Resistance: Variable

[Plissken]

Hello, having a hard time finding the definition of "variable" when it comes to resistances. I can only mean something like: Resist 10 variable 1/encounter means that I can choose any type of resistance 1 per the combat encounter. Correct?

 

[Obryn]

Hello, having a hard time finding the definition of "variable" when it comes to resistances. I can only mean something like: Resist 10 variable 1/encounter means that I can choose any type of resistance 1 per the combat encounter. Correct?

Yep, pretty much that, exactly.

It's in the MM glossary.

-O

 

[FireLance]

Yep, pretty much that, exactly.

It's in the MM glossary.

To be slightly more exact, you pick from a limited list: acid, cold, fire, lightning, or thunder. You can't choose to be resistant to force, necrotic, psychic or radiant.

 

[msherman]

When do they choose? Should I set it in advance based one what they think they'll be attacked by? Or should they wait until the PCs start attacking, and then use it against the first typed-damage attack that hits them?

 

[FireLance]

When do they choose? Should I set it in advance based one what they think they'll be attacked by? Or should they wait until the PCs start attacking, and then use it against the first typed-damage attack that hits them?

It's done as a free action, so you can do it when first damaged by an energy type unless you are incapable of taking any actions at the point (e.g. if you are stunned).

 

[the Jester]

How long does variable resistance last when activated, until the end of the encounter?

When you use it more than once in an encounter, the new type replaces the old one, right?

Just checkin'!

 

[msherman]

It's done as a free action, so you can do it when first damaged by an energy type unless you are incapable of taking any actions at the point (e.g. if you are stunned).

Does it apply to that first attack? Or will it only apply to subsequent attacks of the same damage type?

 

[Beckett]

How long does variable resistance last when activated, until the end of the encounter?

When you use it more than once in an encounter, the new type replaces the old one, right?

Just checkin'!

From MM p 282, "The monster gains the specified amount of resistance to the chosen damage type for the rest of the encounter... If a monster can use this ability more than once per encounter, it can resist only one type of damage from this ability at a time."

Does it apply to that first attack? Or will it only apply to subsequent attacks of the same damage type?

It's not an interrupt, so the monster wouldn't be able to pick a resistance until after it's been damaged.