Overlapping Zones: Static Dam. v. Dice

[Xyrlove Woodsoul]

Now I do know that when two zones overlap, the damage you apply is that of the higher of the two values. But, what if one is a dice expression, and the other one is a static application? Do both apply?

 

[FireLance]

I personally would roll the dice and apply the higher of the rolled value or the static number.

However, I think it would be a good design principle for all damage-dealing zones and auras to deal only static damage.

 

[Xyrlove Woodsoul]

That sounds reasonable.

 

[abyssaldeath]

Now I do know that when two zones overlap, the damage you apply is that of the higher of the two values.

Since when?

For overlapping zones, both would do damage. Overlapping Auras, however, do not stack if they have similar effects.

 

[Xyrlove Woodsoul]

Since always, I do believe: PHB p59

"If zones overlap and impose penalties to the same roll
or score, creatures in the overlapping area are subject
to the worst penalty; the penalties are not cumulative.
Similarly, a target in the overlapping area takes
damage from whichever zone deals the most damage,​

regardless of damage type."

 

[Turtlejay]

Bwhat??!

Since always, I do believe: PHB p59​

"If zones overlap and impose penalties to the same roll
or score, creatures in the overlapping area are subject
to the worst penalty; the penalties are not cumulative.
Similarly, a target in the overlapping area takes
damage from whichever zone deals the most damage,​

regardless of damage type."

Wow, we have always played this wrong. Just last session we played this wrong. Good to know.

This is why I love these boards. I'm always finding stuff out that I never knew, or thought I'd want to know.

Jay

 

[Ryujin]

I think that I would assign a static value to the variable damage, based on average rolls for the die type, then assign the higher of the two. For example if one did 12 points and the other did 3d6 I would assign a value of (3.5 + 3.5 + 3.5 = 10.5; round down) 10 to the 3d6, then apply the 12 as the greater of the two.

 

[Chris Knapp]

We play it as the greater damage that turn. If you are in a static 10 damage zone and in a 2d6 damage zone and roll a 7, you take 10. If the DM rolled a 12, you take 12.

 

[Xyrlove Woodsoul]

That's how I've been running it too. It seems most consistent with the RAW, which implies it, implicitly., i.e., > than

Also, creatures get saving throws to avoid being forced into all "bad things" now, right? Hindering Terrain is anything that is bad for "it", now, right? What happens if they save? Do they fall prone?

 

[mneme]

Hindering terrain is one of those things that has strict or loose definitions, depending on whom you ask.

By a strict definition? Hindering terrain is whatever the GM marked as hindering terrain on the map (and nothing that's been laid down unless it was a terrain modification that added "hindering" or the lot to it).

By a loose definition, it's anything that damages/attacks the target just for entering it (but not "challenging terrain", which requires a roll). So walls, traps, and pits would all count as "hindering terrain" even if they were laid down by the party -- but zones and other things that did damage when a character started their turn next to/in them would not, any more than being forced next to a fighter with Rain of Steel or a Stormwarden would count as "hindering terrain."

And yeah, if something tries to force you into hindering terrain, you can make a save and drop prone instead of moving if you make it (or just not move, if it's teleportation).