D&D 4E Elevation Bonus in 4E?

[TarionzCousin]

IIRC, in 3E you got a +2 to hit if you attacked from a higher elevation. Is that still the case in 4E?

If not, should it apply on a bull rush?

 

[hayek]

There's no +2 in 4e, not on a bull rush either. Of course, if u think it makes sense it's a fine house rule. They took it out for ease of play, not because it didn't make sense.

 

[Stoat]

Given 4E's emphasis on tactical positioning in combat, I'm surprised, but Hayek is right. There is no official bonus for having the high ground in 4E.

 

[LostSoul]

There's no specific rule for it, but the DM is encouraged to hand out modifiers (+/- 2) based on the situation (page 42).

So if a PC attacks a goblin while standing on a table, give him a +2 bonus. If he attacks a troll or giant, don't.

 

[TarionzCousin]

There is now... at least in tonight's session.

 

[TarionzCousin]

You must spread some Experience Points around before giving it to Stoat again

Thanks, Stoat. I'll try to remember to come back here soon and remedy this.

 

[radja]

it promotes positioning and is easy to keep track of. I've made it a +1 bonus in my game, and my players like it. no need to let them know it's actually a houserule

 

[Olgar Shiverstone]

I've played with higher ground granting combat advantage. Seemed to work just fine.

 

[Mengu]

So if a PC attacks a goblin while standing on a table, give him a +2 bonus. If he attacks a troll or giant, don't.

And this right here is why I don't particularly like ad hoc DM assigned bonuses. I would argue if you are trying to attack a goblin while standing on a table, you have no bonus. Your already small target is even further away from you now, especially if you have a short reach weapon like a dagger. If you are attacking a troll or giant while standing on a table, I might grant a +2 bonus. You are closer to his vulnerable areas like the throat.

I'm sure Lost Soul had a completely valid reasoning in his head when he assigned those bonuses but it doesn't line up with the image in my head. It's best to spell out terrain related bonuses and penalties before an encounter, and make sure they aren't terribly conditional.

 

[LostSoul]

And this right here is why I don't particularly like ad hoc DM assigned bonuses. I would argue if you are trying to attack a goblin while standing on a table, you have no bonus. Your already small target is even further away from you now, especially if you have a short reach weapon like a dagger. If you are attacking a troll or giant while standing on a table, I might grant a +2 bonus. You are closer to his vulnerable areas like the throat.

I'm sure Lost Soul had a completely valid reasoning in his head when he assigned those bonuses but it doesn't line up with the image in my head. It's best to spell out terrain related bonuses and penalties before an encounter, and make sure they aren't terribly conditional.

Maybe that makes more sense. I buy it. (But I've never fought goblins while standing on a table. )

What you could do is say, "Here I am stabbing him in the face!" And another player might say, "Hey, because he's got to guard his face, can I get a bonus for stabbing him in the gut?" The +/- 2 modifier is a pretty powerful tool for bringing the vision in your head into resolution of actions.