Modified Blindsight

[cvrinn]

I am not sure if this question belongs here, so Admins feel free to move it. Thanks.

My DM has decided to slightly change the Blindsight ability. It started when I asked if he was ok with my druid taking the blindsight feat(for druid level 9, if it matters) from Masters of the Wild. We are playing 3.5 so I showed him the feat for his approval and he said he was ok with it, with one change. He said that anyone with the ability would be adversely affected by loud noise(he specifically mentioned the noise from lightning like from call lightning ). He was not specific but implied that it would be similar to being stunned or dazed(I don't think he has totally decided what the downside would be). He also said(after I asked) that creatures with the ability would be effected also. He hadn't decided the specific distance from the source of the sound that a creature must be to not be affected.

So I have a couple of questions. First, do you think it would be wise to take the feat as a druid that casts Call Lightning (and soon Call Lightning Storm) relatively regularly? I don't really want to stun myself everytime I call a bolt down, but I really like the ability. Second, do you think that this change makes those and similar spells(any sonic based ones in particular) overly powerful against creatures with the blindsight ability?

Any input you have on the subject is appreciated.

 

[Ferret]

I would not get it. To much of a draw back, especially when 'Loud Noise' is not specific. I would also say that its a bad rulling, but it's up to the DM.

 

[cvrinn]

Yeah, I probably will stay away from it. If my DM specifically details what a "loud noise" is and what the penalties will actually be, I may change my mind. Right now it seems that I would be screwing myself over too much for an ability that may not be useful often enough.

However, I definitely plan on using Call Lightning (and Storm) against any creatures that have blindsight or blindsense. It would seem to be a "no-brainer". I will just have to get my DM to work out the specifics.

 

[JDowling]

I'm tempted to say this is an unwise ruling for a couple reasons, but it depends on how stuff gets defined.

Thunderstone, 30g - when thrown creates a deafening sound, blahblah. On top of any normal effects, these little gems would nail the blindsense/blindsight critters with whatever penality there is.

So, say some dragon had blindsense, why look - all of them do, you could cheaply and easily "disadvantage".

If the disadvantage is an auto-stun, even 1 round, (no save, or similar), then the next thing your PCs should do is load up on a couple hundred Thunderstones, find your nearest dragon, and have one guy stun the sucker each round while the next pummel it into submission. I'm sure the horde will more than make up for the investment

A few ways around this being a problem:
1 - the disadvantage is minor, on the level of a cantrip, -1 to hit next round or similar.
2 - the disadvantage offers a fairly easy save to overcome.

It seems to me that either it's too big of a penalty to you - and thus opens the door for stupid cheese tactics, or it's really just flavor that isn't ment to have a large impact on game - in which case you can go ahead and take the feat without problem.

Another thought - wouldn't dragons hit themselves with "Loud Noise" whenever they roar or bellow?

Just remember - carry lots of Thunderstones if the penalty is large

 

[cvrinn]

I finally got my DM to decide on some specifics. He must have thought it over some more because it turns out to be not so bad. The "loud noise" will only effect those creatures that have a version of blindsight/sense that is based on their hearing. That means me if I take the feat but not dragons(damn!). The penalty will be just like being dazzled(-1 to attack, search and spot) for one round. That is not too bad and he said that it would be a rare occurrance. I decided to take the feat and will just have to be a little careful with any of my noisier spells. In most cases, the dazzle effect wouldn't matter that much as I usually cast more than melee, but I still have to watch it when I decide to wildshape and get a little physical.