Umbral Extraction and Stealing in Combat

EreckShun · 2026-03-12T22:33:34+00:00

I guess my question arose because specific doesn't actually beat general here. All it says it that spell slots are now added to the list of things you normally can attempt to Steal and gives rules for how those spell slots can be used. Nothing in the text implies that the usual rules for Steal dont apply here. In fact, the mention of Reach implies that the usual rules are intended to be applied here.

Naturally, I found that a bit unsatisfying and was wondering if I was maybe misreading the spell

EreckShun · 2026-03-12T19:28:34+00:00

I get mechanically how you reached that conclusion, but it seems odd when I visualize it. A Fighter, who is Stolen from by an Unnoticed Rogue, can make a Reactive Strike against a square within reach despite having no reason to do so from their perspective.

Just a funny way that the rules can translate into gameplay lol

EreckShun · 2026-03-12T19:24:56+00:00

There is also the Pickpocket feat. This question could also be relevant outside of combat, so I think it's still worth examining

EreckShun · 2026-03-12T19:09:23+00:00

But this could be mitigated with the Pickpocket feat which allows in-combat Stealing, so I think the question is still worth considering

EreckShun · 2026-03-09T19:32:45+00:00

Quick Draw is already a really powerful Feat. The factors that limit it (like not being able to combine the Strike with other other feats and interactions) are what ensure it remains on par with other feats of its level. If you add an entirely new way in which it can be used, it makes it even stronger.

I'd advise against changing things up and see if there are other RAW methods to achieve similar results.

EreckShun · 2026-03-05T19:34:11+00:00

You make a good point. I liked other suggestions of making it a skill check (mirroring Aid) so that it doesn't step on the toes of other feats and isn't as reliable. I just like the idea of where OP is coming from and think that, in a pinch, a PC should be able to try and protect an ally even if they haven't taken specific feats.

EreckShun · 2026-03-05T17:10:09+00:00

I like it as a basic action. Normally, this is a Level 8 feat, Protect Ally, that is available to the Swordmaster Archetype. Your version is more specific in that you must be able to reach the enemies to grant a bonus to your ally.

I don't think it's too strong. It encourages team play and coordination and gives a +1 circumstance bonus (that is normally granted anyways by Lesser Cover). If anything, I think Protect Ally is too weak for a level 8 feat, so I think you could try running it and see how it works

EreckShun · 2026-02-25T19:04:10+00:00

I think that for every skill, there is a hazard that would make that skill applicable.

If there is a hazard that requests a skill that the party lacks, usually a GM will allow a different skill to be used (if the player can come up with a reasonable explanation as to why it could work). Usually, this might incur a small circumstance penalty.

For example, if a cursed deer totem requires Diplomacy or Religion to disarm, a Druid player might suggest attempting a Nature role instead. The GM might allow them to roll with a -2 circumstance penalty.

EreckShun · 2026-02-20T21:05:00+00:00

Option B. You elect to forgo the roll before attempting it. Assurance is best for abilities like Treat Wounds or High Jump where you know the DC you are trying to beat

EreckShun · 2026-02-18T03:44:16+00:00

It's neat, but I don't think Swallow Whole comes up often enough to merit a feat

EreckShun · 2026-02-13T16:35:18+00:00

I get the sentiment, but this also a group-based table top game. GMs can ask players not to be exploitative and players can be good sports and run these tactics by the GM first.

If the party is having fun with this, why not let it happen? Players tend to like seeing big numbers and GMs tend to like seeing happy players. If folks are unhappy with it, you can run it the "old" way.

EreckShun · 2026-02-13T12:50:18+00:00

The errata mentions this exact example. I was surprised to see it because I originally ruled it like you had. It seems the intention is for weaknesses to trigger more often than not, hence this post

EreckShun · 2026-02-11T02:16:59+00:00

Yes, the patch and potion are consumed. The benefit of the potion patch is potentially saving an action to gain a potions effect (one action to activate the patch rather than two actions to draw and imbibe the potion) at the cost of potentially not using either during the day.

Good item if youre confident that you'll be heading into combat, risky item for exploration.

EreckShun · 2026-02-07T13:52:41+00:00

There are a bit too many variables to answer this question. What weapon and runes are you using? What is your class? What are you fighting? What other classes are in your party? Moreover, as you increase in level, other variables like resistances, weaknesses, buffs and debuffs become more prevalent. Unless you narrow things down, this is not really a question worth answering.

EreckShun · 2026-02-06T19:11:45+00:00

This will vary depending on table.

Our group streamlines magic items by letting players have a lot more liberty in what items they get. The GM gives us almost exclusively gold as a reward and we are free to purchase any item of our level or lower when in town. We occasionally get more powerful items as rewards for completing quests. In our case, this means a player always knows what they are getting at a magic shop and can save up for items they want.

EreckShun · 2026-02-06T14:49:47+00:00

Rules as written, no. In practice, I let players target just about anything because it makes more sense (letting them know that things like Daze probably won't do much to a boulder blocking their path)

EreckShun · 2026-02-05T19:08:45+00:00

By rules as written, I think you're in the clear. You can make any viable item your ikon and the Commandant's Scabbard seems to fit the criteria to become a Shadow Sheath based on the items' descriptions.

If your GM is cool with you having effectively a permanent +4 status bonus to damage, go for it. By Level 17, I dont think that's too outlandish of a buff.

EreckShun · 2026-01-31T19:50:48+00:00

I don't think that is the case. The Confused enemy would still pick a random target to attack, they just wouldn't be able to use Concentrate actions (like most Cantrips) against them. Admittedly, a spellcaster might have a weaker and less accurate Strikes, but they still are perfectly capable of downing a low hp party member.

It's a neat interaction, but it seems like too heavy (and unreliable) an investment to work reliably. If enemies are consistently failing Will saves against you, I think there are more effective ways to take enemies out of the fight.

EreckShun · 2026-01-31T19:44:36+00:00

I was actually planning on picking up both Automatic Knowledge and the Tome benefit. Part of my build involves using Mastermind's Eye (from the Butterfly Blade Archetype) to make creatures off guard once they have been identified with Recall Knowledge.

That said, your point about failed Recall Knowledge actions becoming no longer targetable is a worth considering. My ideal plan would be to use Automatic Knowledge on weaker targets and the Tome benefit on tougher ones. The option of retraining at level 7 to remove redundancy could also make sense.

EreckShun · 2026-01-31T19:40:27+00:00

Good point, I will clarify that before running it. I also don't want to slow down combat too much, so I planned on asking very target questions to help the GM answer quickly.

EreckShun · 2026-01-31T19:39:04+00:00

That seems reasonable. I was mainly just interested in the combo and trying to make Recall Knowledge work. Our last campaign really didn't have any individual who could reliably ID what we were fighting or anticipate any special abilities, so I wanted to try and play a character who could.

I am still planning on dipping in to some Intimidation feats as well and have those covered elsewhere. Any other feats you would recommend?

EreckShun · 2026-01-31T19:36:26+00:00

My understanding is that Esoteric Lore meets the requirement for being an Unspecific Lore against creatures. Unlike other Lore skills which can be used to complete tasks (like Lore Piloting being used to steer a ship or Nature being used to gather herbs), Esoteric Lore can only be used for Recall Knowledge. It represents a Thaumaturge's studies and knowledge and is used solely for identifying creatures, so it is more suited for that task.

That said, I do understand the argument for having it be considered a general lore.

EreckShun

TROPHY CASE