Grease save

[Pielorinho]

I don't allow people to light Grease on fire: it's already a good enough spell as-is, and most oils don't whomp into flame at the touch of a match. Generally they take awhile to light, and even then, they burn low and steady.

I am a little confused about when a person makes their save vs. Grease. Do they save or fall on the wizard's turn? On their own turn? What if there are multiple grease patches -- do they save for each one they step in? for each 5' they walk?

I think that they should save as soon as the spell is cast, and thereafter every time they re-enter the greased area, or move within the greased area without leaving it. But I'm not sure.

Daniel

 

[Darklone]

Let them save when the spell is cast since you can assume that everyone is moving during combat.

 

[Pielorinho]

Actually, I guess the SRD makes it clear, and my memory was just fuzzy:

Any creature entering the area or caught in it when the spell is cast must make a successful Reflex save or slip, skid, and fall. Those that successfully save can move at half speed across the surface. However, those that remain in the area must each make a new saving throw every round to avoid falling and to be able to move. The DM should adjust saving throws by circumstance. For example, a creature charging down an incline that is suddenly greased has little chance to avoid the effect, but its ability to exit the affected area is almost assured (whether it wants to or not).

 

[Li Shenron]

I think it would have been nicer if a Balance check was involved also. Reflex saves are fine for such spells, but since the spell basically turns a surface slippery, wouldn't it be more appropriate? And funnier, since not a lot of monsters have high Balance bonuses

 

[MThibault]

Generally speaking, Saves are used to avoid something and checks are used to accomplish something. So if you wanted to work Balance checks into the Grease spell you could call for one when a player is actively trying to cross (or move within) the greasy area, but if the spell has just been cast (i.e. it isn't the character's turn so he can't actively do anything) or the character is unaware of the grease then a Save would be used.

I just stick with the save, but it isn't a bad idea to make Balance a bit more useful in the game (and make the choices more difficult for Rogues).

Cheers.

 

[Stalker0]

Grease with sculpt spell.


Drools.

 

[Li Shenron]

Generally speaking, Saves are used to avoid something and checks are used to accomplish something. So if you wanted to work Balance checks into the Grease spell you could call for one when a player is actively trying to cross (or move within) the greasy area, but if the spell has just been cast (i.e. it isn't the character's turn so he can't actively do anything) or the character is unaware of the grease then a Save would be used.

Exactly what I think

Unfortunately, the PHB talks about ST even after casting Grease, so we have to make it a house rule. I just thought it would have been a normal usage of Balance, just as in the PHB skill chapter.