D&D 5E Is the stun from Psychic Scream permanent if it is impossible to make the save?

[ECMO3]

It does not look like Psychic Scream has a duration or concentration, just a save every round to end. So if a 20 Int Wizard (DC19) hits someone with it and they have a 3-7 Intelligence it would be permanently stunned correct?

 

[DND_Reborn]

Correct.

It would more or less be in a coma or the like until it died from exhaustion unless cared for.

 

[Dausuul]

Correct. Since a nat 20 does not auto-succeed on a save in 5E, this is effectively a perma-stun for any creature with -2 or worse, unless the target gets their save bonus increased (e.g., by resistance) or receives a spell or effect that removes the stunned condition.

By my reading, the stun can't even be dispelled, but one could argue that point.

 

[pukunui]

Yep. My high-level barbarian got perma-stunned by psychic scream. I forget how the others healed him but it required some other high-level spell.

 

[Charlaquin]

Yep. My high-level barbarian got perma-stunned by psychic scream. I forget how the others healed him but it required some other high-level spell.

Maybe Greater Restoration? It doesn’t technically remove stunned, but it feels like an appropriate way to rule that such a perma-stun could be ended.

 

[pukunui]

Maybe Greater Restoration? It doesn’t technically remove stunned, but it feels like an appropriate way to rule that such a perma-stun could be ended.

Maybe! I honestly can't remember. All I know is my barbarian couldn't make the save even with a nat 20 but the others somehow found a way to end the effect so that I wouldn't have to make a new PC!

 

[Clint_L]

Way of Mercy monk? They can remove the stunned condition.

 

[billd91]

This is an example of why you should auto succeed at a saving throw on a 20.

 

[jgsugden]

Bless would allow you to get that d20 up to 4 higher....

 

[pukunui]

Way of Mercy monk? They can remove the stunned condition.

I don’t think that subclass was out yet.