendary creature is within reach for 12 hours."   In my case, that's not going to be a problem.