Falling (Jumping Down)

[Xorn]

Falling, as described in the PHB, mentions "Jumping Down"

For those trained in Acrobatics, they can reduce the amount of falling damage they take from a fall of at least 10 feet, if they fall or jump down.

My problem with this: while I like this mechanic just fine, and I'm definitely gamist over simulationist, it just doesn't seem to me that you should have to be trained in acrobatics to reduce falling damage when you intentionally jump down. If you fell on accident (or were forced), sure--but jumping on purpose? Seems like that could be untrained.

Thoughts?

I mean ultimately, taking 1d10 and going Prone isn't that big of a deal (after all, you could CLIMB down if you had time), but I guess I just don't like Acrobatics having to be trained if you jump down from something on purpose. On average, you're probably only going to reduce the damage 5-6 points, or basically negate a 10 feet fall.

 

[pukunui]

I'm no expert but it makes sense to me. Most people I know wouldn't know how to break their fall. Instead they'd just break their legs or something. I think it takes some training - not much but some - to know how to fall without hurting yourself. You know, stuff like just letting your body collapse under the weight and then rolling over your shoulder and stuff so that the force of the fall isn't absorbed by your legs.

Yes? No? Maybe?

 

[baberg]

If the PCs know the pit is there and can "hang down" from the side or something similar, I'd reduce the damage dice by 1d10. If the PCs are honestly falling down, then it's full damage unless they're trained in Acrobatics to tumble (as the skill implies)

But yes, I agree with you - there should be two rules, one for falling down a pit (requires training to reduce damage) and one for jumping down.

 

[FitzTheRuke]

Personally I don't know why they bother with trained vs untrained checks. Just make the DC's high enough that untrained people have to get lucky to make the check and be done with it.

I know that IRL there are skills that are actually IMPOSSIBLE for people who know nothing about it to accomplish, while the same trick is easy for someone trained at it, but I think it's best to work under the assumption that the PCs have basic training in pretty much everything (enough to get by).

For instance, the wizard who isn't trained in athletics (for climbing) at least has had some experience and pointers from the rogue given so he understands the basic concept. This is, after all, part of what the level bonus implies.

Fitz

 

[Xorn]

Good points made. I've always been one to strive for RAW, I don't house rule much. I solidly agree with why you should take damage. You're dropping 10 feet, and adding 50-100 pounds to the weight hitting you. If you hang down first before dropping, we're talking about climbing, and now it's Athletics, and takes longer. Get the total drop below 10 feet and you don't have to worry about damage at all.

I can easily see the untrained drop, too. After all, when I jumped off a roof as a kid, I crouched down and slipped off--my feet only fell maybe 6-7 feet in the end. But I'm not talking about a 10 year old, carefully dropping down to the ground from 10 feet. I'm talking about a fighter and warlord, both in scale mail, with two handed weapons, climbing up one side of a ten foot wall with 4 movement, then using their 5th move to jump off the other side.

If you aren't trained in Acrobatics, I think you should be jarred by the impact of your hurried jump (d10) and probably be struggling to keep your feet (prone). As there's no opportunity attack for standing up, it's not a huge penalty. After all, they got over a 10 foot wall with a single move action!

You get 18 feats, too--if you really see yourself making a lot of 10 feet jumps, then just take Skill Training: Acrobatics.

I think I'm pretty decided on what I'll do with it--but I'd like to see what WotC had in mind.

 

[Saeviomagy]

If you aren't trained in Acrobatics, I think you should be jarred by the impact of your hurried jump (d10) and probably be struggling to keep your feet (prone). As there's no opportunity attack for standing up, it's not a huge penalty. After all, they got over a 10 foot wall with a single move action!

You get 18 feats, too--if you really see yourself making a lot of 10 feet jumps, then just take Skill Training: Acrobatics.

Once you add the possibility of spending a healing surge, these become even more tenable.
You scaled the 10ft wall in full plate and jumped off the other side. If you do that more than 10 times a day or repeatedly without time to catch your breath (enough to get bloodied), it might start to impact you negatively.

Damn, adventurers are fit.