Dungeons & Dragons Fourth Edition from 2008 (includes Essentials)
9
votes
3answers
645 views
How to rule a permanently blind PC in D&D 4e?
One of my players wants to build a totally blind character, and so far as I can tell the system has no rules for it, despite coming close. Blinded is a condition that more accurately reflects having ...
22
votes
4answers
915 views
Monster Manual 1 - Is it balanced? Should I balance it?
I've been DM'ing a little lately 4 edition D&D and of course I'm confused again:
My first adventure was a big question mark, I didn't use the exact guidelines for creating an encounter and ...
10
votes
4answers
270 views
Recommend a published encounter for 4e to demo its strengths to newbies!
I'm looking for recommendations for a published (but not necessarily WotC), fun, single encounter to introduce some friends to D&D 4E. We'll be using a virtual tabletop (Roll20 specifically) for ...
18
votes
2answers
385 views
Is teleporting a creature considered forced movement of said creature?
Is teleporting a creature considered to be forced movement of said creature?
11
votes
2answers
298 views
Does a large creature take damage moving through a Wall of Fire?
Here's the situation, a large creature moves next to a Wall of Fire.
W
CCW
CCW
W
Next it moves into the wall, taking damage
W
CC
CC
W
Then it moves again
W
CC
CC
W
...
6
votes
2answers
206 views
Can a creature shift while swimming?
The party I was DMing for was fighting in a sewer passage with small water ways running through the passage, and some questions came up about movement and water. The DM's guide 1 explains some ...
5
votes
2answers
143 views
Is there a distinction between skill and knowledge checks?
On page 26 of the DMG it describes knowledge checks as giving the players particular information, such as a history check to identify a region. But wouldn't a skill check be the same? Or does the ...
4
votes
5answers
609 views
How do I use passive insight checks?
On page 26 of the DMG, it describes a passive insight check and gives an example of using it in a social encounter. Could you help me with it and how to use it? Step by step would be appreciated
-1
votes
2answers
468 views
Combat encounters, non-combat encounters, and non-encounters in D&D 4e [closed]
The DMG mentions combat and non-combat encounters. By their names, these imply that they cover all forms of encounter: either it is or isn't a combat encounter. Is this true? Is everything in the game ...
15
votes
4answers
501 views
What should a DM do if a player wants to do something impossible?
If a player wants to do something a little out of the ordinary such as punching down a wall with his bare fists, what should I do? Do I make a DC for it? Do I make it so that no matter how much he ...
9
votes
4answers
197 views
Changing systems: Player and GM considerations in adapting a campaign from PF to 4e
I am resurrecting a campaign which had been on hold for several months, and considering updating from Pathfinder to 4e (which I have never run before), and juggling the mental calculus that goes into ...
4
votes
3answers
155 views
Retrying a failed skill challenge
On page 74 of the
DMG (Step 5: Consequences), it says that if you fail a skill challenge, it can become more difficult, such as detouring you in a different direction. Could you attempt the same ...
5
votes
2answers
186 views
Can an Avalanche Hammer melee basic be upgraded by Ogremight Bruiser (Greater Style)
The Ogremight Bruiser (Greater Style) [ddi] allows you to use some powers in place of a melee basic attack.
You can use a power associated with this feat in place of a melee basic attack when ...
2
votes
1answer
107 views
Can group skill checks only be tried once?
In the DMG, it describes group skill checks as electing a lead character and the other characters aiding him. Would it work like this in a conversation (skill challenge)?.
Lay out the primary and ...
5
votes
1answer
167 views
Can you redo a failed skill check?
If I were to fail a dexterity roll to unlock a chest, could I redo it next time? I know that if you fail a skill challenge it is permanent, but are skill checks the same, or can you redo them? If you ...
4
votes
1answer
80 views
Can the MBA provided by Repel Charge be made at reach?
A player in my group is building a PC with a reach weapon
With a reach weapon, a creature can make melee attacks against enemies
that are 2 squares away from it as well as adjacent enemies. Even ...
3
votes
1answer
158 views
Does a Tiny creature have size modifiers to its carrying capacity?
DMG 222 is pretty clear that you use one carrying/lifting/dragging calculation for all PCs. Am I missing an exception for Tiny creatures, or are Pixies just that incredibly strong?
7
votes
1answer
162 views
Are two creatures sharing one square adjacent to each other?
If a Tiny creature (like a Pixie) shares a square with a Medium creature (say human), are they considered adjacent to each other?
Adjacent Squares: Two squares are adjacent if a side or a corner ...
7
votes
1answer
178 views
At the end of my rope: trying to inspire someone with no healing surges left to greatness?
At the end of the 7th encounter for the day, our group has basically no surges left and no option but to keep going. We have a Battle Captain Warlord:
Battle Inspiration (16th level): When you ...
7
votes
4answers
201 views
Is altering the adventure to suit the players the purpose of the DM in D&D?
I was reading page 18 of the DMG under One Hour Preparation. The 4th bullet point described a way of adding bits in an adventure to make a player feel more involved:
Consider how each of these ...
5
votes
4answers
286 views
How do I deal with absent players?
If a player is absent and nobody chooses to play this absent character and instead I let it vanish for a while with a suitable reason or excuse, does this missing player gain levels and XP with the ...
5
votes
1answer
125 views
What should I look out for, when scaling a late heroic published adventure for late paragon/early epic tier?
I will be including a level 9 published adventure in my campaign soon. The thing is, the four players will be somewhere between level 18 and 24 when they hit the dungeon.
Aside from obviously scaling ...
4
votes
1answer
115 views
Does the Executioner Assassin apply dexterity to its melee basic attacks?
I am trying to figure out if the Executioner assassin (Heroes of Shadow) applies its dexterity to its melee basic attacks. The Attack Finesse Class feature says: You can use Dexterity instead of ...
0
votes
0answers
120 views
New to the game: Where can I get D&D 4E tips and advice? [closed]
I'm starting to play D&D 4E and I was hoping for some advice on where to find help in creating a first character.
1
vote
2answers
224 views
Mechanical difference between the Eberron Setting and D&D Home campaign?
In character builder Eberron and D&D Home campaign are two separate options, but does choosing Eberron actually make any changes or restrictions (similar to those with the dark sun setting) in ...
3
votes
1answer
170 views
When do 4e Monster powers (with the recharge ability) recharge?
How often do I roll power recharge rolls and at which point in a turn do I re-roll them?
I'm trying to find the official definition of the recharge mechanic in the online compendium and I'm not ...
4
votes
3answers
164 views
Creature death and save conditions
When a creature dies, does it continue to suffer from conditions? The reason I ask is because of the Item Daily Power on the Orb of Fickle Fate:
A target within 10 squares of you takes a -2 ...
5
votes
1answer
91 views
Do I need both DMG1 and 2 to create adventures?
I'm working on my first custom campaign for my players (I have previously run modules out of books and Dragon magazine), and I am wondering if I should read both DMG1 and 2 or if it's possible to just ...
7
votes
2answers
205 views
How do you destroy a battle standard?
AV states that Battle Standards have resist 50 all when deployed, but it says nothing about their total health. Can an enemy destroy them by picking them up out of the ground and breaking them in ...
15
votes
2answers
596 views
Creating solo monsters
One thing I haven't found in 4th edition online is a plethora of solo monsters. The idea of these fights are fascinating! Sadly though, all the products in 4th focus on multiple opponent fights (with ...
4
votes
1answer
90 views
Blurred Step + multi-shifting
If a baddie next to me shifts x, and I can shift x with blurred step, what is the interaction like? Does he declare his shift one square at a time, so that I can just follow the first shift (and then ...
9
votes
2answers
1k views
Does the New Magic Missile Trigger “On Hit” Powers or Effects?
The new Magic Missile (p203 in Heroes of the Fallen Lands) introduces a new (I think) mechanic.
It is an Attack that does damage without an Attack line, only an Effect line. IE, you don't have to ...
3
votes
1answer
133 views
Is it possible to multi-class to Shaman and acquire the healing spirit power?
Is there anyway for a character to take Shaman as a multi-class feat, and acquire the Healing Spirit power?
0
votes
1answer
385 views
Weapon proficiency training and penalties in 4th ed
I know that proficiency can be acquired trough picking class or selecting a feat. But I cant seem to find a feat that would give training in superior melee. Do I need to pick a feat for only one type ...
6
votes
2answers
117 views
Does zone damage count as a hit with a power?
In this case I am talking about a specific scenario involving the following feat and power combo.
I have a level 9 Invoker who has Mark of Storm:
Mark of Storm [Dragonmark]
Benefit: Whenever ...
7
votes
1answer
546 views
Question about D&D 4E bonus stacking
I have a question related to D&D 4E bonus stacking, specifically related to overlapping type stacking. I understand that in general similar types do not stack, however I'm wondering if there are ...
4
votes
1answer
122 views
How do 'no action' powers interact with the events that trigger them?
I'm not sure how to generalize this question, so I'll give the specific example my player is concerned with. Hope it's not too chatty.
A monk, adjacent to a single enemy, lands an attack such as ...
2
votes
2answers
168 views
How does non-attack-power targeting work, particularly with feat-enhanced Flurry of Blows?
Flurry of Blows powers are features, not attack powers, with a range of Melee 1 or 2. Although it's clear melee attacks can target squares rather than creatures, I've been ruling that Flurry doesn't ...
0
votes
0answers
165 views
Old School gamer attempting to get back into it…with some trepidation [closed]
I use to play D&D since Version 2, when it was banned at schools because it was thought to be devil worship, then later after a few people went a little nuts and used their "character personas" as ...
8
votes
1answer
433 views
Regeneration while dying in 4th edition
I recently started DMing after playing 4th edition D&D around 10-15 times. While going over player and DM books I started to wonder if regeneration works while a PC is dying.
For example, a level ...
5
votes
1answer
171 views
Ongoing damage while dying in 4th edition
Similar to Regeneration while dying in 4th edition, does a character continue to take ongoing damage when dropping to 0 hp?
Also, does he continue to make saving throws for all effects while dying?
1
vote
1answer
169 views
What options are available for a Sentinel Druids Animal Companions item slot?
I read in an answer to Druid (Sentinel) Animal Companion Armor that there was at least one item (Companion's Defender) which could be given to a Sentinel Druids Animal Companion, but as I am not a DDI ...
10
votes
2answers
600 views
Druid (Sentinel) Animal Companion Armor
I am new to D&D and I am looking to start. I would like to start a Druid(Sentinel) from Heroes of the Forgotten Kingdoms whose animal companion is a bear.
My Druid would dislike his animal ...
6
votes
2answers
790 views
Do implement attacks made through a weapon get the weapon's proficiency bonus?
I am making a bard in 4e and am using a +2 Songbow (Superior Crossbow). If I become proficient with Superior Crossbows (+3 to attack) and that weapon is my implement, would essentially get +5 to ...
6
votes
1answer
76 views
Can an Essentials Sentinel move when their animal companion charges?
In last weeks game, I needed to move both my Essentials Sentinel Druid and his animal companion as far as they could go. I used his move action to move them and then used his standard action as a move ...
1
vote
4answers
712 views
Who are the 3rd party 4e D&D providers? [closed]
Who are the 3rd party 4e D&D providers. What type of material do they do. One company per answer please.
As this is a community wiki the answers (and votes) will gauge community views on their ...
6
votes
2answers
587 views
Are there recommendations or pitfalls for playing an archer cleric?
In my 4E game, a player is going to try an elven cleric with a longbow (and a mace, just in case). She chose mostly ranged powers. Are there any caveats to playing such a character, or any builds that ...
3
votes
2answers
94 views
Thrown Object vs. Swarms
I have a very specific problem. Someone in my 4th ed. game wants to lift a barrel (they're strong enough, that's not the question) and smash it on a rat swarm. I don't see how this falls under the ...
3
votes
1answer
186 views
Why can't I pick the Staff of Defense option for my Wizard?
I am using the dnd insider to create my level two Wizard (Mage - enchanter) and I'm noticing that I certain abilities, feats or spells that were recommended I take in the Wizards handbook (such as the ...
1
vote
1answer
356 views
Level 2 Wizard powers and Spellbook question
I am a little confused on how a wizard's spellbook works.. I used the dnd insider to help me create my character so I am assuming it knows what it's doing.. anyway, it's allowing me to take 3 at ...
