I am DM in a game where one player likes to use the intimidation skill and menacing attack. I can't find anywhere that tells me how to get rid of the frighted condition so every time he uses either of those, the monsters are basically useless because they can't move up or land an attack forever. So, how long does the frightened condition last?
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asked Sep 23, 2018 at 1:37
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\$\begingroup\$ I have modified your question. Is it still asking what you intend? \$\endgroup\$– RubiksmooseSep 23, 2018 at 2:01
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\$\begingroup\$ We will need to know specifically what features your player is using to cause the frightened condition in your monsters. Otherwise, no answer can be guaranteed to address your actual problem. For example, if it's only Menacing Attack that you're concerned about then the answer is easy, but if it's that and one or two other things or if you're asking about all possibilities then those answers might be less obvious. \$\endgroup\$– BloodcinderSep 23, 2018 at 18:02
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\$\begingroup\$ the intimidation skill \$\endgroup\$– Nathan SanteeSep 23, 2018 at 23:05
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2 Answers
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Varies Wildly
The specific source will list its specific duration.
For your specific case, Menacing Attack says how long it lasts - "On a failed save, it is frightened of you until the end of your next turn." - so it automatically ends at the end of the player's next turn.
More generally, effects that cause Fear allow subsequent saving throws to end the effect early and it automatically ends after a listed duration.
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To address the problem of the player always frightening combatants.
As the DM, you mitigate the chance of success and or whether a roll is required based on the circumstances in the battle. And, you decide the effect a successful intimidation may have.
For Example:
In one of my campaigns, the party was ambushed by a band of hobgoblin bandits lead by a chieftain. The character tried to intimidate the hobgoblins into fleeing. So, I had him roll his intimidation vs the chieftain's intimidation. On the fly I gave the Chieftain +3 on intimidation to represent his control over his band.
The character won the first round, and the hobgoblins backed up a step until the chieftain smacked them in the heads. The second round the chieftain won and the hobgoblins charged. When the chieftain and 3/4 of the bandits were dead, I gave the player an automatic success on his third intimidation check.
The players enjoyed the encounter because it gave a little more suspense than a flat roll that imposed the frightened condition, and everyone fled.
Duration of the frightened condition:
As VahallaGH mentions, the duration of the frightened condition depends on the source of the condition. The duration is usually mentioned in the description. Additionally, if the condition lasts more than one round, there is usually a saving throw each round to end it early.
As the DM you can also rule other things that break the condition; a melee attack for example. Fear for your life is generally greater than the fear of a person.
