[RPG] Are immunities only working if you want them to

dnd-3.5eimmunities

For example, a Necropolitan Dread Necromancer just leveled, earning herself the class ability Negative Energy Resistance. However, she has always been using her Charnel Touch ability to heal herself. Is this no longer possible, or can she choose when she wants to be immune or not?

Or, the same Necropolitan is in a party with a Bard, using his Inspire Courage to buff her allies. However, this is a mind-affecting spell, which the Necropolitan is immune to. Does she not get the buff, or can she "disable" her immunity for this buff?


Sources:
Bard is in Player Handbook, page 26.
Dread Necromancer is in Heroes of Horror, page 84.
The Necropolitan template is in Libris Mortis, page 114.

Best Answer

Immunity or Resistance can only be suppressed if the text specifically mentions it.

Here is an example of an immunity:

Cold Immunity: A creature with cold immunity never takes cold damage.

As you can see above, there is absolutely no mention that you can suddenly not be immune to cold whenever you feel like it.

Here is an example of resistance:

Spell Resistance: Spell resistance is the extraordinary ability to avoid being affected by spells. A creature can voluntarily lower its spell resistance.

As you can see above, there is specific mention that you can lower your resistance; you probably wouldn't want to resist a restorative spell being sent your way - unless you wanted to.


Regarding an Undead Dread Necromancer specifically...

First, lets look at the ability in question:

Charnel Touch (Su): This touch heals undead creatures...

Negative Energy Resistance: A dread necromancer gains a bonus on saving throws made to resist negative energy effects...

Now, lets look at the Necropolitan template in question:

Size/Type: The creature's type changes to undead...

As mentioned in previous answers, there is no saving throw to apply the resistance to. The Charnel Touch would heal the Necropolitan, since the Necropolitan is an undead creature - there is no saving throw - it just happens.

Now, regarding the Undead's:

  • Immunity to all mind-affecting effects (charms, compulsions, phantasms, patterns, and morale effects).

This is overcome by one feat, that the bard should have taken knowing there was an undead presence in the party (and on his/her side):

Requiem (Libris Mortis, p. 29): You can extend the effects of your mind-affecting bardic music abilities so that they influence the undead.


Before someone asks, "Is Inspire Courage a Bardic Music Effect?"

Yes, it is. See below:

Bardic Music states: "While these abilities fall under the category of bardic music... they can all be activated by reciting poetry, singing lyrical songs... Each ability requires both a minimum bard level and a minimum number of ranks in the Perform skill..."

Inspire Courage requires 3 or more ranks in a Perform skill, and uses song or poetry.