Fear spell

[Oryan77]

When characters are panicked due to a Fear spell, can they use special abilities like Rage or cast buff spells while they are running away? Can they attack as they are also trying to flee?

I ask because panicked gives a -2 attack, so why would it give you a minus to attack if you can't fight while panicked? The panicked description says you drop your weapon...so I'm a little confused.

The panicked description also says you can use abilities and spells to help you flee. I take that as only being able to use spells that help you get out of the area faster (like expiditious retreat, haste, fly, or teleport). Is that correct? Or can you cast spells like Sanctuary to help protect you while you're fleeing? Can you use abilities like Rage or do the abilities also have to be movement type spells?

 

[frankthedm]

When characters are panicked due to a Fear spell, can they use special abilities like Rage or cast buff spells while they are running away?

Not in most situations.

Can they attack as they are also trying to flee?

No

I ask because panicked gives a -2 attack, so why would it give you a minus to attack if you can't fight while panicked? The panicked description says you drop your weapon...so I'm a little confused.

A being that has built-in or attached to body weapons will still have a right to take AoOs presented to it. The -2 makes sure those AoOs are a panicked flailing.

The panicked description also says you can use abilities and spells to help you flee. I take that as only being able to use spells that help you get out of the area faster (like expiditious retreat, haste, fly, or teleport). Is that correct?

Yes, if the spell will get you farther away that round than running [or double moving if that would allow you to move farther because of running's straight line limitation.]

Or can you cast spells like Sanctuary to help protect you while you're fleeing?

No. But i would let someone cast that if ther ran into a corner and had No Way Out (tm).

Can you use abilities like Rage or do the abilities also have to be movement type spells?

How does rage help you flee? Maybe if that was the only way to remove an encumbrence penalty.

Panicked
A panicked creature must drop anything it holds and flee at top speed from the source of its fear, as well as any other dangers it encounters, along a random path. It can’t take any other actions. In addition, the creature takes a -2 penalty on all saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks. If cornered, a panicked creature cowers. A panicked creature can use special abilities, including spells, to flee; indeed, the creature must use such means if they are the only way to escape.

Panicked is a more extreme state of fear than shaken or frightened.