what is helpless

[Dr_Ruminahui]

Additionally, the tied up and bound example is more like a special kind of stunned, as the creature can take no actions except verbal ones (if not gagged) or attempting to escape.

In other words, I see "helpless" as a condition that either arises from being unconscious or based on what the DM sees as reasonable.

So, if the creature is hogtied and can literally do little else than talk and move its neck a couple of centimetres - yeah, that's helpless. If it can shift more than that (in particular, if it can move its arms), then it isn't.

Or, to sum things up, rules wise helpless only occurs for unconscious creatures, but the DM can also apply it as he/she deems appropriate in situations of extremely restricted mobility,

 

[ppaladin123]

What I'd like to know is whether baleful polymorph (druid level 15) actually does anything mechanically other than stun the enemy. It turns them into a small, harmless creature while they are stunned. Does that effect defenses? Are small harmless creatures helpless? Is this just fluff?

 

[mach1.9pants]

What is helpless...

...all pirates of DnD product since WotC banned PDFs.

Sorry for the thread crap but it just jumped into my head

To the Paladin: polymorph doesn't change anything unless stated. All your defences, HP etc stay the same. Thats how I read it.

 

[Saeviomagy]

I think Skallgrim was saying pretty much what you're saying Saeviomagy, a restrained and immobilized character shouldn't normally be considered 'helpless', but what would you consider one that is hog tied to a tree? From a logical standpoint the character is helpless, although they are technically restrained and possibly immobilized.

But neither the restrained nor immobilized conditions allow a CDG on them: whether they're restrained or immobilized is completely beside the point.

What matters is whether the DM has designated the bound character as helpless. That would basically be completely DM fiat.

Personally I would say that to become helpless you must be either knocked unconscious or voluntarily choose to become helpless. Someone can then bind you such that you remain helpless.