Can a multi-target trap select the same target more than once?

[pokedigimaniac]

Quick and hopefully simple question:

The "Poisoned Dart Wall" trap from the DMG has as its Targets line: "Targets 2d4 targets in range." Now, does this mean it can only target up to 2d4 people, or that it shoots 2d4 darts at whoever's in range each time its turn comes up? The latter is closer to how similar traps worked in previous editions, but for some reason I suspect 4e design philosophy supports the former.

Can someone help clear this up? Thanks!

 

[babinro]

While I have no certain answer backed up by rules. I suspect this particular trap can target the same character multiple times.

I base this on the stylish picture which depicts several arrows in the shield. Also the fact that the damage output per dart is quite low, and the poison would not stack. Compare this to the damage from the Flame Jet blaster trap just 2 levels higher. The average damage per character is unlikely to reach those levels unless you have some bad luck roles.

I would, however, scale this trap based on party members. You'd hate to have a single PC enter the range 20 field and get targeted by the maximum 8 dart attacks.

 

[MatthewJHanson]

I would say no. Targets is the number of targets, not the number of darts it shoots.

Flame jet is a close blast 3, which is MUCH easier to avoid than a ranged 20.

 

[babinro]

I would say no. Targets is the number of targets, not the number of darts it shoots.

Flame jet is a close blast 3, which is MUCH easier to avoid than a ranged 20.

That still doesn't negate my great argument about the stylish picture associated with the trap. MatthewJHanson is 100% correct though.

If you want to have it shoot one guy multiple times, then do so, but that is against the intended rules of the trap. Good to know I was running it wrong in my campaign.

 

[Dice4Hire]

That still doesn't negate my great argument about the stylish picture associated with the trap. MatthewJHanson is 100% correct though.

If you want to have it shoot one guy multiple times, then do so, but that is against the intended rules of the trap. Good to know I was running it wrong in my campaign.

You are basing your interpretation off a picture?

What's next? Flavor text?

I see little relationship between pictures/flavor text and the rules in a lot of cases.

I would go with each target being targeted once.

 

[Zinovia]

I agree that the trap as described would target each enemy once.

You could easily create a trap that shoots multiple darts at each enemy in its area of effect.

Revised Poisoned Dart Wall Trap
Level 6 Blaster, XP 250
Darts fire from the wall, filling the chamber with danger.
Trap: Each round on its initiative, the trap fires a barrage of poison darts in a blast 5 area.
Perception: DC 22: The character notices the small holes in the walls. DC 27: The character notices the tripwire trigger.
Initiative +7
Trigger: When a character moves across the tripwire at the entrance of the chamber, the trap rolls initiative.
Attack: Standard Action, Blast 5
Targets: Each creature in blast will be attacked by 1d4 darts (or 1d4 minus 1 to allow for no targeting dart that round if you prefer).
Attack: +11 vs. AC
Hit: 1d8 + 2 damage and ongoing 5 poison damage (save ends). The ongoing poison damage from multiple hits is not cumulative.

 

[pokedigimaniac]

Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who responded - you cleared things up nicely!