Do natural 1's instantly mean a failed save?

[Kai Lord]

It seems obvious, but for the life of me I can't find anyplace in the Core Rules where its stated that Saving Throws instantly fail if a natural 1 is rolled. Is this rule only for attacks? Please state the page number if such a rule exists. Thanks.

 

[kreynolds]

Yes, autofailures apply to saves as well. It's in the FAQ and D&Dg.

 

[Kai Lord]

So it isn't a Core Rule then. Good. One less house rule for us.

 

[Crothian]

So it isn't a Core Rule then. Good. One less house rule for us.

So, you like people who can succeed saving throws on a nat one?

 

[Kai Lord]

So, you like people who can succeed saving throws on a nat one?

Of course.

 

[Crothian]

Of course.

Why do you like their being no chance for failure?

 

[Spatzimaus]

It's not in the core rules. There's a section on PHB p.150 that says when you roll a natural 1 on a saving throw one of your items takes the damage.

HOWEVER:
http://www.d20reviews.com/Eric/errata.htm
is the errata page for this site. At the bottom of the PHB section it gives a Sage Advice answer that was just added to the FAQ, saying that saves fail on a 1 and succeed on a 20. So, it may not be in the FAQ yet, but it will be.

 

[Ranger REG]

Sorry, but if it is not a "check" (e.g., skill or ability) then natural 1 and natural 20 applies.

Granted, I had hope that Wizards would have been more meticulous in mentioning this in the next printing of the Player's Handbook. Personally, this was a grave oversight for both first and second printing, akin to having Dumb and Dumber editing the book.

No offense, but I've always have a vote of no-confidence when it comes to the Wizards' in-house editing and proofreading staff. They should think like rules lawyers.

 

[Kai Lord]

Why do you like their being no chance for failure?

Because in game terms its usually cheap, and not at all representative of the actual or cinematic likelihood for such a failure to occur.

 

[hong]

Why do you like their being no chance for failure?

I think KL is still trying to make sure his archer won't die in the first round against that dragon.