Overlapping Zones: Static Dam. v. Dice

[DracoSuave]

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).

Hindering terrain prevents movement (or severely punishes it) or damages creatures that enter it, but allows line of sight.

Straight from the DMG.

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."

Walls do not count as 'hindering terrain' because they do not punish movement. They are blocking terrain. Also spell effects are not terrain, for the reason you mentioned above. A wall of fire is no more terrain than a flaming sphere or a spirit companion.

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).

Yes.