Lava: where are the rules?

[hamishspence]

I can't find the rules. i know we have all been told lava is a one-hit-kill, but its not mentioned in the PHB or DMG or MM. The descriptions for hindering terrain, of which lava is described as an example, say they tend to penalize the target heavily, but they do not give examples.

Might use the Everflame trap rules, removing the magical descriptor. Or draw from the fire titan lava throw rules; 4d6+6 fire + immobilized (save ends).

Do any rules for the various forms of hindering terrain exist yet?

 

[Nifft]

If you fall in lava, you die.

HOWEVER, if you are pushed into lava, you get a save, just as though you were pushed over the edge of a precipice.

Cheers, -- N

 

[hamishspence]

lava

Yes, but which page of which book has that rule?

 

[lukelightning]

I'd just follow the guidelines in the DMG about traps and hazards; not all lava needs to be the same. Some lava pools might be deadlier than others.

Considering that a person would not sink in lava, I think you should just take a lot of damage, catch on fire, and try to get to safety ASAP.

There was something on the Wizard's site about "if you fall in lava you die" but that could be tongue-in-cheek.

 

[hamishspence]

I was hoping hindering terrain might have more detail

We have examples: pits, which we have the falling rules for. Deep water: see swimming rules. But not lava or other forms of hindering terrain.

 

[evilbob]

This is a very good question, especially as it relates to powerful flame-based monsters. Many of them (red dragons included) are not immune to fire anymore, they just have high fire resistance. So if red dragons live in volcanoes, can they survive lava? Does lava do fire damage or just kill you? I haven't seen it listed anywhere, either.

 

[hamishspence]

that was the point of the post

specifically: that a specific line saying what happens when exposed to lava is either missing or very hard to find. We've all ben told its a kill, but where is the info coming from: the PHFs? the developers? or is there a very small sidebar I am missing?

 

[ravenight]

I thought the DMG mentioned it in the section about terrain, but I don't have the book here to check.

 

[Switchback]

-dp-

 

[Switchback]

I don't get the lava exception myself. Seems like a comedic throw in. But when you get serious you need to know this stuff.

What if I just stick my ankle in, am I dead? Is my foot melted? What if its only my finger?

What if I throw a magic item in there, or orb of annihilation?

Hey is that the One Ring!?!?